Ravens' special teams break tie, contribute to win over Saints

"You always want to play, especially in a game like this, against my former team, the team that drafted me," Stallworth said afterward. "This was the only game I was looking forward to throughout the whole season, and not to get to play, yeah, it's disappointing, but we won the game. That's the most important thing. That was the goal from the start of the week, not whether I was playing or not."

The Ravens also deactivated defensive tackles Brandon McKinney and Lamar Divens, Heap, free safety Tom Zbikowski (back), linebacker Jason Phillips, guard Bryan Mattison and fullback Jason McKie.

Tailback Willis McGahee and McClain were active after missing a combined three practices last week due to illness. Inside linebacker Dannell Ellerbe was active after being scratched in five of the team's last six contests.

End zone

Mason tied Heap for the franchise lead in catches, catching his 464th pass in six seasons with the Ravens. Heap has registered 464 receptions in 10 years. Mason also eclipsed the 700-yard mark for the 11th straight season. … Outside linebacker Jarret Johnson tied former linebacker Peter Boulware for the most consecutive games played by a Raven. A fourth-round pick in 2003, Johnson played in his 111th straight game. … The Ravens unveiled their all-black uniforms for Sunday's showdown against the reigning Super Bowl champion. The Ravens wore their all-black combination for the first time under Harbaugh and for the first time since Dec. 3, 2007, when they played against the New England Patriots on Monday night. The team improved to 4-2 when wearing their all-black uniforms. … New Orleans deactivated rookie running back Chris Ivory, who leads the team in rushing with 683 yards and five touchdowns but suffered a hamstring injury Dec. 12. The Saints also scratched wide receiver Courtney Roby, safety Usama Young, cornerback Patrick Robinson, linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar, defensive lineman Anthony Hargrove, offensive tackle Charles Brown and tight end David Thomas. … Cundiff, Mason and Johnson represented the Ravens for the coin toss.

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