Will ‘underdog’ tag get Ravens more fans this weekend?

January 6, 2009

There are several articles today in The Sun about the lack of respect the Ravens are getting as a legitimate contender in the postseason this year. Baltimore, a three-point underdog for Saturday’s game in Tennessee, steamrolled the Miami Dolphins in its first playoff game Sunday and won eight of its last 10 regular season games this year.

But on ESPN.com’s AFC North blog, James Walker questions rookie QB Joe Flacco’s ability to hold up against Tennessee’s defense and the Web site’s Sports Nation page (as of Tuesday morning) shows readers ranking the Ravens fifth out of the eight remaining playoff teams behind the Giants (No. 1), Steelers, Titans and Panthers.

Being the underdog isn’t necessarily a bad thing though — some researchers say it can help fuel motivation and some fans are more likely to get behind a dark horse.

“People love underdogs and will provide emotional and behavioral support for them in many circumstances,” psychology professor Don Forsyth is quoted saying in the Richmond University Alumni Magazine. “Witness all the books and movies devoted to the lovable underdogs: Cinderella, The Little Engine that Could, Rocky, The Karate Kid and Erin Brockovich. Rooting for the underdog is deeply ingrained in us, culturally and psychologically.”

At Monday’s news conference, Coach John Harbaugh was asked if his team is fueled by the underdog mentality.

“I’m not sure exactly how our guys look at it, but we believe in one another,” he said. “And, we’ve got a big challenge in front of us. We’re playing a really good football team and our football team is going to have to play better than their football team if we’re going to have a chance to win. That’s how we look at it.”

Do you think neutral football fans are more likely to root for the Ravens because of the underdog mentality? Or do you even want neutral fans rooting for your team?

LIZ FARMER, Business Writer

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