The Baltimore Ravens were trailing the San Diego Chargers by a field goal with less than two minutes left to play on Sunday, and it appeared the game was over. The Ravens were facing fourth down, but not just any fourth down — 4th and 29. Joe Flacco saw nothing open downfield, so he checked it down to Ray Rice. A checkdown on 4th and 29? Might as well wave the white flag.
Not so fast. Rice caught the ball with room to run and somehow eluded several Chargers defenders to pick up 30 yards and keep the drive alive. Baltimore went on to tie the game at 13-13 with a field goal and then win in overtime.
The way I see it, the play was a microcosm of the seasons both teams are having. San Diego has choked at the most significant times all year long while the Ravens seem to always find a way to win. Having a playmaker like Rice has certainly helped make that possible.
