Vindication?

Pasquarelli says they were looking for it

“They were very quick [defensively], almost like a blur,” said Ravens halfback Ray Rice of the Colts. “They make plays, they’re very disciplined, and they don’t miss tackles.”

The NFL’s sixth-leading rusher (1,339 yards) this season, Rice gained 67 yards on 13 carries against the Colts. Rice also led the Ravens with nine receptions for 60 yards, as quarterback Joe Flacco was limited primarily to check-down routes in the second half. Apparently, the Colts also didn’t pay a price for resting their starters for most of the final two regular-season games. Indianapolis didn’t mind the bye it enjoyed last week as a reward for being the AFC’s top seed. In fact, the time off last week might have benefited the Colts beyond allowing their several injured players to heal. Last week in practice, Caldwell — who celebrated his 55th birthday Saturday and enjoyed a team serenade after his first playoff victory — had the Colts’ first-team offense go against the No. 1 defense. Usually, the No. 1 units practice against the scout teams. But the tactic created a sense of competitiveness and eagerness among the players, and several veterans noted after the playoff victory that it added to their confidence as well. “We knew that if we could play well for three days against our offense, which I consider the best offense in the league, we could handle anything,” said end Dwight Freeney, who had four tackles and two quarterback hurries in his most extensive action in a month.