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Sunday, December 22, 2002

By Ed Bouchette, Post-Gazette Sports Writer

Baltimore isn't dead yet, and Ravens Coach Brian Billick is letting everyone know it.

The Ravens, gutted the past year for salary-cap reasons, figured to be no more than a 5-11 team. But they are 7-7 and in the running for the biggest upset in AFC North Division history. Of course, this is the first year for the AFC North, but the Steelers were overwhelming favorites to win it and the Ravens were picked by many to finish last.

If the Ravens beat Cleveland at home today, as they are favored to do, and Tampa Bay beats the Steelers tomorrow night, as the Bucs are favored to do, the AFC North title will come down to the game between the Steelers and Baltimore at Heinz Field next Sunday.

"This is very doable," Billick said. "The bottom line is our road is very clear-cut, and how do you not go in there with confidence? We have to play a team [the Browns] that we've already beaten once. It's not going to be easy, but we've beaten them.

"And Pittsburgh is Pittsburgh. They are the best, most talented team in the league. But I think we're a better team than when we played them before. Now, how much better? We'll find out."

The Steelers beat the Ravens, 31-18, in Baltimore Oct. 27.

Not easily impressed

It takes a lot to impress Browns cornerback Corey Fuller. Not even an NFL record can do it.

Colts receiver Marvin Harrison set the new standard last week and has 127 receptions with two games to play.

"If you run out there, and we line you up way out there, and tell you to run in at 5 yards and we're playing zone defense, Peyton Manning is going to find you 50 times a year, too," Fuller said. "A lot of those catches ... they're 3-yard catches. I played with Cris Carter. It's the same stuff we used to do in Minnesota. Just get the ball, throw it to him quick, get five yards and that keeps the chains moving."

Harrison has something in common with the previous record-holder Detroit's Herman Moore when he caught 123 and Carter when he caught 122 for Minnesota. His offensive coordinator is Tom Moore, a former Steelers offensive coordinator who earned two Super Bowl rings working for Chuck Noll.

Bucking tradition

The six-year rule applies to Tennessee Coach Jeff Fisher and Bill Cowher as they head to possible playoff berths. No coach who has failed to win a Super Bowl in his first six years with the same team has ever done it with that team since John Madden accomplished the trick in Oakland in 1976.

The rule doesn't include coaches who switch teams, such as Bill Belichick -- or Tony Dungy?

A booster for Gannon

Denver Coach Mike Shanahan's pick for MVP of the league: Oakland quarterback Rich Gannon, "bar none."

"The most growth I've ever seen in one player is him over the last few years, just an unbelievable feel for what's going on. And, if you give him time, he's going to pick you apart, which he's done the majority of the year."

Quick slants

Just run it: Tennessee averaged 69.4 yards rushing in its first five games and went 1-4; The Titans have averaged 143 yards rushing in their past nine games and have gone 8-1.

Peyton Manning has started the first 78 games of his career, the most by any NFL quarterback at the start of a career.

Officially, Jacksonville is alive for a playoff berth. But it's like buying a ticket to Powerball. Among the things that would have to happen is a Baltimore-Cleveland tie.

Buffalo's 7-7 record, four more wins than last season, has saved the job of Coach Gregg Williams. One more victory would tie for best turnaround in franchise history.