EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - Matt Stover set the NFL record for most consecutive point-after touchdowns, but that's not what will be remembered from yesterday's 30-10 loss to the New York Giants.
His 32-yard field goal attempt was blocked by defensive tackle Fred Robbins, ricocheting off the low part of his arm. The ball was recovered at the Ravens' 33-yard line, which set up the Giants' second touchdown that extended their lead to 13-0.
The wind at Giants Stadium - which was listed at 17 miles per hour at kickoff - played a part in the blocked kick.
"I know I hit the ball a little low because of the wind," he said. "You couldn't fluff it up there today going that direction."
Stover, who has been the third-most accurate field-goal kicker in NFL history, has missed five times on 18 field-goal attempts this season. The blocked kick ended his streak of 37 straight field goals inside 40 yards.
"What I have to do is not worry about what's in the past but think about the Philadelphia Eagles," said Stover, referring to the Ravens' next opponent. "I've had seasons where I've had more misses than five. I don't desire to miss a field goal. I like to be perfect. If and when you do miss one, you have to look quickly to the next kick to give yourself the best opportunity to perform."
Later in the game, Stover passed Jason Elam and Jason Wilkins with his 372nd straight PAT. The record-setting kick sailed wide right after splitting the uprights because of the wind.
Mental errors
The Ravens had double-digit penalties for the first time since their 13-10 loss to the Tennessee Titans.
The problem yesterday came before the ball was snapped. Of the Ravens' 10 penalties, four were offside on the defense and two were false starts by the offense.
"I don't think the penalties were a factor in the game," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. "It was just playing a really good football team that played better than us."
Mason plays
The Ravens were still within striking distance in the waning minutes of the third quarter, when on second-and-5 from their own 47-yard line, Joe Flacco's pass bounced off receiver Derrick Mason and landed in the hands of Aaron Ross. The cornerback returned it 50 yards for a touchdown, giving the Giants a 27-10 lead and effectively putting the game out of reach.
Though Mason was nursing a sore shoulder and didn't practice all last week, he made no excuses for missing the pass.
