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Ravens Defense Takes Away Win

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By IRA KAUFMAN | The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 11, 2009

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - A gang of thieves is planning to descend on Tampa in two weeks, intent on pilfering the Vince Lombardi Trophy.

No NFL team excels at larceny like the Ravens, who in some respects had no business upsetting the Titans 13-10 in Saturday's AFC divisional playoff matchup.

Baltimore punted on seven of its first eight possessions and finished with only nine first downs, but the Ravens won the turnover battle 3-0. Baltimore forced five turnovers at Miami last week, and the Ravens registered an NFL-high 34 takeaways during the regular season.

"We have a slogan around here - they're not in 'til the end," said Ravens LB Bart Scott. "They were moving the ball, they were doing a great job, they were breaking tackles, but we continued to fight and refused to let them in."

LB Terrell Suggs said that although the Ravens may have been wobbly, they refused to be counted out.

"Tennessee gave us their best shot, and we took it," he said. "This was a heavyweight fight today. This defense prides itself on changing the game, and we just did it again. It's been a magical season, but it will mean nothing if we don't get to Tampa and finish the job."

OVER IN A FLASH

The Titans were the only NFL team to win 13 games, earning a first-round bye and homefield advantage throughout the AFC playoffs.

Tennessee took a 7-1 home mark into Saturday's rematch against Baltimore, but costly turnovers and 12 penalties proved a chilling parlay as the Ravens knocked off another division winner on the playoff road.

"The things we did all year to help us win games, we didn't do today," said Titans QB Kerry Collins, who doesn't have a contract for 2009. "To say it's disappointing is an understatement. Right now, it's hard to feel good about this year. When you fall short, it's hard to see the positives."

POISED ROOKIE

While Collins contemplates his future and what could have been, Joe Flacco is eager to prepare for another road challenge.

Baltimore's rookie threw for only 161 yards, but he hasn't been picked off in two playoff games in hostile environments.

"We've been confident in ourselves all year, and it seems like we've been on the road for the longest time," said Flacco, who directed a winning 51-yard march in the final minutes. "We did a great job on that final drive. You're on the sideline and see that you get the chance, and that's all you can ask for."

EXTRA POINTS

Collins was denied an opportunity to become the first starting QB to win an NFL playoff game with three organizations ... The Ravens haven't allowed a 100-yard rusher in 38 consecutive games.

Ira Kaufman

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