Five seconds.
That's all defensive coordinator Rex Ryan is asking of Ravens fans who intend to create as much noise as possible to disrupt the rhythm of the Indianapolis Colts offense, which visits M&T; Bank Stadium on Saturday in an AFC divisional playoff contest.
While acknowledging the need for as much crowd noise as possible to make it difficult for Indianapolis quarterback Peyton Manning to call an audible or make other changes at the line of scrimmage, Ryan implored Ravens fans to turn down the volume for just several seconds while the defense makes its calls to counter the Colts' formation.
"We have to have our system in place, and if the crowd can just hold on for about five seconds when they get to the line -- just kind of hang in there for five seconds, that way we can communicate with ourselves on defense -- and then pick the tone up the rest of the time, it would be great," Ryan said. "If we can do that, that would be great. If you forget, we'll live with it."
Ryan later seemed to suggest that the delay was necessary to prevent using too many hand signals, which, Ryan said, tend to get picked up and deciphered by the Indianapolis players and coaching staff.
"We're going to have to communicate because they're really good at figuring out your signals and things," he said. "But that would be great. If we could just pause for about five seconds, that's all we need, and then let them have it."
Linebacker Bart Scott endorsed his coach's request, adding, "We want Peyton Manning not to be able to hear a drop, not even hear himself think. So at 15 seconds [on the play clock], we want the fans to get it up so that we can do what we do and give them what they all want and get where we want to go as an organization and as a city."
Ryan's appeal is not surprising considering Saturday's matchup features the NFL's top-ranked defense in the Ravens against the league's No. 3 offense in the Colts.
"We know our fans are going to be jacked up, and that's going to be our 12th man out there, and it ought to be a heck of a game," Ryan said. "You've got probably the best offense in the league against the best defense. So they know they're the best offense, and we know we're the best defense, and we're going to be prepared. They're going to get our best shot, and we expect to get their best shot. So, we'll see what happens."
Ogden practices
Left offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden practiced yesterday for the first time since spraining the big toe on his left foot more than three weeks ago and said he would be ready to play against the Colts.
"I don't feel 100 percent right now, but I feel a lot better than I did," said Ogden, who was listed by the Ravens as questionable. "Progress is still going pretty good. I probably won't be 100 percent, but I'll be ready to go Saturday."
Ogden missed the team's last two regular-season contests with what he called a turf-toe sprain suffered in the 27-17 victory over the Cleveland Browns on Dec. 17.
The pain hasn't totally subsided, Ogden said. "With that, I can pretty much do just about everything, but I just can't absorb a lot of pressure hitting people just yet," he said. "But with adrenaline and a few more days, you've got to go. You've just got to find a way. There's no way around it."
Right guard Keydrick Vincent (groin) also practiced and is questionable. Safety Gerome Sapp (back) and tight end Quinn Sypniewski (wrist) are also questionable.
Nine Indianapolis players are listed as questionable, including seven starters in running back Joseph Addai (chest), linebacker Gary Brackett (ankle), right offensive tackle Ryan Diem (shoulder), cornerback Nick Harper (ankle), left guard Ryan Lilja (knee), defensive end Robert Mathis (hip) and free safety Bob Sanders (knee).
Awards from media
In a poll of local media, quarterback Steve McNair was voted the team's Most Valuable Player and Scott won the Good Guy Award, given to the player most accessible and available for interviews.
Always one to offer a good sound bite, Scott continued to burnish his reputation when he made a prediction about Addai, who rushed for 122 yards and a touchdown on 25 carries in the Colts' 23-8 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in the wild-card game.
"I think it's going to be a painful day for Joseph Addai," Scott said.
Et cetera
Set to be an unrestricted free agent at season's end, linebacker Adalius Thomas said he wasn't concerned about proving his worth on the market with his play Saturday. "If you play, you get paid," he said. "That's not the time for that. ... When you go into the playoffs, you just do your job. Nothing changes [about your contract] because you're in the playoffs." ... Team officials and the Maryland Stadium Authority are asking fans to arrive early at M&T; Bank Stadium because patdowns will be more extensive than usual Saturday.
edward.lee@baltsun.com