

On Dec. 16, the Broncos ravaged the Ravens 34-17 in Baltimore. That regular-season meeting was even more lopsided than the final score suggests. The Ravens trailed 31-3 before tacking on two cosmetic touchdowns in the fourth quarter.

It's not often that Baltimore's proud franchise gets dominated -- if not embarrassed -- on its home turf. Ravens fans began filing toward the exits in the third quarter, and at least half the seats at M&T Bank Stadium had emptied before game's end.

"Definitely, (the Ravens) have a lot to prove, but we still have a lot to prove," Broncos cornerback Chris Harris said Monday.

"We know the playoffs are where you make your name. Our goal is to win a Super Bowl, and they're standing in the way of our goal."

Ultimately, the Ravens won the AFC North (10-6) then ousted Indianapolis 24-9 Sunday in the wild-card round. But a month ago against the Broncos, Baltimore couldn't get much of anything going. The Ravens managed only 12 first downs (compared to 21 for Denver) and converted only one-of-12 third downs.

"Of course, they're going to be amped up this weekend," Broncos linebacker Wesley Woodyard said of the Ravens. "But it's a playoff game, and everybody's emotions are going to be running high."

One difference in this meeting will be the presence of Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis, who has announced his retirement after 17 years and hopes to extend his final season as long as possible. Lewis tore his right triceps Oct. 14 cq against Dallas and finally returned to the lineup Sunday in the playoff victory over the Colts.

He has been called by teammates, coaches and even opponents one of the game's most effective leaders. The impact of an emotional leader such as Lewis cannot be overvalued, Broncos coach John Fox said Monday.

"There are people on teams that raise all boats, raise all levels," Fox said. "They can inspire. He does that."

Lewis, 37, has lost some speed and sometimes struggles in space these days. But he recorded a team-best 13 tackles Sunday despite wearing a brace on his right arm.

"This is a game of passion, emotion and enthusiasm," said Broncos linebacker Keith Brooking, a 15-year veteran. "A lot plays into that. If you're a team that goes into a game with just that (emotion) and doesn't run real deep in your preparation and attention to detail, that all fades quickly once toe meets leather.

"But when you're a player of Ray Lewis' magnitude, his leadership doesn't start on game day. His leadership starts throughout the course of the week. That runs deep through their team. They're a reflection of that."

While the decisive loss to Denver in December might still stick in the craw of Ravens players, the other side says it also intends to make amends. After the game, several Broncos defensive players lamented allowing Baltimore tight end Dennis Pita to catch touchdown passes of 31 and 61 yards in the fourth quarter.

"We gave up some big plays, so we're looking to (avenge) ourselves too, just like they are," the Broncos' Woodyard said. "Both teams are going to come ready to play."