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Stover, Ravens KO error-prone Titans

Jan 11, 2009 - 11:05 PM By Chip Cirillo PA SportsTicker Contributing Writer

NASHVILLE, Tennessee (Ticker) -- Matt Stover missed a costly field goal during a three-point loss to the Tennessee Titans in October.

The 19-year veteran didn't miss in the rematch.

Stover kicked two field goals, including the game-winner in a 13-10 win for the Baltimore Ravens in an AFC divisional playoff on Saturday.

Stover's winning kick came from 43 yards out with 53 seconds left to knock off Tennessee (13-4), which boasted the NFL's best record during the regular season.

"I was asked prior to the game this past week that I've never had a game-winner in a playoff game," Stover said. "I would say this one (ranks) No. 1 (in my career). Matt Bahr used to tell me you're only as good as your next kick."

Tennessee rallied to beat Baltimore (13-5) by the same score in Week Five, but the Ravens avenged the loss as the Titans self-destructed with three turnovers in the red zone.

It was the second time Baltimore has won at LP Field in the playoffs when Tennessee was the AFC's top seed, including a victory in 2001.

"That was a knock-down, drag-out battle," Ravens first-year coach John Harbaugh said. "I think in the end our guys found a way to win. Like they won the first game, we found a way to win the second game."

Baltimore, the No. 6 seed, will play the Pittsburgh-San Diego winner in the AFC Championship on January 18. The Ravens have won seven of their last eight games.

Tennessee outgained Baltimore, 391-211, in total yardage, but the turnovers came back to haunt the Titans.

Ravens cornerback Samari Rolle intercepted a Kerry Collins pass at the Baltimore 9-yard line to snuff a drive in the second quarter.

"That's what our game is solely based on: try and make turnovers and give our offense a short field," Rolle said. "It was hard today, but when the opportunities were there we made them."

LenDale White fumbled at the Ravens 17 and Jim Leonhard recovered it to short-circuit another drive with 25 seconds left in the first half.

Tight end Alge Crumpler also fumbled at the Baltimore 6 after making a 7-yard reception and Fabian Washington recovered to foil another drive with 8:57 left in the game.

"Penalties at the wrong time, missed field goal, fumbles in the plus-territory, we just didn't take advantage of the opportunities today," Titans coach Jeff Fisher said. "You hang on to the ball in both situations, you know maybe the game is different. I'm not going to single out LenDale or Alge as being the reason we lost this game, or Rob Bironas with the kick."

Bironas missed wide left on a 51-yard field goal attempt in the third quarter.

"We gave away nine points, at least nine points," Titans linebacker Keith Bulluck said. "They forced three turnovers in the red zone, so I'm not shocked. I've been around football for a long time and you can't as a team have those type of mistakes and expect to win, especially in the playoffs."

Tennessee running back Chris Johnson rushed for 72 yards and one touchdown in the first half, but didn't play in the second half after suffering an ankle injury. Both teams suffered numerous injuries as players shuffled in and out.

The Titans struck first as Johnson ran it in from 8 yards out, giving Tennessee a 7-0 lead in the first quarter.

Baltimore answered quickly as former Titan Derrick Mason caught a 48-yard touchdown pass from rookie Joe Flacco along the sideline to tie the game 7-7 a little over three minutes after Johnson scored.

Mason, who suffered a dislocated shoulder on November 9, had five receptions for 78 yards.

"Superman is still here," Mason kidded. "Superman came alive today, that's all I'm saying. I may be 34, but I can still get behind you. I got behind the defensive back and Joe put it right on the money and after that we were going back and forth."

Stover kicked a 21-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter to put the Ravens on top, 10-7, but Bironas tied it up 10 minutes later with a 27-yard field goal.

Flacco finished 11-of-22 for 161 yards and a touchdown in becoming the first rookie in league history to win first two playoff games.

Collins completed 26-of-42 passes for 281 yards, but couldn't get the Titans to the AFC Championship as the Ravens played a turnover-free game. Tennessee won its first 10 games before dropping four of its last seven.

"To say it's disappointing is an understatement," Collins said. "Guys are angry, disappointed and I would say a little bit in shock."

Titans wide receiver Justin Gage had a productive day, making 10 receptions for 135 yards.