Qadry Ismail

Matt Stover's new contract agreement with the Ravens not only makes him one of the three highest-paid kickers in the NFL, but it also surpasses the other two in gross average, according to his agent, Jim Steiner. Stover agreed to a four-year, $4 million contract on Thursday, with a $1 million signing bonus. The $1 million average tops that of both Jason Hanson of the Detroit Lions and John Kasay of the Carolina Panthers, Steiner said. Steiner said Stover, an unrestricted free agent, also received a $1 million-a-year offer from the Cincinnati Bengals, but it was not structured as well as the Ravens' offer.

Best improvisation: Titans QB Steve McNair, spinning out of the grasp of DE Rob Burnett, and finding RB Rodney Thomas for a 9-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter. Best read: Titans MLB Randall Godfrey, waiting at the line of scrimmage, then timing Tony Banks' pass perfectly for his second interception on back-to-back series in the third quarter. Best catch: Ravens TE Shannon Sharpe, pulling in a perfectly thrown pass from Banks for a 23-yard gain in third quarter. Worst hit: Titans FB Lorenzo Neal, blocking for Thomas, ramming into DT Tony Siragusa's head, as Siragusa was engaged with C Kevin Long in the first quarter.

Biggest mismatch: Ravens RB Jamal Lewis against the Cowboys' 31st-ranked run defense. Lewis averaged nearly 7 yards a carry in rolling up 187 yards. Best adjustment: Ravens WR Qadry Ismail, adjusting to a deep ball that came through CB Phillippi Sparks' arms in the end zone for a 40-yard touchdown catch. Best theft: Ravens FS Rod Woodson, stepping inside WR Wane McGarity for a second-quarter interception. It was Woodson's first career interception against Cowboys QB Troy Aikman. Best burst: Ravens TE Shannon Sharpe, finishing off a 59-yard touchdown catch-and-run by beating SS Greg Myers to the corner of the end zone in the second quarter.

Thumbs up: To all the receivers, especially Travis Taylor, who continues to shine in practice. Taylor ran a perfect post-corner route during the Ravens' two-minute offense for a 20-yard completion. Thumbs down: Chris Barnes may be losing ground to Jason Brookins for the backup running back spot to Jamal Lewis. Brian Billick gave Barnes an earful after the player misread an assignment during team drills. Trainer's room: Defensive back James Trapp is out two to three weeks with a dislocated shoulder.

Jacksonville 0 3 7 7 - 17 Baltimore 0 3 3 12 - 18 Thumbs up:First-year running back Jason Brookins. In his first NFL start, he didn't fold after watching his dropped pass lead to a critical third-quarter interception. He finished by gaining 26 of his career-best 82 yards rushing in the fourth quarter. Thumbs down:Ravens' pass protection. In their past three halves, Ravens quarterbacks have been sacked 11 times. Fullback Obafemi Ayanbadejo is having trouble picking up blitzes and right guard Bennie Anderson has to seal off the inside better.

Moves Basketball BULLS: Activated F-C Corie Blount. Placed C Dalibor Bagaric on injured reserve. CLIPPERS: Activated F Lamar Odom from injured list. Placed G Marko Jaric on injured list. College NCAA: Suspended Penn State women's basketball G Melanie Croser 21 games for participating in an unsanctioned foreign league. MICHIGAN STATE: Named Chris Smeland defensive coordinator and safeties coach, Mike Cox linebackers coach, Paul Haynes cornerbacks coach, Jim McElwain wide receivers and special teams coach, and Steve Stripling defensive line coach.