He’s not getting the most blame – and he doesn’t deserve the most blame – but someone has to say it. And I will if I have to…

Steven Hauschka: 30%

Like it or not… when you need a field goal to win, a very makeable field goal, in a dome, with no wind or other issues… it needs to be made. That’s the end of it. The end. There’s nothing more to say. Clutch or not. Last minute or not. Field goals matter at all times; this one happened to determine the outcome of the game. Haushcka has to make the kick. The end. Throw blame everywhere else for our position up to that point, but Hauschka  has to make the kick.

In the words of a friend, let’s call it “poetic justice.” The minute Stover is picked up elsewhere, the makeable kick is missed. In all honesty, I love Hauschka and all that he brings to the table… but I was probably giving him better odds than most when I was thinking “this is 50-50…”

Ravens Secondary: 60%

Domonique Foxworth, Fabian Washington, Dawan Landry, Chris Carr, Lardarius Webb, Frank Walker. Frank f’n Walker. We’re looking at you. For the fourth time in six games you all looked worse than bad. You were pathetic. I’m not holding back anymore. I don’t know if you’re just confused or if you simply don’t have the ability, but you are the reason this defense is crumbling. Even the 100-yard rushers connect back to you.

Seriously, Frank, what are you doing? Is it even possible for you to be on the field and NOT have a flag thrown at you. Or not have the QB single you out? And Dawan… on yet another big play you looked absolutely lost. In fact, on one of Favre’s late TDs you almost seemed to be telling Brett to throw it to the man you were simply refusing to cover. Get it together.

Coaching: 10%

The Ravens defensive woes are not solely the fault of the players or the greatness of the opposing offense. Greg Mattison needs to find a way to get this unit to work together. Maybe it’s about getting Samari Rolle on the field. Maybe it’s about getting Paul Kruger on the field. Maybe it’s about play-calling. Whatever it is, do it.

Mattison has been unable to adjust his schemes and his plays to the needs of his players and the strengths of his opponents. Apparently the Ravens are just too easy to read.

Even offensively, Cam Cameron took long enough to find his groove. Had the Ravens started showing life just one possession earlier, perhaps that last kick is less necessary. Nice recovery, though, of course.

Baltimore Ravens (3-2): The Ravens have had a pretty funky fall from grace in the last two weeks. They had a chance to win in New England on the final drive, but failed. They also had plenty of chances to close out the Bengals (in a game the Ravens had no business winning), but failed there as well. If the Ravens win either of these games, no one even gives a second thought to how “real” the Ravens are. But they didn’t win. And that’s all there is to it. The road ahead is no easier and the Ravens need to establish a team identity and fast. Even the Bengals have one right now, even if its as silly as “winning every game in the final minute.” Next Game: @ Minnesota (5-0)

Pittsburgh Steelers (3-2): The Steelers snuck by the Lions on Sunday. A lot of people are claiming it’s nothing to even think twice about because it looked like the Steelers we all know – the game looks close, but Pitt is always in control. But I’ve got to wonder how in control the Steelers really were. The defense is coming around, but still not entirely healthy – and they won’t be until Troy Polamalu returns. Meanwhile, Big Ben and his pick-six parties are getting old in Pittsburgh. Next Game: vs. Cleveland (1-4)

Cleveland Browns (1-4): For a long while on Sunday I thought I was watching the worst football game ever played (I was watching the Ravens). Then I happened to notice the Browns-Bills game. A game that finished 6-3 Browns and a winning quarterback who completed just 2 of 17 pass attempts. That’s right, the Browns totaled 23 pass yards on 2 completed passes the whole game. And won. Brutal. The NFL has some very, very bad teams right now. The Browns are among the worst of them. Next Game: at Pittsburgh (3-2)

Thumbs Up!

Chad Ochocinco: As much as I hate to admit it, the man was all over the field against the Ravens. His fumble and whining were silly, but he was beating the Ravens every play.

Ed Reed: That’s the Ed Reed we’re all used to seeing. Hope we see more of him too.

James Harrison: The Steelers pass rushing machine was off to a slow start. It might have been the Lions, but the three sacks still count.

Thumbs Down

Derek Anderson: Seriously, Anderson is supposed to be the improvement now? (This just in: Brady Quinn put his Cleveland home up for sale)

Ravens Secondary: Demolished for the third time this season and little hope in sight – except maybe for a Brett Favre bad day.

Brad St. Louis: The Bengals long-snapper botched two more snaps Sunday against the Ravens. Luckily for him only one really made a difference. He’s been cut.

Ben Roethlisberger: Up for playing well, down for throwing big interceptions. Against a better team, a pick-six costs more.

Three Storylines to Follow

Can the Bengals Keep It Up? Houston may not look like the biggest baddest opponent on the horizon, and I’ve never bought into any of the “this is Houston’s year” silliness we hear each fall, but they are not a team that’s easy to walk over. The Bengals defense will have their work cut out for them. I expect a shootout in Cincy.

Can the Ravens Rebound? It’s kind of funny to hear people ask if the Ravens can bounce back and say that John Harbaugh has never faced this situation before. Not quite. Last year, remember, the Ravens lost three straight to three very good teams before going 9-2 the rest of the season. The better question is WHEN will the Ravens rebound, because it’s not until they see the Browns in Week 10 that the Ravens get a reprieve (Minnesota is 5-0, Denver is 5-0, Cincinnati is 4-1).

Three Playoff Teams? It seems highly unlikely. In fact, it is highly unlikely. Incredibly improbably. But look around a bit. The AFC South and AFC West both appear to be one team divisions. No one else even looks competitive. Then in the AFC North and AFC East, you’ve got three competitive teams in each. It’s somewhat unknown just how good the Jets and Dolphins truly are this year – and they get to face the Bengals and Steelers, respectively. Could all three AFC North contenders find their way to the post season? With a little help from New England, maybe.

1. Two Ravens runners will top 100 yards. That’s pretty bold, right? I’m leaning towards Willis McGahee and Ray Rice, obviously. Not sure that there are even enough carries in one game to get them both over 100 yards, but it only really takes one big run (and the Browns specialize in making those available). If this doesn’t happen, I won’t be losing any sleep. Just a gut feeling.

2. It won’t be a shut-out. As much as Ravens fans and the team want it, the Browns are going to score. This Ravens defense is not there yet, especially not with Josh Cribbs helping out with field position. Not sure if the Browns will find the endzone or not (based on yesterday’s score prediction, I’m leaning towards not), but they will put something up on the scoreboard. But man, what would a shut out do for the Ravens points allowed average!

3. The Bengals will upend the Steelers. Ok, so this one isn’t Ravens, obviously. But there’s only so much to say about Ravens-Browns. Looking at the other division game this weekend, I’m loving the Bengals. Their defense is more legitimate than most think at the moment, and with the Steelers unable to run and vulnerable to the sack, there’s hope for Cincy. I also love Hines Ward saying that Pitt isn’t worried about their running game because the passing attack can handle it – for how long, Hines?

Three Questions:

1. Will the Ravens big play defense show up? The Ravens are facing a pair of back-up runners (one a rookie). Their also facing an inexperience quarterback leading a sloppy offense. The turnovers should be there for the taking – so will the Ravens take them? I expect a couple of turnovers, of course. But the bigger question is can the Ravens turn one into their signature scoring play? Fans are waiting – Ed Reed, Fabian Washington, Haloti Ngata, we’re looking at you.

2. Will the Ravens secondary improve? It better, given the opponent is far less advanced than San Diego was last week, but we all still have doubts. Defensive coordinator Greg Mattison said the defense will be returning to more standard secondary arrangements, hopefully keeping everyone on the same page and (we can only hope) in the right position. It would also help if he taught his smaller corners how to defend a pass, and not just run stride for stride with a receiver. But we can only hope for so much in a week.

3. Will the Browns implode? Their play on the field has already collapsed, obviously. That’s not really the question. But the whole team seems on the verge of absolute self-destruction. If the Ravens really pound the Browns, it might just be enough to send them over the edge and on the path to being one of the truly memorable bad teams in football history. Ray Lewis has a history of leaving bad memories for opponents, we can only hope he delivers here.

Baltimore Ravens (2-0). The Ravens offense appears for real. For the second straight week, the unit put up more than 30 points (all by the offense alone) and is now second in the league in points scored. In fact, if not for Drew Brees and the Saints, this team would probably be #1 overall. With the Browns coming to town, another 30 point week doesn’t appear out of the question. The question appears to be when this defense will show signs of the dominant force it once was. The Ravens are a popular pick for number in power polls across the country, but even local fans know there are signs that might not last long. This Week: vs. Browns (0-2).

Pittsburgh Steelers (1-1). The Steelers lost a brutal defensive battle in Chicago to fall to 1-1. The defense was dominant throughout most of the game, but it was the Steelers offense that struggled. For the second straight week (and beginning the second straight season), the Steelers seem to have lost their rush attack. With an embattled offensive line as well, offensive production is falling to Big Ben, whose body can only take so many poundings. The Steelers had many opportunities to win this game, including a pair of Jeff Reed field goal misses, but never closed the door. Unlike last week, this is un-classic Steelers football. This Week: @ Cincinnati (1-1)

Cincinnati Bengals (1-1). The Bengals offense reappeared in Week 2 against the Packers, who they beat in Lambeau (always impressive). But it wasn’t Carson Palmer and the receivers driving the Bengals offense, it was Cedric Benson and the rush attack. Good for the Bengals that their rushing game seems back on track – bad for the Bengals that their division foes present some of the toughest rush defenses in the league. Good luck bringing that game to Pittsburgh. Meanwhile, Antwan Odom finally showed up in the NFL (only six years late). Through two games Odom has seven sacks (including five against the Packers). You can be sure teams will adjust, but Odom has to be licking his chops looking at Big Ben’s sack numbers upcoming. This Week: vs. Pittsburgh (1-1)

Cleveland Browns (0-2). For the second straight week the Browns looked absolutely hapless on both sides of the ball. After a pair of decent first quarter drives that resulted in field goals, the Browns never scored again – or even threatened, really. The run game is defunct, led by an aging Jamal Lewis. The passing game is out of whack as well, Brady Quinn cannot seem to put it all together. Meanwhile, the Broncos ran the ball up and down the field and totaled 180 yards rushing. Combine that with Adrian Peterson’s 180 last week and we may be looking at the worst run defense in NFL history. Not a good time to go into Baltimore and meet the three-headed monster. This Week: @ Baltimore (2-0).

Making Gains:

Antwan Odom: As previously mentioned, 5 sacks (FIVE!) against Aaron Rodgers and the Packers on Sunday. Smart coaches will begin to adjust, unlike the Packers.

Willis McGahee: Averaging over 4 yards a carry in San Diego, finding the endzone twice for the second straight week. McGahee is showing signs of the player the Ravens traded for before the 2007 season. Add his success to the mix of Ray Rice and Le’Ron McClain and the Ravens rush attack is downright terrifying.

Braylon Edwards: The Browns receiver is about the only bright spot on an otherwise dismal team and what looks to be a dismal season. Edwards top 90 yards on 6 receptions and is proving to be the Browns only legitimate threat.

Cedric Benson: The Bengals running back had a career day on Sunday, totaling more than 140 yards and approaching 5 yards per carry. If Benson and the Bengals can continue on the ground, the Bengals will be a force again offensively.

Slipping Away:

Jeff Reed: The Steelers kicker had a bad game. One of very few in his career. He’ll likely correct it, but the Steelers signature is mistake-free football, especially on Special Teams. If Reed is missing kicks, the Steelers are in trouble.

Brady Quinn: Quinn’s passer rating is under 70 through two games and there isn’t much sign of hope (except, perhaps, playing the Ravens pass defense). The golden child for the Browns is completing passes, but not any that are worth the effort.

Ravens Secondary: 440 yards in the air to Philip Rivers. The Ravens secondary was confused, out of position and unable to make plays. The only redeeming notes were two interceptions in the second half that saved an otherwise dreadful performance from being historically bad.

Pittsburgh Pass Rush: Where, oh where, has the defensive MVP gone? Through two games the Steelers have just two sacks – one by James Farrior and one by Aaron Smith. Note that names like Harrison, Woodley, Timmons… all missing. The Steelers built their defense on pressure. Without it, what are they?

Three Questions:

Can the Ravens dominate the way they should? Truly good teams beat truly bad teams, and they do so convincingly. The Ravens missed their first opportunity against the Chiefs. With the Browns coming to Baltimore, everything should be in place for a blowout. If the Ravens can’t deliver – be it because the defense is ineffective again or the offense stutters – the Ravens will begin to lose some rep.

Division Debacle: Can the Steelers right themselves? The AFC North faces itself this week – Browns at Ravens and Steelers at Bengals. Steelers-Bengals is clearly the more interesting of the two match-ups. If the Bengals can continue to rush the passer effectively and the Steelers cannot find a running game, it could definitely get interesting. More interesting will be how the Steelers would respond to a 1-2 start and a possible two game deficit to the Ravens.

Is Quinn still the man? The Brady Quinn era has faltered more than once. If Quinn fails to produce against the Ravens, or worse, if he crumbles against them, how long before the cheers for Derek Anderson return? My bet – by Monday.

In Week 1, when Brodie Croyle threw two touchdowns and manufactured back-to-back scoring drives in the air, most Ravens fans and players called it a fluke, a sign of the unit’s complacency. Now in Week 2, following Philip Rivers monster 440 yard game, some of that reassuring “it won’t happen again” mentality is fading – and many fans are wondering not if it will happen, but when it will start to affect the Ravens record.

The Ravens secondary play this season should be a big concern for the Ravens and their fans. With the exception of two interceptions against Rivers on Sunday, there has been little to get excited about. The unit has been bounced in every possible way – confused by play action, outrun on deep balls, and out of position on screens and crosses.

Here are four reasons the Ravens secondary has looked so bad – things we all should have seen coming – and how to fix it.

1. Coaching. This is not a lamentation for the days of old and the return of Rex Ryan. Ryan’s secondaries were rarely perfect and often flawed, especially against good receivers and quarterbacks. But Greg Mattison certainly has plenty to work on. Luckily, Mattison has a lot to work with, as well. Mattison and John Harbaugh both noted after the game that some of the Chargers biggest and most damaging plays were the result of missed coverages and defensive confusion. This was most notable on the Darren Sproles swing pass for an 80-yard touchdown; no one accounted for Sproles. No one.

The Ravens run complex schemes, but the first rule of any defense is know your man. Mattison needs to have his entire defense in the film room all week, playbooks open and pens out. Mattison has some work cut out for him, though. Remember, most of the Ravens corners right now are cast-offs from other teams. Foxworth and Washington were both underperforming high round picks that the Ravens targeted for their speed. They are supposed to be a work in progress. The entire Ravens defense has the talent to be very good, but only if they can execute their playbook.

2. Size. Fabian Washington, Domonique Foxworth, Chris Carr, Frank Walker. All fast, all around 5’11 and 175 (some would even argue with pads on). That’s not quite Chris McAlister and  Samari Rolle. The current Ravens corners aren’t especially small, but you won’t find anyone calling them big. These corners won’t have much success chucking receivers at the line or bumping them downfield, which leads to an entirely different style of play for this secondary than most Ravens fans are used to. In their defense, Washington and Foxworth did an impressive job of staying with their coverage throughout the game on Sunday, but they simply weren’t able to make the plays when the ball game.

Is it truly good coverage if you don’t make the play, though? The Ravens corners need to learn how to run with their man and play the ball. In the Chargers later series, we saw some of this happening. Kudos to you, Frank Walker. It needs to happen more. Speed can’t be taught, but finding the ball can be.

3. The Pass Rush. Another familiar complaint from the past few years. If you hit the quarterback, he can’t throw the ball. And if he can’t throw the ball, no one can catch it. And even if you can’t stop him from throwing, maybe you can stop him from throwing it well. The Ravens front-seven needs to do more to help their secondary be effective. The Ravens actually got pretty solid pressure on Rivers on Sunday, but only when bringing the house – and eventually even that stopped working. Without the blitz, the Ravens pass rush looked handicapped against the Chargers, who were missing three (three!) starters on the offensive line. Terrell Suggs was solid throughout most of the game, but always a half-step behind, and only got through on the blitz. We haven’t seen rookie motor Paul Kruger yet because the Ravens can’t find room for him, but it may be time for that to change.

The Ravens need to find ways to get pressure even when rushing three or four. It’s that simple. Haloti Ngata takes up two men all be his lonesome, that leaves 3 or 4 on the line (depending on the alignment) to handle three Ravens rushers. That match-up should favor the defense pretty consistently. Yes, I’m looking at you Trevor Pryce and Terrell Suggs. If the current rushers cannot get it done, let’s try something new. Kruger is known for his motor, which is precisely what the Ravens defensive line needs.

4. Philip Rivers. Yup, I’m going to just plain say it. Part of the Ravens struggle was simply Philip Rivers. Where was Ed Reed? Ed Reed was all over the field. But wherever Reed went, Rivers went the other way. Rivers held this game together for the Chargers. He spotted blitzes and rushes, helping his handicapped offensive line protect him. He got rid of the ball quickly and knew when the rush was coming. And he put the ball high and out of reach of the Ravens defenders time and time again. Rivers is one of the league’s best – perhaps only Manning and Brady are better right now (maybe not even Brady right now) – and he might have the most raw talent of any quarterback out there.

So, how do the Ravens fix this? Well, don’t play good quarterbacks. That won’t work. The Ravens get Big Ben twice, Palmer twice, Manning, Brady, Favre, Cutler once each… Let’s start by just avoiding Philip Rivers. Done. We won’t have to see him until at least week 18.