INDIANAPOLIS - - In the end, the problems that existed all season cost the Ravens in the playoffs.

The only way the Ravens were going to beat the Indianapolis Colts in the second round of the AFC playoffs was if they could run the ball, Colts quarterback Peyton Manning had an off night and the secondary could turn in a strong effort for a second straight week.

The Ravens didn't succeed in any of the three as the Colts knocked them out of the playoffs Saturday night with a lopsided win at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Without the Ravens being able to control the clock, Manning lit up their secondary with short and intermediate passes, most of those crossing routes. He also hit his receivers on slant-ins because the Ravens' cornerbacks were playing so far off the ball.

It was nothing new. Too often, the Ravens secondary had been the Achilles' heel this season, and it will be an area the team has to improve if it wants to advance deep into the playoffs next season.

The Ravens had other problems. The Ravens had two sacks, but Manning wasn't under much duress. The Ravens also had seven penalties for 64 yards, and their passing game was nonexistent.

Too little effort

On a fourth-and-3 from the Colts' 45-yard line with 6:01 left in the third quarter, Flacco threw a short out to wide receiver Demetrius Williams, who got only one hand on the ball. It would have been a first down.

Williams seemed to give very little effort, as if he didn't expect the ball. It's the main reason he didn't get much playing time this season. You never know what you're going to get with Williams.

Freeney on the brain?

How can left offensive tackle Jared Gaither get called for a false start on a third-and-1 in the third quarter on an option play to the right side?

Then he gets called for holding several plays later. He might have had Dwight Freeney on the brain.

Stover homecoming?

Hate to rub it in, but former Ravens field-goal kicker Matt Stover was perfect Saturday night, converting on field goals of 44 and 33 yards. Maybe he'll re-sign with the Ravens next season.

Hard hitting

Middle linebacker Ray Lewis separated Indianapolis receiver Austin Collie from a pass to prevent a touchdown late in the first half, but he needs to stop leading with his shoulder and helmet.

It's cheap, and it's going to seriously hurt someone. Basically, it's a knockout blow under the jaw and can cause concussions.

Going for it

The best call of the second quarter was Colts coach Jim Caldwell going for it on fourth-and-4 at the Ravens' 35 and Manning completing a 5-yard pass to running back Joseph Addai for a first down. The Colts scored five plays later.

Early Manning mistake

Manning showed his rust in the first half and missed Collie running down the middle of the field with 12:10 left in the second quarter. Instead, Manning threw into double coverage. If Manning had hit the pass to Collie, this game would have been over early. Very early.

Big play brought back

Ravens running back Jalen Parmele returned a kickoff from several yards deep in the end zone to the Indianapolis 39 early in the first quarter only to have it nullified because of a block in the back by backup tight end L.J. Smith.

Those blocks in the back have been a nightmare this season. As for Smith, he finally made a play this season, and it cost the Ravens big-time.

Trust in Flacco

Joe Flacco almost was intercepted with three minutes left in the first quarter when he tried to jam a pass across the middle to Mark Clayton. If Colts safety Antoine Bethea didn't drop the ball, the Colts would have had a long run for a touchdown.

Now, we know why Ravens offensive coordinator Cam Cameron hasn't let Flacco throw across the middle a lot this year. He isn't ready, and apparently Cameron doesn't have the trust.

Meanwhile, Manning hit on numerous first-half crossing routes across the middle.

Weapons needed

The Ravens need to add weapons on offense to produce a hurry-up offense.

Their hurry-up offense consists of running back Ray Rice and tight end Todd Heap catching short passes in the flat and over the middle. Opposing teams will let that happen all night.

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