The Ravens marched into the playoffs as much on memory as they did on might.
Dusting off a dominant yet familiar formula, the defending Super Bowl champions clinched the league's final playoff spot by hammering the reeling Minnesota Vikings, 19-3, last night before 69,465 at PSINet Stadium in this city's first Monday Night Football game in more than two decades.
Behind an unrelenting defense, a stout running game and the reliable leg of kicker Matt Stover, the Ravens (10-6) earned the AFC's fifth seed and will begin their title defense against the Dolphins at Miami in Sunday's wild-card round. Minnesota (5-11), which went winless on the road this season, showed little fight three days after coach Dennis Green stepped down.
Reminiscent of last season, the Ravens' suffocating defense seized control of the game with four turnovers and sealed a trip to the postseason in the end with the contest's only touchdown. Defensive end Peter Boulware's AFC-leading 15th sack jolted overmatched quarterback Spergon Wynn into a fumble that was returned 8 yards for a touchdown by linebacker Jamie Sharper with 1:37 left in the game.
The Ravens delivered their stingiest effort on defense, limiting a loaded Minnesota offense to a total of 179 yards of total offense and 10 first downs. In the final three quarters, the Ravens allowed the Vikings to drive into their territory just twice.
"Offense wins games, defense wins championships," Ravens middle linebacker Ray Lewis said. "Just ride us, baby. We'll get you to the Super Bowl."
With an offensive line opening gaping holes, the Ravens relied on a running back by committee to churn out a season-high 212 rushing yards and control the clock for 33 1/2 of the game's 60 minutes. The resurgence of 12-year back Terry Allen continued as he gained a season-best 133 yards.
Adhering to a ground-oriented game plan, the Ravens ran the ball on 42 of 71 plays. Ravens quarterback Elvis Grbac threw for only 160 yards but, more importantly, didn't commit a turnover.
"Play good defense and run the ball, that's a good formula going into the playoffs," Ravens coach Brian Billick said. "You'd better go in with a swagger or don't go in because you'll get your butt kicked."
The game remained close because the Ravens repeatedly stalled deep in the red zone. They had seven runs inside the Vikings' 4-yard line and never came away with a touchdown.
