Ravens need to crank up offense to beat Patriots

Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice, center, is stopped by Houston Texans outside linebacker Brooks Reed (58) and inside linebacker Brian Cushing (56) during the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game in Baltimore, Sunday, Jan. 15, 2012. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)

Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice, center, is stopped by Houston Texans outside linebacker Brooks Reed (58) and inside linebacker Brian Cushing (56) during the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game in Baltimore, Sunday, Jan. 15, 2012. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco is congratulated by the fans as he leaves the field after an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Houston Texans in Baltimore, Sunday, Jan. 15, 2012. The Ravens defeated the Texans 20-13. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice, left, is stopped short of the goal line by Houston Texans linebacker Tim Dobbins (52) during the second half of an NFL divisional playoff football game in Baltimore, Sunday, Jan. 15, 2012. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) ? The esteemed Ravens defense will likely need a helping hand from the offense in the AFC championship game against the New England Patriots.

Baltimore totaled 227 yards ? 109 after halftime ? in a 20-13 win over Houston. The Ravens went three-and-out eight times, averaged 2.8 yards per rush and scored three points over the final 46 minutes.

That kind of production probably won't be enough Sunday against the high-powered Patriots.

Ravens wide receiver Torrey Smith, who had one catch against Houston, says the offense has to "keep our defense rested and score points."

Baltimore has made four straight playoff appearances, mostly on the strength of the defense. The Ravens picked off three passes against Houston, and both of Baltimore's touchdowns followed turnovers.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/347875155d53465d95cec892aeb06419/Article_2012-01-17-Ravens-Offense/id-7f23d2bc162e41e5bff1bfba073c73e3

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