BALTIMORE, Jan. 8 (UPI) -- It wasn't easy, but the Baltimore Ravens
will get a chance to defend their Super Bowl title.
Sparked by the running of veteran Terry Allen and a stifling defensive effort, the Ravens became the final team to clinch a playoff berth, posting a 19-3 victory over the Minnesota Vikings Monday night.
The Ravens (10-6) will be the AFC's fifth seed and travel to Miami next Sunday to meet the Dolphins (11-5) in the wild card round. With the win, Baltimore eliminated the Seattle Seahawks
and former teammate Trent Dilfer from playoff contention.
"The best part about getting there is we didn't have to rely on anyone," Allen said. "We did it all ourselves. We controlled our destiny."
"Everyone has to fight to get to the playoffs no matter what your record," said Ravens star linebacker Ray Lewis, the MVP of Super Bowl XXXV. "Once you're in, you're in. It's a whole new
season now."
Signed after the Ravens lost Jamal Lewis to a season-ending knee injury in training camp, Allen responded with his best effort of the campaign against his former team. The 33-year-old back
carried 23 times for 133 yards, helping offset an ineffective performance by quarterback Elvis Grbac.
It also was big night for the Ravens' defense, which finally resembled the unit that set an NFL record for fewest points (165) allowed in a 16-game season last year.
The Ravens hounded third-string quarterback Spergon Wynn and limited Minnesota to 179 total yards and 10 first downs.
"The defense as a whole was incredible," Ravens Coach Brian Billick said. "When you can shut down a Randy Moss and a Cris Carter, that's something. The last three weeks our defense is showing its return to the form as we did last year."
Linebacker Jamie Sharper put a stamp on the defensive performance, picking up a fumble by Wynn and returning it eight yards for a touchdown with under two minutes remaining. It was the Ravens' first fumble return for a score in team history.
Matt Stover kicked four field goals for the Ravens, who split their last four games following an 8-4 start that had them in contention for the Central title.
Grbac signed with the Ravens in the offseason to replace Dilfer, who led the Ravens to the title last season. Grbac came under criticism from teammates and fans this season and was the target
of boos Monday after completing 10-of-27 passes for 160 yards.
It was a bitter ending to disappointing season for the Vikings (5-11), who played the game with offensive assistant Mike Tice serving as coach. Dennis Green stepped down as Vikings coach
and vice president of football operations Friday after enduring his first losing season in 10 years at the helm.
"I was more of a cheerleader than normal," Tice said. "I didn't yell as much. We couldn't make the plays in the passing game that we needed to make. The guys battled hard and played well. We'll just have see how it (offseason) goes from here."
The Vikings went 0-8 on the road this season and have lost 11 straight overall away from the Metrodome.
Minnesota's turbulent season began with the tragic death of Pro Bowl offensive tackle Korey Stringer during training camp.
"It's been a lot of chaos in the Minnesota Vikings," Moss said. "From training camp to the end of January, it's been frustrating. Hopefully, the offseason will breeze by and we can get back to football because I'm still anxious to play."
Baltimore struggled early on, and the Vikings actually jumped on top in the the first quarter.
Moss higlighted the drive, using his arm to find Carter with a 29-yard pass to the Baltimore 23. It was the 1,000th career catch for Carter, the NFL's second all-time leading receiver.
