ESPN NFL

	Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images
	Samari Rolle and the Baltimore defense had some calls go their way Saturday but also forced three Tennessee turnovers.

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Graham

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- A cynic could find so many excuses why the Baltimore Ravens won Saturday.

Lucky plays. Iffy officiating. Not having to face a game-breaker for most of the afternoon.

The Ravens aren't interested in justifying their 13-10 AFC divisional playoffs victory over the Tennessee Titans. For the second straight week, they went on the road and hammered a divisional champion into submission.

The wild-card Ravens are headed to the AFC Championship Game, and they're not one bit apologetic about it.

"Our guys just found a way to get them stopped when they had to," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. "There is nobody to blame on that."

	NFL.com Video
	Highlights of the Ravens' 13-10 victory over the Titans in the AFC divisional playoff.

To call the Ravens a team of destiny would be rather melodramatic. They'll visit the winner of Sunday night's San Diego Chargers at Pittsburgh Steelers showdown.

The Ravens lost both of their games against the Steelers by a combined seven points, the first one in overtime. The Ravens didn't play the Chargers.

But Saturday at LP Field, Baltimore sure looked like a team of destiny with all of the breaks that went its way.

• Tennessee committed three turnovers in Baltimore territory, including an Alge Crumpler fumble on the 1-yard line in the fourth quarter with Baltimore ahead, 10-7.
• A delay of game penalty was not called on a third-down conversion that kept the Ravens' winning drive alive late in the fourth quarter, a drive that ended with Matt Stover's game-winning 43-yard field goal with 53 seconds remaining.
• The Titans were without rookie running back Chris Johnson for the second half. He was well on his way to having the best ground game of any Ravens' opponent with 72 yards on 11 carries.
• Tennessee kicker Rob Bironas pushed a 51-yard field-goal attempt wide left in the third quarter, one play after a 5-yard Bo Scaife catch was negated by replay.
• Baltimore's first 10 points were the result of long Joe Flacco pass plays, including a 37-yard pass to Mark Clayton, who sorted through double coverage from Pro Bowlers Cortland Finnegan and Chris Hope to come up with the ball.

But great teams make their own breaks, and the Ravens' afternoon wasn't exactly a frolic under the rainbow

Pro Bowl outside linebacker Terrell Suggs suffered a sprained right shoulder and missed the second half. A bad ankle forced Pro Bowl running back Le'Ron McClain off the field for several snaps. Four-time Pro Bowl tackle Willie Anderson was in and out with a stinger. Cornerback Samari Rolle left the game in the second half with a groin injury.

"It was a heavyweight fight," Suggs said. "We would have been happy if nobody got injured, but it was a dogfight, and there was a lot of bloodshed."

So the Ravens didn't want to hear any whining about the Titans' offense being short-handed without Johnson.

"We're not going to feel sorry for these guys," Ravens linebacker Bart Scott said. "We've got five starters on this defense that barely made it past Week 5.

"It was a physical game. We try to do that against any back. We try to make it physical, make it a rough day for them. Sometimes they don't hold up."

Sometimes the odds don't hold up either. Titans running back LenDale White said afterward his team would beat the Ravens nine times out of 10, and Saturday happened to be the exception.

The Titans had a statistical edge in every category aside from turnovers. They outgained the Ravens 391-211 and had the ball more than eight minutes longer.

The Titans limited the Ravens to nine first downs and held the league's No. 4 run offense to 50 yards rushing. McClain ran 12 times for 12 yards. Willis McGahee had 12 carries for 32 yards, and 11 of those came on one play.

Joe Flacco by distance thrown   Less than 10 yards 10 yards or more Comp-Att 7-11 4-11 * Pass Yards 43 118 Yards per att. 3.9 10.7 TD-INT 0-0 1-0 Passer Rating 71.4 107.4 * 3 completions came on scoring drives -- ESPN Stats & Information

Flacco was a nondescript 11 of 22 for 161 yards. But he completed two long passes, one for a 48-yard touchdown to Derrick Mason and the 37-yard completion to Clayton that set up Stover's first field goal.

"Our offense struggled a bit," Mason said.

The difference, though, was the Ravens' defense.

It's always the defense.

They were pushed around but came up with critical plays when it mattered.

Although the Titans lost only two of them, they fumbled five times. In addition to Crumpler's costly fumble on the doorstep, White lost one on the Ravens' 15-yard line right before halftime.

Kerry Collins threw an interception Rolle tracked down at the Ravens' 9-yard line to end a drive that started on the Titans 1-yard line and lasted 13 meaningless plays.

"They were moving the ball," Scott said. "They were doing a great job. They were breaking tackles. We just continued to fight and refused to let them in. We made the plays we had to.

"We'll take it any way we can get it."

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Graham

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The list of Baltimore Ravens injuries from Saturday's victory over the Tennessee Titans features more big names than the Cleveland Browns' coaching search:

Pro Bowl linebacker Terrell Suggs (shoulder), Pro Bowl running back Le'Ron McClain (ankle), right tackle Willie Anderson (stinger), cornerback Samari Rolle (groin).

Ravens coach John Harbaugh didn't have any updates after the game.

"We will find out," Harbaugh said. "We don't know. I know we have a lot of little things. Hopefully, we won't have any big things."

Suggs, however, proclaimed he will play next Sunday against either the Pittsburgh Steelers or San Diego Chargers.

"Check my track record," Suggs said. "I don't miss games. The only way I wouldn't be there is if I didn't have air in my lungs. I will see you next week."

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Graham

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Baltimore Ravens were aided by a couple of non-calls in Saturday afternoon's 13-10 playoff victory over the Tennessee Titans at LP Field.

On a third-and-2 play early in what turned out to be the winning drive, the play clock hit zero for two seconds before the Ravens snapped the ball. Joe Flacco hit tight end Todd Heap up the seam for a 23-yard gain to the Titans' 45-yard line.

But the officials didn't call delay of game.

"The back judge [Bob Lawing] is responsible for that," referee Terry McAulay said. "He has the clock. When it hits zero [on the play clock], which is high here [on the scoreboards], he goes to the ball.

"So there is going to be a natural delay from zero to getting to the ball. And when he gets to the ball, if it is being snapped, we don't call it. So there can be a natural delay."

McAulay explained that is not a reviewable play. Matt Stover eventually ended the drive with a 43-yard field goal inside the final minute.

At least some Titans believed Flacco, in a shotgun formation, had stepped out of the back of the end zone on a third down play from the Ravens' 1-yard line. A safety would have cut the Ravens' lead to 10-9 and given the Titans the ball.

"That was me," McAulay said of the official responsible for making that call. "In my opinion, he did not step on the line. There was green, or whatever color was between the end line and his foot."

The Ravens punted away, and the Titans drove for a game-tying 27-yard field goal.

Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker

The Baltimore Ravens held up their end in the AFC North.

Now it's the Pittsburgh Steelers' turn.

I know this was never written in the blog, but I had a strong feeling in December that the Ravens and Steelers would meet for a third time this year by way of a postseason game. I could tell players and coaches from both teams felt the same way after two brutal meetings in the regular season.

It turns out this could happen in the AFC title game with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line following the Ravens' 13-10 victory over the Tennessee Titans Saturday. Of course, Pittsburgh (12-4) has to avoid an upset at home Sunday against the San Diego Chargers (9-8).

Pittsburgh and Baltimore were just too physical and too sound not to be major threats in the postseason. That type of football wins this time of year, and the Ravens are winning the turnover battle, 8-1, in two playoff games. Pittsburgh will try to do the same against San Diego in its playoff debut.

As most of you know, AFC East blogger Tim Graham is in Nashville covering Baltimore's win while I'm preparing for tomorrow's Steelers game. So I won't steal too much of his thunder while he's working up his column on the Ravens. He's done a great job so far.

I will see everyone tomorrow at Heinz Field.

-JW

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Graham

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Baltimore Ravens dodged bullets Saturday afternoon and were able to get lucky enough on a few of their shots to reach the AFC Championship Game.

Matt Stover kicked a 43-yard field goal with under a minute remaining to knock off the top-seeded Tennessee Titans, 13-10, at LP Field.

The Titans amassed nearly 400 yards, but the Ravens came up with critical takeaways and moved the ball just far enough when it counted.

The Ravens registered three takeaways, two fumbles (one recovered on their own 1-yard line in the fourth quarter) and an interception (on their own 9-yard line in the second quarter), to keep the game tight and winnable.

The Titans throttled the Ravens' running game, and if not for two long Joe Flacco throws might have posted a shutout.

Flacco hooked up with Derrick Mason on a 48-yard strike in the first quarter and, despite throwing into double coverage, connected with Mark Clayton on a 37-yard play to set up their third-quarter field goal.

And that was enough to set up Stover's heroics.

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Graham

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Add another starter to the long list of injured Baltimore Ravens.

Cornerback Samari Rolle hobbled slowly off the field with a groin injury with about three minutes left in the third quarter.

His return is officially listed as questionable, but his chances didn't look good based on how much pain he appeared to be in.

Ravens coach John Harbaugh might have to pull a Norman Dale from "Hoosiers" before the end of the game. When the referee tells Harbaugh he needs another player, he'll tell the officials "my team's on the field."

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Graham

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The score is tied at 7, but the Baltimore Ravens are getting beaten up.

In the third quarter against the Tennessee Titans at LP Field, Pro Bowl linebacker Terrell Suggs has not returned to the field. He suffered a sprained right shoulder with 4:37 remaining in the half.

Ravens tight end Todd Heap was doubled over on the sideline after absorbing hits from linebackers Stephen Tulloch and David Thornton at the end of their first possession of the second half.

Right tackle Willie Anderson returned in the first half after missing several snaps because of a stinger. But Anderson still appears to be in considerable pain and has struggled to get to the line a couple times in the second half.

Update [6:34 p.m.]: Anderson has left the game again, replaced by Adam Terry.

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Graham

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Injuries keep coming for the Baltimore Ravens. Pro Bowl linebacker Terrell Suggs has been sidelined with a sprained right shoulder.

He was hurt while tracking down Tennessee Titans quarterback Kerry Collins from behind for a 6-yard sack with 4:37 left in the second quarter.

Suggs' return is questionable, but he didn't return for the Titans' next possession.

Right tackle Willie Anderson (stinger) and running back Le'Ron McClain (ankle) also have been knocked out of action temporarily, but both have returned to the field.

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Graham

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Baltimore Ravens right tackle Willie Anderson returned for the start of the fifth series, but Pro Bowl running back Le'Ron McClain suffered a right ankle injury on the drive.

McClain's return was announced in the press box as probable.

McClain was face down on the field for a few minutes. He walked off the field slowly and gingerly, but two trainers were at the ready to keep him steered in the right direction.

McClain, who started out as the fullback and eventually took over the workload, led the Ravens with 902 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns.

Fortunately for Ravens fans, there's not a huge dropoff from McClain to Willis McGahee.

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Graham

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Baltimore Ravens starting right tackle Willie Anderson, a four-time Pro Bowler, is out of Saturday's playoff game against the Tennessee Titans with a stinger shooting down his left arm.

Anderson's return to the game is questionable. He still is on the sideline and hasn't been taken in for X-rays, which is a good sign.

The injury occurred early on the Ravens' third possession. He was replaced by Adam Terry, and the Ravens drove for a touchdown. Joe Flacco connected with Derrick Mason on a 48-yard strike to tie the game at 7.

Flacco's throw came on third-and-13. So much for my earlier post about the Ravens' reluctance to call his number on third-and-long.

Flacco is only 2-for-4, but he has 56 yards and a score.

Update: Anderson has returned to the game.

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Graham

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Baltimore Ravens aren't showing much confidence in rookie quarterback Joe Flacco.

The Ravens so far have had two possessions against the Tennessee Titans. Twice the Ravens have faced third-and-long situations, and both times they've chosen to run up the middle before punting.

On the second possession, Flacco did complete a 15-yard pass to Derrick Mason on third-and-9, but the play was wiped out by an illegal shift. The Ravens handed off to Willis McGahee for a 4-yard run on third-and-14.

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Graham

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- It was great to see Baltimore Ravens director of player development O.J. Brigance in the LP Field press box for Saturday afternoon's playoff game against the Tennessee Titans.

Brigance is fighting Lou Gehrig's disease. His condition has deteriorated since I wrote a story on him in March for the Palm Beach Post. He can't lift his hands. His speech is soft and labored. But his smile is as big as ever.

Brigance was a Miami Dolphins captain and won a Super Bowl with the Ravens in 2000. His arrival created a stir in the press box from well-wishers. Flashbulbs were popping because he will be the subject of upcoming features on ESPN and in the Baltimore Sun.

The feature I wrote on Brigance is no longer on the Palm Beach Post site, but it was picked up a few other places if you'd care to read an inspirational tale about a special man.

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Graham

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- If Saturday's playoff game between the Baltimore Ravens and Tennessee Titans comes down to a late field goal attempt, the direction will be significant if pregame warmups are any indicator.

Titans kicker Rob Bironas and Ravens kicker Matt Stover both had trouble kicking toward the north end zone -- heading left on your TV screen. Although the upright flags weren't whipping around much, attempts seemed to hit a wall near the goal line.

Stover twice missed from 47 yards, and again from 49 yards and 50 yards in that direction.

Both kickers were more successful with line drives from longer range, but that will increase the likelihood of a block.

Fans will recall a similar situation in January 2001, when the wild-card Ravens came into Nashville and beat the top-seeded Titans. Al Del Greco's field goal attempt into the same end zone was a blocked line drive that Anthony Mitchell returned 90 yards for a touchdown to break open a 10-10 game.

Bironas was crushing the ball when kicking toward the south end zone, nailing one from 61 yards. He also made tries from 58 (barely) and 54 yards.

Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker

You didn't think I was going to end "Take Your Pick" with just one playoff game in the division, did you?

We have a double feature this week with a second postseason game involving the Baltimore Ravens (12-5) of the AFC North against the Tennessee Titans (13-3). This is a rematch of Tennessee's 13-10 victory over the Ravens in October.

So who has the advantage this time? Does Baltimore get revenge with the season on the line, or will Tennessee sweep the Ravens?

This game is expected to be brutal.

Take your pick.

Ravens running back Le'Ron McClain talks about Baltimore's upcoming playoff game.