2) Watching Torrey Smith repeatedly scamper right past Champ Bailey made me think of my Eagles and the way highly esteemed corners Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie got torched umpteen times a game. Bailey, the fourteen-time Pro Bowler and eventual Hall of Famer, showed his age against the younger, speedier Smith. On switching to safety in the future, Bailey recently said he didn't think he'd want to do that. But it may be able to extend his career.
3) Though of course hundreds of factors contributed, one could argue the brutal blown coverage on the 70-yard game-tying TD by Jacoby Jones, which sent the game to overtime, cost the Broncos a place in the AFC Championship. The pass came with 31 seconds remaining, on a desperation heave by Joe Flacco aided by a terrible route taken to the ball by the talented 22-year-old safety Rahim Moore. "The loss, it was my fault," Moore said. "I got a little too happy. It was pathetic. My fault. Next time I'll make that play." He was on the verge of tears after the game. The worst part of these epic contests is the heartbreak that comes with nearly every one.
4) Since no on in any analysis ever seems to praise the offensive linemen, let's give them some props. The Ravens only allowed Joe Flacco to be sacked once by a vaunted Broncos pass rush featuring Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil. The Broncos allowed just three, but there was also a crucial fumble by Peyton Manning.
5) The Ravens will have to address their special teams for next week, whether they get the Patriots or the Texans. They allowed Trindon Holliday to return a punt for 90 and a kickoff for 104 (both TDs). On the day, he had 248 return yards, a playoff record.
6) This has been so far and probably go on to be the best postseason game this year.
7) How about John Harbaugh's confidence in his talented rookie kicker Justin Tucker? After getting to the Denver 34, he didn't even bother trying to get any closer, instead being content with a 47-yarder to win the game. Tucker, who had been hitting from 67 in his warmup, proved him right.
8) Though he's still not quite there, Joe Flacco's performance moved him closer to that stupid elite quarterback club thing.
9) Corey Graham's huge overtime interception (his second of the game) came on the most un-Payton Manning-like play by Peyton Manning imaginable. He tried to throw on the move across the field, his only weakness if he has one, and Graham read Brandon Stokely's curl route beautifully.
10) Quote of the postseason, from Ravens coach John Harbaugh: "This football game, did football proud."
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