I can't believe the Ravens didn't go for it on fourth-and-four from the 43 yard line midway through the third quarter.

Maybe I'm spoiled by watching Bill Belichick, but the percentages are in your favor if you go for it. A punt at that part of the field doesn't help much. 30 yards of field position is great and all, but the Ravens are down nine points in a single elimination tournament.

The Ravens didn't show much faith in their offense when they sat on the ball instead of trying to score before the end of halftime. Billick is coaching not to lose, which is a good way ... to lose.

Update: In an effort to make me look smart for once, the Colts gain back all of the field position gained by the punt in two plays. Woohoo!

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal at 06:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Peyton Manning is not having any of the "protection problems" that plagued him against Pittsburgh last season. While Baltimore is playing fine pass defense, Manning hasn't taken too many hits.

Two strikes to Joseph Addai, then a perfect 27-yard strike to Dallas Clark set the Colts up for a field goal to go up two scores for the first time, 12-3. Dallas' Clark's drop (off his facemask) killed the drive.

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal at 06:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Neither team can be too pleased with the score at halftime.

Peyton Manning just missed a wide open receiver in Aaron Moorehead streaking down the sideline that would have resulted in a 16-3 score. Manning has been confused often and only has 77 yards on 17 attempts. He could have been picked off twice.

Steve McNair is lucky that he's only been picked off once as well. Only 60 yards for him on 12 attempts. Bob Sanders dropped an easy interception.

The difference in this game is Indy's swarming defense, especially against the pass. Jamal Lewis is running well, but only has nine carries.

My 31-24 score looks ridiculous right now, but picking the Colts does not. Baltimore is not a team built to play from behind.

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal at 06:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Greg Gumbel just said that this was Joseph Addai's first playoff game ever, on any level.

Well, except last week.

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal at 05:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

People like to talk about Peyton Manning's playoff struggles. But Harrison's may be worse. In 11 playoff games, he's topped 75 yards twice. That's where the Jerry Rice comparisons can stop.

I'll never forget Harrison sulking on the end of the bench and alone instead of rooting on his defense late in the loss to Pittsburgh last year.

Maybe this game will change Harrison's post-season track recorded. Harrison caught 3 catches for 38 yards, all for first downs in a HUGE 13 play Colts drive ending in a field goal. Harrison's catch on third-and-two from the Colts seven-yard line may be the key play of the game thus far. 9-3 Colts.

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal at 05:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Strange play for the Colts. Antoine Bethea picks off Steve McNair on the goal line on the biggest play of the game.

But Cato June, Indy's best linebacker, collided with him, fell to his knees, then fell over. That may be tough to return from.

Both offenses are playing tight. Brian Billick called two straight predictable runs up the middle inside the five. The Colts, after intercepting the ball, called two straight unsuccessful runs up the middle.

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal at 05:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Here comes the Ravens defense. Not sure what Peyton Manning and Joseph Addai were seeing on Indy's last two plays. Addai took it outside when he had a big gainer up the middle. No gain. Addai has been stuffed thus far.

Manning forced one into coverage and was picked off by Ed Reed. Dallas Clark was double covered. So far, both defenses are playing well.

Manning has four picks in 47 throws in the playoffs.

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal at 05:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Ravens talked all week about how physical they were. The Colts waited until Saturday to respond.

In two drives, Jamal Lewis isn't making the Colts pay for flying upfield after Steve McNair. And Bob Sanders and Marlin Jackson are laying some wood early. Big drive for the Ravens coming up to keep it a one score game.

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal at 05:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

How does Nick Harper always become some a big figure in the playoffs?

Last year, he picked up Jerome Bettis' fumble in the RCA Dome and almost ended Pittsburgh's season with a return. (He probably would have made it if he wasn't stabbed by his wife earlier that weekend).

Now he puts a shot on Todd Heap and forces a fumble early. Gary Brackett recovers, but the Colts only convert a field goal. 6-0.

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal at 04:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Couple things strike me about the Colts first drive. Joseph Addai ran hard despite a lack of holes. He's going to get a lot of work today because Baltimore is afraid to give up a big pass.

Second, the Colts made the first move in this game of chess, quicksnapping Baltimore's defense so they couldn't set up their elaborate blitzes. They played without a huddle. On second-and-three from the five, the Ravens made two great individual plays to stop a touchdown.

I like how the Colts are content to work on short chunks of yards because it keeps their defense off the field.

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal at 04:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)