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Ravens have long road ahead

Sorry they're away so much: Team to travel for 5 of next 6

By Jamison Hensley | jamison.hensley@baltsun.com

October 7, 2008

A day after a questionable penalty factored in their 13-10 loss to the Tennessee Titans, the Ravens can look ahead to their next challenge, which also comes compliments of the NFL.

The Ravens (2-2) are about to begin the toughest road stretch in the team's 13-year history when they travel for five of their next six games. This daunting test is the result of the league's moving the Ravens' Week 2 game at Houston to their Nov.9 bye because of Hurricane Ike.

While coach John Harbaugh knows what lies ahead, he doesn't plan to address the situation with his players.

"I think the NFL is a challenge whether you play at home or you play on the road," he said. "Our guys are very capable of winning on the road. We expect to go win every one of those football games when they come up."

Only one of the next five road opponents has a winning record.

The Ravens play the next two weeks at Indianapolis (2-2) and Miami (2-2). After a home game against the Oakland Raiders (1-3), the Ravens head to Cleveland (1-3), Houston (0-4) and New York, where they'll play the undefeated Giants (4-0).

"We welcome challenges. It could be fun," wide receiver Mark Clayton said. "I personally like playing on the road. You get their fans booing and telling you that you [stink]. That's fine. … The game is played in between the lines. The crowd can affect the game, but we know how to play."

The Ravens have lost eight of their past nine road games, including six straight. Their most recent win away from home was Oct.7, 2007, a 9-7 victory at San Francisco.

"It's going to be a big stretch for us, but I can't wait to do it," running back Le'Ron McClain said. "If we overcome it, big things will come for this team."

Here are five questions for the Ravens leading up to their five road games:

How badly is the secondary banged up?

Along with missing strong safety Dawan Landry (neck), the Ravens will be without cornerback Samari Rolle (neck). There is a chance the Ravens could be without Fabian Washington (shoulder), which means they might start No.4 cornerback Frank Walker.

Of their coming five road opponents, only the Giants and the Colts rank in the top 10 in passing. But it could be dangerous to play quarterback Peyton Manning on Sunday with a depleted secondary.

"It's always a challenge," Harbaugh said of facing Manning. "Our secondary will be at full strength for the guys that are healthy. The guys that will go out there will be counted on to get the job done. I think they'll play really well."

Are the Ravens a marked team with officials?

The Ravens have fallen into some bad habits, committing 19 penalties in two weeks. Two personal fouls - Jarret Johnson in Pittsburgh and Terrell Suggs against Tennessee - have played a role in a couple of three-point losses.

After Sunday's game, Suggs suggested officials look at the Ravens more closely than other teams.

Harbaugh didn't address the issue, saying, "that's history.

"We got competitive guys, men of integrity," he said. "We're going to be a rough, tough, hard-hitting and hard-playing football team. We're going to do it with class and within the rules and with great self-discipline. That's where we're going as a football team."

Should the Ravens be concerned about Matt Stover's misses?

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Ravens have long road ahead

Sorry they're away so much: Team to travel for 5 of next 6

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Ravens have long road ahead

Sorry they're away so much: Team to travel for 5 of next 6

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Ravens questions? Just ask. Each week, Baltimore Sun reporter Jamison Hensley will answer fans' questions about the Ravens. To submit a question, e-mail sports@baltsun.com. Please provide your name and phone number so we can verify the e-mail.

Ravens questions? Just ask.

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Going deep

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Ravens questions? Just ask.
Each week, Baltimore Sun reporter Jamison Hensley will answer fans' questions about the Ravens. To submit a question, e-mail sports@baltsun.com. Please provide your name and phone number so we can verify the e-mail.