POSITION EDGE
Ravens rushing vs. Falcons run defense
One of the major disappointments was the Ravens' inability to run against the NFL's 19th-ranked run defense. After the Ravens' opening drive, running back Jamal Lewis managed just 20 yards on eight carries because his team couldn't get a consistent push off the line. Lewis finished with 36 yards, and the Ravens are winless this season when he is held under 78.
Ravens passing vs. Falcons pass defense
EVEN
Jeff Blake hurt and helped the Ravens in his second start with the team. His fumble at his team's 1-yard line led to an easy Falcons touchdown. But he brought the team back with some impressive deep throws. Travis Taylor was again the favorite target, finishing with a career-best 127 yards receiving. Down the stretch, Blake wasn't at his best. He misfired on five of his six throws in the fourth quarter. The Ravens' solid pass protection fell apart and had Blake scrambling most of the game.
Falcons rushing vs. Ravens run defense
The Ravens didn't let Atlanta quarterback Michael Vick hurt them scrambling, but they had trouble bringing down power running back T.J. Duckett. While the Ravens didn't allow Vick to gain more than three yards on any run, Duckett ripped them for 75 yards on 13 carries (5.8-yard average).
Falcons passing vs. Ravens pass defense
EVEN
The Ravens limited Vick to 136 yards passing and were helped by numerous drops by Falcons receivers. On the game's first play, Atlanta's Brian Finneran got behind the secondary on a flea-flicker and had the ball bounce off his chest. The second-ranked passer in the NFC, Vick completed half of his throws (12 of 24) and finished with a 50.0 rating. But he stepped it up when it counted.
Special teams
Atlanta won the field-position battle by capitalizing on the Ravens' breakdowns on kickoff coverage and by punter Chris Mohr putting four of five kicks inside the 20-yard line. Chris McAlister made a major mistake by fielding a punt at his 3-yard line and wound up spraining his ankle. Lamont Brightful averaged just 17.8 yards on four kickoff returns.
NICKEL PACKAGE
Thumbs up
For containing Vick. The Ravens held the elusive Vick to a season-low minus-5 yards rushing and 136 yards passing. Instead of reacting to him, the Ravens' defense attacked him, with Ed Reed, Peter Boulware and Adalius Thomas consistently harassing him.
Thumbs down
Lack of discipline. The Ravens had their chances, but they failed to execute in critical situations. Whether it was deciding not to fall on a loose ball near the goal line or committing seven penalties, they handed this game to Atlanta.
Stat of the game
6. Season-worst sacks given up by the Ravens. Before yesterday's game, the Ravens had allowed just one sack in their past 76 pass plays.
Quotable
"In this league, you can't give teams anything. You have to make them work for it." - Quarterback Jeff Blake on the Ravens' error-filled effort.
Trainer's room
Cornerback McAlister (ankle sprain) injured himself fielding a punt one minute into the fourth quarter and did not return. X-rays on his ankle were negative. ... Quarterback Chris Redman (numbness in right leg), inside linebacker Ray Lewis (partially dislocated left shoulder) and defensive end Michael McCrary (knee) did not play.