This was only the third time in NFL history that rookie head coaches faced each other in a playoff game. The Ravens have won 10 of the past 12 games, and have an NFL high 34 takeaways. The AFC East champion Miami Dolphins, who had an NFL record low 13 turnovers this season, gave away the ball five times today. Pennington whom had seven interceptions in the regular season, threw four today.

     The Baltimore Ravens stuffed Miami's ground attack and negated the Wildcat. This playoff victory is the first for the Ravens since they beat Miami in a first-round game in January 2002. The Ravens harried Pennington into uncharacteristic mistakes. Pennington playing his first game since being chosen the NFL Comeback Player of the Year, was sacked three times and faced constant pressure. Pennington finished 25 for 38 for 252 yards. Baltimore allowed just 52 yards rushing, and the Dolphins were limited to 7 yards on two plays from the Wildcat, the innovative formation that helped jump start their revival.

The Dolphins won nine of ten games after a defeat by the Ravens in October to earn an improbable playoff berth. But just could not get anything going in their favor today. Trailing 20-3, the Dolphins tried to rally with a 58 yard drive, but were stopped by an interception late in the third quarter. Pennington's four interceptions made a Miami postseason record. 
     Baltimore had the ball for less than 27 minutes after leading the NFL in time of possession during the regular season. So should we say that it is not how much you play, but how well you play?  In any case it is very simple to see that Miami was once again unable to stop Baltimore, therefore ending their season and Super Bowl Hopes. the Ravens travel to Tennessee to face the Titans  January 10th.