Here’s the next edition of Rant and Rise for September 11, 2012.
Washington Nationals Pitcher Gio Gonzalez Improves to 19-7
Gonzalez became the first pitcher during the 2012 season to record 19 wins after the Nationals 5-1 victory over the New York Mets on Monday night–giving them a 6 1/2 game lead in the NL East. Washington certainly has the talent to make a strong run at the World Series, but how far they go in the postseason may rely on the shoulders of Gonzalez and the rest of the pitching rotation considering they’ll be playing without Stephen Strasburg.
Joe Flacco and Baltimore Ravens Cruise By Cincinnati Bengals
If Monday’s game against the Bengals is any indication of what to expect, the Ravens’ offense could be in for a big 2012 season. Joe Flacco did a phenomenal job leading the no huddle and they certainly looked like the favorites in the AFC North–they just have to prove it over the course of the regular season.
Oakland Raiders Struggle Against San Diego Chargers
Expectations were high for the Raiders heading into Monday’s game considering Darren McFadden was healthy and Carson Palmer would be starting his first full season with the team, but that was far from the case against the Chargers. No matter how hard they tried, Oakland just couldn’t seem to get anything going against San Diego on offense and a key injury to Jon Condo killed special teams as they struggled to get punts off correctly.
It may be one game, but there were plenty of reasons to be concerned about the Raiders in 2012.
