Tom Zbikowski Official Website

While many teams would be happy just to make the playoffs, the Ravens had aspirations of returning to the AFC Championship game. If they were to make it back, it wasnt going to be an easy road.

 

When youre the lowest-seeded playoff team, you are going to encounter several obstacles on your way to the championship. The Ravens had their work cut out for them if they wanted to reach the Super Bowl.

 

In the first round, the Ravens had to travel to Foxboro to take on the New England Patriots. The Patriots had beaten the Ravens at home earlier in the season by a score of 27-21. Patriots quarterback Tom Brady had never lost a home playoff game. All signs pointed to a long day for Zibby and the Ravens defense. The Ravens were ready to play. Ray Rice scored on the Ravens first play from scrimmage.

 

Baltimore forced a Tom Brady fumble on New Englands first series and scored on their second offensive possession. In the blink of an eye, the Ravens lead 14-0. The Ravens defense kept pressure on Brady all day, forcing him to throw three interceptions. The Ravens ran the ball effectively and kept the ball out of Bradys hands. Thanks to the Ravens defense and ball-control offense, Baltimore left New England with 33-14 win and a dominating performance. Things wouldnt get any easier for Zibby and the Ravens.

 

On Saturday, Jan. 16^th, they had a date with the AFCs #1 seed, the Indianapolis Colts and reigning NFL MVP Peyton Manning. The Colts had been an offensive juggernaut throughout Mannings career, but on Saturday night, it was the Colts defense that stole the show.

 

The Colts got an early field goal to take the lead, but the Ravens answered with a field goal of their own to tie the score at 3-3. Both defenses held their ground until right before halftime when the Colts broke through with a touchdown to take a 10-3 lead. The Ravens offense failed to move the ball and gave possession back to Indy before the end of the half. Another quick score from Manning to Reggie Wayne made it 17-3 at the half. That would be all the points the Colts would need.

 

The Ravens defense allowed just one field goal to the Colts in the second half, but their offense couldnt seem to get anything going. When the dust had settled, the final score was 20-3, Colts. Baltimores old team had defeated Baltimores new team. Ravens fans are now forced to look ahead to next year. Ravens safety Ed Reed commented following the loss to the Colts that he may contemplate retirement.

 

That opens the door wide for Tom Zbikowski. Zibby took the place of Ed Reed in the Ravens defensive backfield while Reed was injured this season.Should Ed Reed retire, the Ravens front office can feel confident that they have a quality replacement on the roster already.

 

Tom Zbikowski finished the season with 29 total tackles and 2 interceptions. He was also a key member of the Ravens Special Teams and a big part of the Ravens push to make the playoffs. His third season in the NFL could be his best yet.