Forget the Ravens. After a three-game losing streak, the fans are the ones who need a bye week. OK, I guess the players deserve a break, too. The story lines will never cease, though.

[1] Young kicker Steve Hauschka became a popular target for angry Ravens fans after he shanked a 44-yard field goal that would have capped off a crazy Ravens comeback with a win. “It’s definitely one I want back,” Hauschka said afterward. “It’s a very humbling experience.” Forget the Hauschka-Stover debate because all kickers miss field goals. Let’s blame the defense for failing to get a big late-game stop after the offense bailed it out in the second half. Had the defense done its job, nobody would have ranted about the kicker this week.

[2] After Vikings sackmaster Jared Allen got the better of Ravens rookie tackle Michael Oher on Sunday, Oher slipped up by saying, “There is really nothing really special about [Allen].” Allen, who had seven tackles and a sack, responded with this: “I beat that dude like a red-headed stepchild.” Oher has since backpedaled much quicker than he did during Sunday’s game.  Still, even though Allen won the on-field battle, Oher fared pretty well against Allen, considering it was his second career start.

[3] Ravens QB Joe Flacco didn’t practice this week after injuring his right ankle in the most impressive start of his young career. Fortunately, the injury isn’t likely to keep him out of next weekend’s game against the Broncos. “I could play today if we had to,” Flacco said Wednesday. OK, you can exhale now, Baltimore.

[4] Ozzie Newsome and the Ravens stood pat at Tuesday’s trade deadline, so they’ll have to make do with what they’ve got (and I think they can). Still, I was bummed out they didn’t trade for Terrell Owens. I know I wrote a column advocating a deal for Dwayne Bowe, but it sure would have been a lot of fun covering T.O. — especially the first time he made fun of Flacco’s eyebrows.

[5] Ray Rice leads the NFL in yards from scrimmage, and if he reads my Thursday column about him, he’ll soon be leading the league in restraining orders against Matt Vensel, too. But seriously, how can you not rave about this Raven after his killer performance against the Vikings?

[6] There’s a ton of Terps drama, revolving around senior QB Chris Turner. After yet another loss on Saturday, coach Ralph Friedgen said he might give his young quarterbacks some playing time. You know, because the Terps suck this year and might as well start looking toward the future. Apparently, Turner felt slighted and Friedgen had to go on damage control. Then, Turner’s father, John, who used to be a drummer in ’80s hair band Ratt, wrote on a message board that Maryland AD Debbie Yow should be fired. I think it’s time for the Turner clan to take its drama back to California.

[7] A-Rod goes from playoff zero to October hero? Man, I’ve got to get me some of that Kate Hudson.

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