The minute Steven Hauschka’s 44 yard game-winning kick sailed wide left two words came out of every Ravens fans mouth…..those two words we can’t write here. The next two words after that were…..Matt Stover.

Hauschka didn’t lose this game on his own, he has plenty of company there, but he HAS TO MAKE THAT KICK! Despite all the Ravens did wrong Sunday, if Hauschka puts the ball through the uprights they have a huge come from behind victory over an undefeated team on the road. It also would’ve put them into a three way tie for first in the AFC North.  Instead, they’re looking at a three game losing streak and the undefeated Denver Broncos coming off the bye week. The team also has ZERO confidence in their kicker to make a pressure kick with the game on the line.

This is why I spent the entire off-season screaming that the Ravens should re-sign Stover. Even though Stover isn’t the kicker he used to be, with the game on the line….he’s still  M-O-N-E-Y.  If you don’t believe me, ask the Titans. I just don’t understand being a team who thinks it can go to the Super Bowl and going with an unproven kicker just to save a roster spot because Stover can’t kick-off anymore.

 I’ve been saying it….what’s more important, keeping your veteran kicker who you know can win you games or your 9th linebacker or your 8th offensive lineman? You know there are going to be at least three games during the season that are decided by the foot of your kicker, so why risk it with a dude who has never made a big kick ever in the NFL? The Ravens went with the linebacker or lineman instead of the veteran kicker and they paid for it, big time, Sunday.

Look I know, there is no guarantee that Stover makes that kick. I’ve been hearing this one for two days, “It was over 40 yards; you’re getting out of Stover’s range. He probably would’ve missed it.”

Huh? The kick wasn’t outdoors in December, it was INDOORS! A 44 yard field goal in the perfect conditions of a dome is like a 40 yarder. Personally, I think Stover nails that kick. Why do I think that? Maybe because he has something called a “track record” Something Steven Hauschka doesn’t.

So, how’s that extra roster spot treatin’ ya’ Ozzie and Harbs?