Ravens at Dolphins
Pro Player Stadium
Miami, Fla.
Sunday, Jan. 13, 2002

AT A GLANCE: The Ravens earned a playoff spot Monday night with a less-than-impressive defeat of Minnesota and now must travel to Miami, which easily beat Buffalo Sunday.

When the Ravens have the ball:

The key to the Ravens’ offensive attack will be QB Elvis Grbac’s ability to avoid mistakes, but he has been struggling lately. The game plan for Baltimore is to be conservative, focusing more on the ground game to take pressure off Grbac. That would be wise against a Dolphins defense that has been more opportunistic of late. The Ravens will utilize the RB corps of slasher Terry Allen (who has been running well and should be the primary runner), bruiser Jason Brookins and the speedy Moe Williams against a Dolphins run defense that stepped up last week without run-stuffing MLB Zach Thomas (shoulder; check status). Miami has had some success rushing the quarterback this year, but it hasn’t been the sack machine it was in previous seasons. Against a Ravens offensive line that hasn’t been great lately except for OLT Jonathan Ogden, the Dolphins could pester Grbac all game. DE Jason Taylor (sprained left shoulder; check status) had a good season despite not having another strong pass rusher to take pressure off him. Still, Miami certainly misses DT Daryl Gardener (injured reserve). The right side of the Baltimore’s offensive line has been especially weak.

When the Dolphins have the ball:

The Dolphins are still a run-first team, even with RB Lamar Smith’s struggles through the year. Their ideal blueprint was on display last week, when Smith carried the ball 30 times for 158 yards. But it was only Smith’s third 100-yard game of the season. Baltimore had struggled against the run in the three games prior to Week 17. QB Jay Fiedler has seemingly corrected his turnover problems. He’s had a lot of help from standout rookie WR Chris Chambers (sprained right ankle; check status). The Ravens’ defense has struggled against the pass. Expect Ravens CB Chris McAlister to match up with Chambers most of the day, leaving Miami’s other receivers to try to take advantage of CB Duane Starks and nickel back James Trapp (groin; check status). While Trapp has been solid all season, Starks has been susceptible to big plays. Baltimore’s defensive line could take advantage of Miami’s beaten-up offensive line, which is particularly hurting at the tackles. The game could come down to special teams, where the Dolphins have a huge edge.