How They Compare

QUARTERBACKS

ADVANTAGE: OAKLAND

When Rich Gannon arrived in Oakland last season, he was considered a temporary starter until someone better came along. Now he is one of the most versatile quarterbacks in the league, a threat running the ball as well as throwing it. Gannon’s leadership has brought the Raiders this far. As for Trent Dilfer, bash him all you want, but the Ravens are 9-1 since he took over as the starter.

RUNNING BACKS

ADVANTAGE: OAKLAND

The Raiders get the edge because of their depth. Tyrone Wheatley is the feature back but Oakland has gotten valuable contributions from Napoleon Kaufman, Randy Jordan, Zack Crockett, Terry Kirby and Jon Ritchie. Baltimore’s Jamal Lewis emerged as one of the top backs in the league in his rookie season.

RECEIVERS

ADVANTAGE: OAKLAND

Raider receivers Tim Brown and Andre Rison might have lost a step but still get open on their savvy. Qadry Ismail is the only Raven wide receiver with a reception in their two previous playoff games. Tight end Shannon Sharpe is Baltimore’s only consistent receiving threat.

OFFENSIVE LINE

ADVANTAGE: TIE

There are no superstars here, but both units provide solid protection and are the keys to the smash-mouth football these teams pride themselves on.

DEFENSIVE LINE

ADVANTAGE: BALTIMORE

The Ravens’ Tony Siragusa and Sam Adams are the best run-stuffing duo in the NFL. Oakland’s Grady Jackson and Darrell Russell are strong up the middle.

LINEBACKERS

ADVANTAGE: BALTIMORE

Despite some rather unsavory off-the-field incidents, Ray Lewis remains the best linebacker in NFL. Peter Boulware and Jamie Sharper are solid in supporting roles. Unsung Raider Greg Biekert gets the most out of limited abilities.

SECONDARY

ADVANTAGE: TIE

In Charles Woodson and Eric Allen, the Raiders might have the best cornerback tandem in the league. Pro Bowl safety Rod Woodson leads a deep secondary for the Ravens.

COACHING

ADVANTAGE: OAKLAND

Both coaches are passionate workaholics who have gotten their teams this far with hours of preparation. Give Jon Gruden the edge for withstanding the Raiders’ circus environment. It should be noted, however, that Brian Billick did just fine on a hostile opponent’s turf last week.

SPECIAL TEAMS

ADVANTAGE: TIE

Who would you want kicking for you down by two in the closing seconds of the AFC championship game, Matt Stover or Sebastian Janikowski? Uh-huh, thought so.

THE INTANGIBLES

ADVANTAGE: OAKLAND

The Raiders are cruising, having blown out their last two opponents by a combined score of 79-9.

THE STRATEGY

Gannon is smart enough to be patient and use play action and his scrambling ability to take whatever the Raven defense gives him. The Raiders will play the run and challenge Dilfer to beat them through the air. Baltimore will once again rely on its defense and special teams to come up with the big plays.