This was no time for diplomacy. The Ravens have redemption on the agenda for their trip to Mile High Stadium after a 34-17 loss to the Broncos in Baltimore on Dec. 16.
"I was hoping we would get them," said Boldin, who had 145 yards and one touchdown in linebacker Ray Lewis' final home game. "So they'll see us next week."
Boldin was asked why the outcome would be different this time. The Broncos have won 11 in a row with quarterback Peyton Manning at the top of his game and the NFL's third-ranked defense.
"We'll make it different," Boldin said without hesitation.
History suggests otherwise. Manning is 2-0 in the playoffs against the Ravens, and 8-2 against them overall. Both playoff victories came when Manning was with the Colts, the most recent a 20-3 win in the second round of the 2010 playoffs when the four-time MVP threw for 246 yards and two touchdowns.
A month ago, Manning threw for a season-low 204 yards and one touchdown against the Ravens, but the Broncos got 115 rushing yards and a touchdown from tailback Knowshon Moreno. Since taking over as the starter on Nov. 25, Moreno has rushed for 510 yards and three touchdowns.
The Ravens managed 278 total yards, their third-fewest this season, and committed two turnovers in what at the time was a third consecutive loss.
"You know, in the playoffs, you play great teams," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. "Every single team you play is a great football team. We've got a lot of respect for them. Denver came in here and played really well against us and beat us pretty good."
Lewis has announced that he will retire at the conclusion of this season, ending a 17-year career that includes 13 Pro Bowl selections and a Super Bowl MVP award.
Wearing a protective brace Sunday to help stabilize his injury, Lewis finished with a team-high 13 tackles, although he did drop what appeared a sure interception.
