The Ravens reported no new injuries.

Left offensive tackle Bryant McKinnie was noticeably limping after the game, but didn't miss any time in the game and should be fine for the Ravens' matchup against the San Francisco 49ers in New Orleans at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

"We got through very healthy, nothing major," Harbaugh said. "That should clear that up for the next two weeks."

Despite a bone bruise in his right knee, rookie running back Bernard Pierce averaged 5.8 yards per carry with 52 yards on nine runs.

"I think I played well," said Pierce, adding that he didn't aggravate the injury. "I had a couple nice runs, I had a couple nice blocks. I wanted to make sure I helped my team in any possible way I could. I was fine. I pushed through it, that's all that matters. And we're in the Super Bowl."

Big hit redux

An intimidating hitter who operates as an enforcer in the secondary for the AFC champions, Pollard knocked Patriots running back Stevan Ridley out of the game and forced a fumble in the fourth quarter that set up the Ravens' final touchdown.

Pollard unleashed a huge blow that separated Ridley from the football — and for several minutes — his senses while he stayed on the ground trying to regain his faculties.

"This is a violent sport," Pollard said. "We run fast. We hit hard. Guys are big, and they're getting bigger and quicker year in and year out. For me, I love to play this game. I love to tackle.

"That's what I do. When you got two guys running full speed at each other and you got helmets and shoulder pads on, somebody is going to go down. It's not something I'm proud of. I hope he's all right."

Defensive end Arthur Jones approved wholeheartedly of Pollard's display of intensity.

"Bernard's an animal," Jones said. "Bernard's a beast. I'm glad he's on my side of the ball."

Rebounding well

It was an extremely rough season for defensive end Pernell McPhee, on and off the field.

He underwent a pair of arthroscopic surgeries on his right knee during minicamps and before training camp, dipping from six sacks as a rookie last season to just 1 1/2 during the regular season. And three members of his family have died over the past year.

McPhee has engineered a resurgent postseason, though.

He had a sack and forced fumble on Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning in the AFC divisional round.

And it was McPhee's pass deflection that inside linebacker Dannell Ellerbe intercepted in the fourth quarter Sunday night.

"He's had some personal tragedy, family tragedy," Harbaugh said. "He's had injuries that have just plagued him, and he continues to fight through them. This guy plays with a lot of injuries. He's one of the toughest people that I've ever been around in my life.

"Now, at the end of the year, he had these two huge plays in these two huge games that really made the difference. It's just so rewarding."

End zone

John Harbaugh downplayed the historic nature of an unprecedented Super Bowl clash with his younger brother, 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh.

"I guess it's pretty neat," Harbaugh said. "It is really going to be written about? It's not exactly like Churchill and Roosevelt or anything. It's pretty cool, that's as far as it goes."

awilson@baltsun.com

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