Ravens LB Suggs Wins Defensive Player of Year Baltimore linebacker Terrell Suggs, the most dynamic player on the Ravens' staunch defense, has won the 2011 Associated Press NFL Defensive Player of the Year award.

Colts Choose Ravens’ Pagano as Coach The addition of Chuck Pagano, who replaces Jim Caldwell, is the latest part of the overhaul by Indianapolis this off-season.

Billy Cundiff and Kyle Williams Face Infamy as Goats The 49ers’ Kyle Williams and the Ravens’ Billy Cundiff joined an infamous list of athletes on Sunday that includes the likes of Bill Buckner and Scott Norwood.

Defense Goes From Liability to Asset for Patriots During the regular season, teams averaged 411.1 yards a game against the Patriots’ defense; in the playoffs, that has dropped to 325.

Patriots Defeat Ravens to Advance to Super Bowl A missed field goal in the final seconds of regulation denied Baltimore a shot at overtime, sending New England on with a 23-20 victory.

Joe Flacco Outshines Tom Brady, but Still Comes Up Short The oft-criticized Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco did all he could to lead Baltimore over the Patriots in the A.F.C. Championship game, only to see his team fall.

Patriots’ Patchwork Defense Holds Together Against Ravens The unlikely hero of the Patriots’ victory against the Ravens was safety Sterling Moore, who was released by New England earlier this season.

For Ravens’ Leaders, The Time Is Now Safety Ed Reed and linebacker Ray Lewis are the heart and soul of the Ravens’ defense. This could be their last chance at a Super Bowl.

THE FIFTH DOWN; The Battle Cry: On to the Super Bowl Fifth Down column previews the NFL conference championship games between Baltimore Ravens and New England Patriots in the AFC, and New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers in the NFC. Photo

Rob Gronkowski Earning Name for Scores and Spikes Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski has scored 31 touchdowns in 34 games, including in the playoffs, and has become one of football’s celebrated spikers.

Smarter Stats: Super Bowl Edition — New England’s offense vs. New York’s defense (Yahoo! Sports) Of course, the big story surrounding New England's offense is the health of tight end Rob Gronkowski. He's been practicing on a limited basis, but if Gronk can't go at full speed, it's a problem -- he was targeted 15 … Continue reading →

Rodgers, Brees, Jim Harbaugh win AP awards (PA SportsTicker) By BARRY WILNER AP Pro Football Writer

Ravens' Birk named Payton NFL Man of Year Award winner (Yahoo! Sports) Baltimore Ravens center Matt Birk was named Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Saturday night. The award, which recognizes a player's off-the-field community service and playing excellence, was handed out as part of NFL Honors, a two-hour primetime awards TV special that aired...

Ravens C Birk wins NFL's man of year award (AP)

Baltimore Ravens center Matt Birk is the Walter Payton Man of the Year, honoring him for his off-the-field work as well as for his playing excellence. Birk, a 14-year NFL veteran, has made 96 consecutive starts and is one of the Ravens team leaders. He also supports youth literacy with a program called "Ready, Set, Read," through his HIKE Foundation.

Ravens' Birk wins NFL's man of year award (The Canadian Press) INDIANAPOLIS - Baltimore Ravens centre Matt Birk is the Walter Payton Man of the Year.

Pats release WR Underwood, sign DE Silvestro (AP)

Wide receiver Tiquan Underwood has been cut by the New England Patriots less than 24 hours before the Super Bowl in a move that increases the likelihood Chad Ochocinco will be active against the New York Giants on Sunday. In another move Saturday, the Patriots signed defensive end Alex Silvestro from their practice squad.

Ravens LB Suggs wins Defensive Player of Year (PA SportsTicker) By BARRY WILNER AP Pro Football Writer

Birk named NFL Man of the Year (ProFootballWeekly.com) Ravens C Matt Birk was named the 2011 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year on Saturday evening.

Patriots enjoy family time before retreating to team hotel (Yahoo! Sports) New England Patriots practice pool report By Tom E. Curran Pro Football Writers of America INDIANAPOLIS - Bill Belichick and Tom Brady were the last Patriots to walk off the field at Lucas Oil Stadium Saturday afternoon after a 90-minute outing with friends and family that included...

Ravens Team Report (Yahoo! Sports)

The Baltimore Ravens will need a new defensive coordinator, their third in four years, after Chuck Pagano agreed become the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts.

The 51-year-old Pagano will be introduced by Indianapolis on Thursday, but in a written statement, he expressed his enthusiasm for a job that entails taking over a club that won just two games last season.

"It's difficult to leave the Ravens, but I couldn't pass up on this great opportunity," Pagano said. "I'm just thrilled and so excited."

Pagano leaves after just one year as the defensive coordinator, but he had been the team's secondary coach for the previous three seasons.

Pagano took the reins of the defense after Greg Mattison left after the 2010 campaign to become the defensive coordinator at...