OWINGS MILLS, Md. — The playoffs are upon us.
Nice time to get on a roll.
"We’re playing our best football of the year for sure," said Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh during his usual day-after-game press conference. "Whether we’re peaking or not remains to be seen, so we’ll see."
The Ravens (11-5) enter the Wild Card round on a five-game win streak. The number five seed visits the fourth-seeded Titans (11-5). No need to get reacquainted.
"There have just been a lot of games over the years. It’s got some history, the rivalry does, sure," said Harbaugh.
The most recent couple games are fresh in the Ravens’ memory. Tennessee handed Baltimore its last non-COVID-related loss of the 2020 season, 30-24 in overtime. Of course the Titans upset the Ravens in last year’s Divisional Round of the postseason. But, revenge is not really a topic Harbaugh is ready to discuss.
"We’re just focused on the game," he said. "Really previous games have little bearing."
Like a year ago, the Ravens’ number one goal this weekend must be to contain the NFL’s leading rusher, Derrick Henry, who broke the 2,000 yard barrier for the season on Sunday in a win over Houston. He ran for a career-high 250 yards.
"We’re going to try to play our best defensive football game," said Harbaugh. "We’re not conceding anything in any play. If and when they make plays then you bounce back and you play the next play."
Bounce back - just like the Ravens did to qualify for the playoffs. It's a far cry from last year’s top-seeded team that coasted into January.
"There is no comparison," said Harbaugh. "I love what we’ve been through, the adversity even, the challenges, because it forges you."
As for the status of Sam Koch, Harbaugh said his veteran punter should be available for this weekend's game. Koch missed his first game in 15 years Sunday after being placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list.
You can watch the Ravens vs. Titans game live on WMAR. Kickoff Sunday is scheduled for 1:05 p.m.
Follow Shawn Stepner on Twitter @StepnerWMAR and Facebook
