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The Sports Network
Baltimore, MD (Sports Network) - The Baltimore Ravens never beat the
Indianapolis Colts in the postseason with Peyton Manning at quarterback. They
had an easier time in their first encounter with his heir apparent, however.
And now they'll get another chance to obtain that elusive victory over Manning
after ending the Indianapolis Colts' storybook season with a 24-9 triumph in
Sunday's AFC Wild Card Playoffs.
Inspired by the return of emotional team leader Ray Lewis, the Ravens defense
held the upstart Colts to three Adam Vinatieri field goals and spoiled the
playoff debut of rookie quarterback Andrew Luck and the return of Indianapolis
head coach Chuck Pagano to Baltimore, where he spent four years as an
assistant under John Harbaugh before taking over the Colts last January.
Playing for the first time since mid-October due to a torn triceps and just
days after announcing his retirement at season's end, Lewis was credited with
13 tackles in spearheading Baltimore's effort. Outside linebacker Paul Kruger
came up with a big game as well, registering 2 1/2 of the Ravens' three sacks
of Luck and causing one of three takeaways with a forced fumble.
Joe Flacco added a pair of touchdown passes to the win while throwing for 282
yards and making good on 12-of-23 attempts, while Anquan Boldin amassed 145
yards and a score on five catches -- all of which came in the second half.
The Ravens now advance to a meeting with Manning's top-seeded Denver Broncos
in next Saturday's Divisional Round.
Luck put up 288 yards in his first-ever playoff appearance, but completed just
28-of-54 throws and was intercepted once.
Reggie Wayne finished with 114 yards on nine catches for the Colts, who
reached the postseason just one year removed from a dreadful 2-14 campaign,
while Vick Ballard rushed for 91 yards on 22 carries.
The Sports Network