The first play from scrimmage set the tone for the Ravens’ game plan last Sunday. A quick step here, a head jab there, and Ray Rice was on his way through the rabbit hole, legs churning and ball clutched tightly. I’m pretty sure I even saw jet vapor streaming from the back of his head. With just that single play, the Ravens had no need to step back and reconsider any sort of offensive air attack rivaling World War II; The answer was laid out quite plainly as Rice made his way back to the sideline, smiling with the sideways, pursed lips grin that he gives when he realizes the impact he’s had on the NFL in just two short years. Except this time, against the Patriots, it only took 17 seconds.

Cam Cameron must have gone into the game on Sunday somewhat worried about the passing game. His franchise quarterback was obviously hurt, as was shown by CBS cameras during the pregame warmups when they filmed Joe Flacco limping up and down the field. With a bruised hip, Flacco ran the risk of mechanical problems with his throwing motion, which, in turn, would give a greedy New England secondary the opportunities needed to put the ball in Tom Brady’s hands prematurely. Cameron’s mind had to have been racing, especially considering this was the game that Baltimore had been playing for since the last time the Ravens visited New England in week four.

How Ray Rice put his mind at ease.

After the game opening 83 yard rush for a touchdown by Rice, Cameron knew exactly what it would take to shut down the New England defense. A man who had been through his fair share of ups and downs as the season progressed, Cameron looked himself in the eye and determined the path he was to take. With a fan base that had begun to question his use of a young quarterback, the Baltimore offensive coordinator instead called upon Rice, drafted in the same draft as Flacco, to prop up an offense that was hiding several injuries. Unless you missed the final score of the game, the disguise worked.

However, that same game plan must be called into question as the Ravens head to Indianapolis to face the Colts. It is hard to imagine that a fast Colts’ defense will allow the same type of penetration by Ravens’ running backs that the Patriots did. Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis have a combined 23 sacks between them this season, leaving the amount of running room for Baltimore up for discussion.

Cameron is going to have to let Flacco let loose with the cannon at some point. Instating a running game early should allow Flacco to feel a bit more comfortable passing the ball, as long as he can figure out how to get the pass off early. The problem has seemed to be that inability of Flacco to rid himself of the ball quickly enough, allowing the opposing defense to close in and get the sack or force the intentional grounding. Baltimore has the running game that can allow Flacco to succeed; Now it’s time for the quarterback to figure out how to move the ball down the field.

Without a passing game, the Ravens stand no chance of advancing past Saturday’s game. Somehow, the Patriots were not able to crack the code to stopping Rice, Willis McGahee and LeRon McClain, but nobody can expect the Colts to be as naive. Despite a defense that allows 126 rushing yards per game, Freeney and Mathis aren’t stupid; They may find themselves behind Rice initially, but don’t think that they’ll continue to allow him to find open holes and get up field. Sooner or later, the veteran presence on the defensive side of the ball for Indy will come alive, and create real problems. The Ravens need to be aware of how important balancing an offense is, despite their postgame efforts to shake off the brush of fate they had on Sunday.

When asked about the Ravens’ chances of winning another game without an offense equipped to pass the ball, John Harbaugh stated, “Does it matter? If we do, it will be with the intention of winning the game. I can guarantee you that.”

Team/Player Photos: Baltimore Ravens v St. Louis Rams on Sep 02, 2010

While statements like that are nice, perhaps providing confidence based solely on the fact that the head coach gives off a sense of control, it is obvious to every NFL fan that a one dimensional offense will fall flat on it’s face. Harbaugh has to realize the consequences of two 34 yard passing games in a row. If not, he, along with the rest of the Ravens’ team and fans, will suffer from the ignorance.

But hope is not lost. The Ravens had several back to back games that featured the offense switching gears from run to pass without blinking an eye. Cam Cameron and Harbaugh had a vision for the Ravens’ offense when they drafted Flacco in the first round of the 2008 draft. They saw a young quarterback with limitless potential because of his arm strength and toughness. They’ve built an offense around him, starting from the O-line all the way back to the three-headed monster at tailback. However, Flacco seems to be the one trailing off in production. Whether it is injury or a sophomore year semi-slump, one thing is certain; In order for Baltimore to continue to win playoff games against high caliber teams, the wide receivers need to be involved. Without a man to get them the ball, Ray Rice and Willis McGahee are going to be hung out to dry, just like the Super Bowl chances of this team.