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Ravens Defense Comes Up Big in Win

By Maggie Hendricks

| Sunday, Jan 4, 2009 | Updated 4:33 PM EDT

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The Ravens 'D' was unstoppable.

If defense wins championships, as the old adage says, look out for the Baltimore Ravens. Their explosive defense and levelheaded, young quarterback vaulted the team over the Dolphins 27-9 today in Miami.

Ravens free safety Ed Reed, who had nine interceptions during the regular season, picked off two from Miami quarterback Chad Pennington, and returned one for a touchdown.

By game's end, Pennington had thrown four passes to the other team and was sacked three times. Linebacker Ray Lewis led the smothering Ravens defense with nine tackles.

Before today's game, fans wondered if a rookie quarterback who had never even played on a large collegiate stage could handle the pressure of the NFL postseason. But the Ravens' Joe Flacco, who was drafted in the first round from Delaware, squashed all doubts. He threw nine passes for 135 yards.

He also had a little help from halfback Willis McGahee, who ran for 62 yards, and fullback Le'Ron McClain, who racked up 75.

Miami did have a surge early in the fourth quarter with Pennington TD pass, but the extra point kick was blocked. Pennington then captained another drive with several, short completions. Unfortunately, he and wide receiver Ted Ginn had their signals crossed on a handoff, and they lost 19 yards on the fumble. That ended any momentum that they picked up thus far.

Next, the Ravens will travel to Tennessee to face the 13-3 Titans on Saturday to decide who will go to the AFC Championship game.