Baltimore's "D" Dominates Dolphins as Ravens Advance in AFC Playoffs

The Baltimore Ravens forced 5 turnovers, including picking off Chad Pennington 4 times, as they advanced in the AFC Playoffs with a road win over the Miami Dolphins 27-9. The Dolphins looked sharp in their opening possession driving the ball to the 2 yard line but had to settle for a 19 yard field goal. From there, it was all Baltimore as rookie quarterback Joe Flacco played mistake free football and let his defense do the heavy lifting.

Ravens defensive back Ed Reed provided the biggest highlight of the afternoon returning an errant Pennington pass for a 64 yard touchdown return. Reed would add another interception in the third quarter and his teammates would join in on the pick parade with two more in the route.

The Ravens received their offense from a 2 man running attack led by Willis McGahee (6 attempts 63 yards) and Le'Ron McClain (18 carries 71 yards 1 Touchdown). Joe Flacco threw for 135 yards and hit Derrick Mason 4 times for 71 yards.

The Ravens task gets harder next week as they face the AFC's toughest team as they travel to Tennessee.

1st Quarter
Miami FG Dan Carpenter, 19 yd field goal , 08:21. Drive: 8 plays, 50 yards in 4:15
Baltimore FG Matt Stover, 23 yd field goal , 02:52. Drive: 11 plays, 59 yards in 5:30
2nd Quarter
Baltimore TD Ed Reed, 64 yd interception return (Matt Stover kick is good), 02:51.
Baltimore FG Matt Stover, 31 yd field goal , 00:21. Drive: 7 plays, 46 yards in 1:21
3rd Quarter
Baltimore TD Le'Ron McClain, 8 yd run (Matt Stover kick is good), 07:41. Drive: 4 plays, 19 yards in 2:09
4th Quarter
Miami TD Ronnie Brown, 2 yd pass from Chad Pennington kick blocked, 13:19. Drive: 5 plays, 74 yards in 1:51