Tom Zbikowski Official Website

While starting in place of Reed the past two weeks, Zibby has shined.  Two weeks ago, he picked off Aaron Rodgers during a tough loss to the Packers.  Last week, Tom recorded another interception, this time coming down with a throw from Lions quarterback Duante Culpepper during the Ravens 48-3 thrashing of Detroit. Zbikowski didnt manage a pick against the Bears, but he tied for the team lead with 5 solo tackles and 2 assists.

In a scheduling quirk, the Ravens played their third consecutive game against an opponent from the NFC North.  The Ravens defense didnt allow an offensive touchdown for the second consecutive game. 

The victory over the Bears had to be especially sweet for Zbikowski.  Tom grew up in the Chicago suburb of Buffalo Grove, Illinois.

There was some doubt as to whether the game against the Bears would actually go on.  A mammoth snowstorm pounded the East coast this weekend.  The Ravens and the NFL agreed to move the start time back in order to give grounds crews more time to prepare the field.

Airport and road closures hampered the Bears.  While there was some doubt as to whether the Bears could even make it to Baltimore on time for the game, the weather cleared enough and Chicago got into town late on Saturday.

The travel headaches and smothering Ravens defense lead to Chicagos lackluster performance on Sunday.  The Ravens intercepted 4 passes, recorded two sacks and recovered two Bears fumbles.

The win moves the Ravens to 8-6 on the season.  The Ravens now control their playoff destiny.  If they win their final two games, at worst, they would be the 5^th seed in the AFC.  Thanks to the Bengals loss in San Diego on Sunday, the Ravens still have a shot at the division championship.

Things wont be easy for the Ravens.  Their playoff march continues this Sunday with a meeting against their rival, the Pittsburgh Steelers.  The defending Super Bowl Champions kept their playoff hopes alive with a thrilling, last-second victory over the Packers.