Baltimore puts its versatility on display

BALTIMORE (Map, News) - For most of the Ravens’ history, opposing teams generally have known what to expect: a running offense, stellar defense and plenty of Matt Stover field-goal attempts.

This year, the Ravens can throw much more at foes, something that the Atlanta Falcons found out the hard way Sunday in a 24-10 loss.

Baltimore’s defense contained quarterback Michael Vick and sacked him five times. The Ravens also dazzled on special teams with 212 total return yards from B.J. Sams, boasted eight different receivers with at least one catch from quarterback Steve McNair and enjoyed a fine day from running back Jamal Lewis, who tied his career-high with three rushing touchdowns.

For veterans like wide receiver Derrick Mason, the team’s balance represents a far cry from its play earlier this year, when he gave the team’s offense, including himself, a grade of “F.” He said he is excited about the Ravens’ chances for a deep playoff run should the team continue to play as well as it has over its recent four-game winning streak.

“This is a team,” Mason said. “It’s a reflection of everybody. It’s not just one guy, because if Steve is playing great and nobody else is, then we’re going to have a poor record. I think all of our guys were playing well.

“We as a group understand what we are capable of doing. We, as a group, lift each other up. It’s not just one or two guys. As a group, we lift each other up, and with a positive tone. We rely on one another to go out there and do what needs to be done to put some points on the board.”

That ability to pick each other up was crucial to the Ravens’ success Sunday. The Ravens trailed Atlanta, 7-0, at halftime and appeared to have trouble getting out of their own way at certain points. After stopping Atlanta on a fourth and short on the Falcons’ 38-yard line on the game’s opening possession, the Ravens came away with no points. Then, late in the second quarter, McNair fumbled at the Atlanta 16 following a 65-yard punt return by Sams.

“I think that’s what a football team is,” Ravens defensive end Trevor Pryce said. “If everybody pulls their weight, I think that’s kind of what happens. I think that our focus was to get out of this game with a win to be 8-2. I think that was our focus, not so much the Falcons, but to get out of here 8-2.”

A BALANCED ATTACK

» The Ravens now have 30 sacks on the year after coming up with five against the Falcons. The performance was third most in a game this season following seven at Cleveland Sept. 24 and six against Oakland on Sept. 17.

» B.J. Sams finished with a career-high 121 yards on three punt returns, which is third on the Ravens’ all-time list. Jermaine Lewis holds the team record with 184 yards, which he set against Seattle on Dec. 7, 1997 ... Sams’ 212 combined return yards against Atlanta is fourth all-time for the Ravens. Lewis also set that record with 275 return yards in the 1997 game against Seattle.

» Jamal Lewis’ three rushing touchdowns tied his career high, which he set Dec. 7, 1997 against Cincinnati.

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