Strategy: Believing that upgraded health in the postseason trumps building momentum, the Ravens rested injured players and key starters. And it worked as there were no serious injuries. The offense was run differently to accommodate the multi-dimensional skills of backup quarterback
Personnel: It was a glorified junior varsity lineup for the Ravens as Bengals coach
What went right:
What went wrong: Rice and offensive guard
Turning point: As Oher got shoved backward, Taylor was intercepted by defensive end
X-factor: Can the Ravens recapture the dominant form they showed against the
Aaron Wilson
Colts 28,
Strategy: The Colts' approach offensively is built around the strong right arm and presence of rookie quarterback
Personnel: It's a relatively ordinary offensive line, which deters Luck a bit. He completed only half his passes against the Houston Texans, but delivered two touchdowns and didn't have an interception. Luck is mobile, smart and gutsy. Ballard is a hard-running late-round draft pick. Hilton has rare speed, a true 4.3 sprinter who can frustrate cornerbacks. He's extremely dangerous. Freeney and Mathis are past their respective primes, but still have great pass-rushing skills. Cornerback
What went right: Luck got the football out of his hands quickly for the most part, utilizing a clean release and good rhythm as he hit Hilton in stride for a 70-yard touchdown pass in the second half. Luck's hard count on his cadence disrupted the defense. He also found Hilton on a bubble screen for a first down. Pop passes to Fleener and Allen were effective gambits. The line got a good push for Ballard in the red zone and also pulled well.
What went wrong: The offensive line is a bit suspect, not populated by top-of-the-line starters. They do have good chemistry. The run defense is vulnerable, prone to missed tackles and being driven off the football at the point of attack. The Colts' secondary had trouble containing
Turning point:
X-factor: It's impossible to measure the impact of how a football team inspired by Chuck Pagano's battle with
Aaron Wilson