Special Teams

Cindy Cummings Wheeler: How does it feel to be the only Sun writer (probably the only sports writer anywhere) to pick the Ravens to beat the Broncos? Thanks for having faith in our team! It wasn't about faith. Few good teams get blown out by the same team twice in one season and a little birdie got in my ear and told me about the law of averages. They were on the Ravens side going in against Peyton Manning because he had beaten them often.  Fran in Baltimore: I know you have been hard on Joe Flacco and at times you were right.

Offensive coordinator Jim Caldwell and special teams coordinator Jerry Rosburg probably exhaled mightily after rookie kicker Justin Tucker nailed a 47-yard field goal to give the Ravens a 38-35 win against the Denver Broncos in double overtime Saturday night, but for different reasons. Caldwell didn't have to call another offensive play against a Broncos defense that had finished the regular season ranked second in yards allowed and fourth in points surrendered. But Caldwell called a largely masterful game against Denver.

- Ultimately, it was a special teams play that lifted the Ravens into the AFC championship game. For much of Saturday's 38-35 double-overtime win over the Denver Broncos, however, it appeared that special teams would be the Ravens' downfall. The Broncos' 5-foot-5 Trindon Holliday became the first player in NFL history to return a kickoff and a punt for touchdowns in the same postseason game. He also set NFL records for the longest kickoff return (104) and punt return (90) in postseason history.

Baltimore Sun staffers analyze the Ravens' 38-35 victory over the Denver Broncos in the second overtime period in the AFC divisional round . Peter Schmuck, columnist: If anyone had told me that the Ravens would allow two special teams touchdowns, I would have figured this for an ignominious blowout. Instead, it morphed into a terrific double-overtime postseason game with more twists and turns than an Alfred Hitchcock movie and the Ravens emerged with a victory that has to make fans believe they are a team of destiny.

Fresh off a three-game stretch in which he has led the Ravens in rushing, Bernard Pierce did not appear to be in line to do much at Tuesday's practice. The rookie running back walked slowly into the team's indoor training facility and did not carry a helmet. Pierce, who usually participates in special teams, stood on the sideline during the portion of practice open to the media. Pierce had been limited by an ankle injury last week, but carried the ball 13 times for 103 yards in the team's 24-9 victory over the Indianapolis Colts in an AFC wild-card playoff contest.

Despite being a rookie, Justin Tucker ranks third in the NFL in field-goal percentage (93.5) and seventh in points (127). It wasn't enough, however, for the Ravens kicker to earn a Pro Bowl invitation. The Cleveland Browns' Phil Dawson, who leads the league in field-goal percentage (96.6), got was selected as the AFC's kicker. Ravens special teams coordinator Jerry Rosburg said Tucker could become a regular Pro Bowler if he maintains his consistency and productivity. “I really don't know how the Pro Bowl voting goes.

The Ravens may have to meet the Denver Broncos Sunday without their top three inside linebackers in Ray Lewis (torn right triceps), Jameel McClain (neck stinger) and Dannell Ellerbe (right ankle, left foot, both thumbs). That would leave the defense with just three healthy inside linebackers in Josh Bynes, Brendon Ayanbadejo and Albert McClellan. Both McClellan and Bynes are undrafted players, and Ayanbadejo is 36 years old. Dean Pees acknowledged that there is a difference between that trio and the group of Lewis, McClain and Ellerbe, but the defensive coordinator said the biggest impact is a reduction in the number of packages the Ravens can employ.

Each week, blogger Matt Vensel fires a few questions at rookie cornerback and kick returner Asa Jackson. The Ravens' fifth-round pick in April's draft, Jackson is a Sacramento native who played his college ball at Cal Poly. MV: You made your NFL debut against the San Diego Chargers on Sunday. How did you find out that you were going to play last weekend and what was your reaction. What did you do when you got the news? AJ: I kind of had an idea because I came in on Monday and I saw that I was starting on some special teams.

The Ravens have been one of the NFL's best on special teams this season, and their success has extended beyond the three return touchdowns for Jacoby Jones. Their coverage teams have limited the damage done by opposing returners. Punter Sam Koch is having another solid season. And Justin Tucker has missed just two field goals. According to Football Outsiders , the Ravens have the best special teams in the NFL -- by far. But the special teams unit has taken a few hits in recent weeks.

Every Monday morning, the day after my favorite day of the week but still hours before that week's slate of games officially wraps up with “Monday Night Football,” I will bring you my weekly premature NFL power rankings. Why Monday? Because who wants to wait until Tuesday or Wednesday for power rankings? Why 11 teams? I don't really have a good answer for that one. I've always liked odd numbers. What am I basing them on? Who my gut tells me are the toughest teams to beat that week.