Ravens Are Recipients of Return Policy

On the day they completed the finest 16-game season with the NFL’s finest defensive accomplishment, the Baltimore Ravens yielded a whopping 524 yards to the New York Jets.

It didn’t matter, because the playoff-bound Ravens came up with one big play after another.

Chris McAlister scored on a 98-yard interception return, Jermaine Lewis returned two punts for touchdowns, and the Ravens forced six turnovers in a 34-20 victory Sunday that left the Jets needing outside help to reach the postseason.

New York (9-7) would have qualified for the playoffs with a win, but was eliminated when both Indianapolis and Pittsburgh won later in the day.

Vinny Testaverde went 36 for 69 for 481 yards and two touchdowns--both coming in the first quarter when the Jets surprised the Ravens with a no-huddle offense. But his mistakes ultimately turned the game around. He lost two fumbles and threw three interceptions to allow Baltimore to rally from an early 14-0 deficit.

“Unfortunately, we did too many of the things that cause us to lose, as has been the case in too many games this year. Obviously, too many turnovers and bad special teams play,” said Jet Coach Al Groh, who earlier in the week sarcastically claimed the Jets had no chance against the top-ranked Baltimore defense.

The Ravens (12-4) ended the regular season with a seven-game winning streak and an NFL record for fewest points allowed in a 16-game schedule. Baltimore gave up 165 points, breaking the mark of 187 by the 1986 Chicago Bears.

“That should last a long time,” Raven safety Rod Woodson said.

“Al Groh is the one who fueled the fire for this week,” Baltimore defensive end Rob Burnett said. “By saying what he did and the way he said it, he didn’t believe. I bet you he believes now.”

Baltimore, which made only five first downs, can earn home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs if Dallas beats Tennessee tonight.

Testaverde’s 69 attempts was one short of Drew Bledsoe’s NFL record. Richie Anderson had 11 catches for 139 yards, and Dedric Ward caught eight passes for 147 yards.

But that was fine with the Ravens, who limited Curtis Martin to 47 yards in 18 carries.

“We talk about making a team one-dimensional, and they were in a way,” Baltimore Coach Brian Billick said.

The game’s key play occurred near the end of the first half with the Jets up, 14-12. With New York at the Baltimore eight-yard line, Testaverde’s sideline pass to Ward was picked off by McAlister, who went the distance to put the Ravens ahead to stay.

“I think it had a big effect on us,” Testaverde said. “We’re looking to go in at halftime with a good feeling, and it turns out to be just the opposite.”

STINGY

Fewest points given up since the advent of the 16-game schedule in 1978:

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Team Points per Points Shutouts game allowed allowed Baltimore (2000) 10.3 165 3 Chicago (1986) 11.7 187 0 Pittsburgh (1978) 12.2 195 0 Denver (1978) 12.4 198 0 Chicago (1985) 12.4 198 2 New Orleans (1992) 12.6 202 1 Cleveland (1994) 12.8 204 1

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