The Ravens won the Super Bowl in January 2001 with a record-setting defensive performance. The Bucs appear to be following the same formula in their bid to reach the Super Bowl. Here is a comparison of the two defenses:

.................2002 2000

Category Bucs Ravens

Total yards 249.9 247.9

Avg. per play 4.1 4.3

Rush yards 98.2 60.6, Avg. per rush 3.9 2.7, Passing yards 151.7 187.3

3rd down pct. 32.3 34.1

Sacks 40 35, Comp. pct. 49.9 55.9

Interceptions 27 23

Turnover mar. +15 +23

Touchdowns 19 18, Points allowed 179 165

Points per game 12.8 10.3

Note: Bucs statistics through 14 games; Ravens through 16 games.