Suggs, scheduled to become a free agent in the offseason, said the impact of last night's loss had not yet fully been felt but that he looked forward to returning to the Ravens for the 2009 season.
"I think we started something really good here. New coach came in and we played for a championship. I think that's a good start," Suggs said. "Hopefully, they want to keep me around for a couple of years."
As their franchise player, Suggs played under a one-year contract for more than $8 million, and he is one of three starting linebackers due for free agency this offseason.
"It doesn't feel like goodbye. It doesn't feel like a farewell performance," Suggs said as he gingerly pulled on his shirt. "I hope not, because I want to be here. I want to be part of this great team and this great defense. I don't want to let that go."
Just missing the Super Bowl only makes him more eager to stay, he said: "We got so close, you don't want to lose any of the components that got us here. But it's a business decision, and business things have to be done."
Nowhere to run
For the second straight game, the Ravens' running attack was missing in action. Led by Willis McGahee's 60 yards on 20 carries, the Ravens had just 73 rushing yards and a 2.9-yard average rush against the Steelers. Against the Titans, they rushed 30 times for 50 yards.
Conspicuous by his absence from the running game was Le'Ron McClain, who had one carry for 3 yards. McClain was mostly a blocker for McGahee, who left the field on a stretch in the fourth quarter after a blow to the head.
McClain said running backs coach Wilbert Montgomery told him his role would be as a blocking fullback. He also said his gimpy ankle was not a problem.
"My ankle was fine," he said. "My role today was fullback. ... I'd rather have no carries and win.
"Willis had a great game. I could see it in his eyes the whole week. I hate the way it ended."
Walker lauded
Ryan was proud of his entire defense but mentioned the courage of cornerback Frank Walker, who suffered a dislocated left shoulder in the first half but returned to play in the second.
"Look at Frank Walker," Ryan said. "He dislocates his shoulder, and he gets back in there. We had a lot of guys hurt."
End zone
When Jeff Reed's 34-yard field goal capped the Steelers' opening drive, it marked the third straight time in the playoffs the Ravens allowed the opposition to score first. ... Setting the tone in the hard-hitting series, Ravens special teams player Daren Stone suffered a concussion on the opening kickoff.
The Ravens' captains were: linebacker Ray Lewis, wide receivers Derrick Mason and Mark Clayton, defensive lineman Trevor Pryce, safety Jim Leonhard and special teams ace Brendon Ayanbadejo. After the coin flip, Rod Woodson, who was dressed in a Steelers jersey as Pittsburgh's honorary captain, hugged O.J. Brigance, the Ravens' team captain. Brigance, the Ravens' director of player personnel, is battling ALS.
Cornerback Samari Rolle was the only Ravens starter on the inactive list. He was replaced by Walker. ... Country star Martina McBride sang the national anthem.
Baltimore Sun reporters Jamison Hensley, Mike Preston, David Steele, Bill Ordine and Ken Murray contributed to this article.
