Ravens rushing vs. Dolphins run defense -- DOLPHINS -- The Ravens failed to dominate the line of scrimmage the way they did in last season's playoff game. Running back Jamal Lewis was held to 47 yards rushing and averaged 2.8 yards per carry. The blocking was sporadic and Lewis rarely broke tackles. In all six Ravens losses this season, Lewis has been held to 75 or fewer yards. The Ravens believed they could run the ball against Miami's front seven but came away understanding why the Dolphins have the league's fifth-ranked run defense.
Ravens passing vs. Dolphins pass defense -- DOLPHINS -- When the Ravens couldn't establish the run, they were helpless in breaking down a sound Miami secondary. Quarterback Jeff Blake was off his game, completing 14 of 28 passes for 127 yards and a quarterback rating of 59.7, but he didn't receive any support. The receivers -- namely Travis Taylor and Ron Johnson -- often dropped passes, and the pass protection didn't hold up, allowing seven sacks. Blake's interception in the third quarter basically sealed the loss.
Dolphins rushing vs. Ravens run defense -- DOLPHINS -- Despite the return of inside linebacker Ray Lewis, Miami pounded the ball with Ricky Williams, who finished with 102 yards rushing and two touchdowns. The Dolphins effectively ran the ball away from Lewis to control the clock for over 34 minutes. After allowing just one 100-yard rusher in three previous seasons, the Ravens have let three running backs post 100 yards in their past five games.
Dolphins passing vs. Ravens pass defense -- DOLPHINS -- The Ravens made Miami's Ray Lucas look like a Pro Bowl quarterback. He passed for 221 yards and connected on 69 .2 percent of his throws. Cornerback Alvin Porter, who was filling in for the injured Chris McAlister, got turned around often. And the Ravens allowed tight ends Randy McMichael and Jed Weaver to break free for pivotal catches in both first-half touchdown drives. The Ravens seemed to be caught off-balance on screen passes to Williams.
Special teams -- RAVENS -- Ravens return specialist Lamont Brightful made an impact for the second straight week. The rookie averaged 21 yards on three punts and 22.6 on five kickoffs. The Ravens' Dave Zastudil placed five of nine punts inside the 20-yard line and averaged 45.7 yards. The Dolphins' Olindo Mare had field goals of 42 and 49 yards.
NICKEL PACKAGE
Thumbs up
Ray Lewis. The Ravens' All-Pro returned after five games off and led the team with nine tackles. Despite wearing a harness, he showed he could withstand the beating of a full game, although his comeback didn't provide the expected spark.
Thumbs down
Sloppiness on offense. There were numerous drops, seven sacks, two fumbles by Jeff Blake and an interception. The Ravens' 157 yards of total offense were a season-worst.
Stat of the game
15.3 percent. Season-low third-down efficiency by the Ravens (2-for-13).
Quotable
"I'll never say we're youthful. What I will say is that we had a small, small lack of attention. No matter how young you are or no matter how old you are, if you don't prepare right, this is the type of results that you get." -- Ray Lewis.
Trainer's room
Tight end Todd Heap (thigh contusion) and receiver Javin Hunter (concussion) left briefly but returned to the game.