"The Ravens responded to the New York Jets' rhetoric with resiliency. Overcoming turnovers and capitalizing on penalties, the Ravens wrestled out a season-opening 10-9 victory over the Jets before 78,127 at New Meadowlands Stadium. A less-than-full-strength Ravens defense became a nightmare for Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez's self-proclaimed "dream team," holding New York to 176 total yards and six first downs (one shy of the Ravens' record). Their offense continually burned cornerback Antonio Cromartie only days after he declared the Jets "the Miami Heat of football," beating him for big plays and drawing four penalties on him. "It's a compliment to our players to play that kind of a football team in this kind of environment," coach John Harbaugh said. "I thought we were disciplined. I thought we were poised. I thought we played with fundamental soundness." The Ravens' defense showed its longtime coordinator, Jets coach Rex Ryan, that he might have left but its dominance remains. Ray Lewis and teammates tormented Sanchez, holding the second-year quarterback to 74 yards passing. The Ravens' secondary, missing safety Ed Reed and cornerbacks Domonique Foxworth and Lardarius Webb, let the Jets convert only one of 11 third downs. The Jets' defense was atop the NFL last season, but last night ? "I think we showed who the No. 1 defense is," linebacker Terrell Suggs said. Perhaps the biggest statistic is that turnovers and poor special teams play let the Jets start in Ravens territory four times. But the Ravens' defense gave up only three field goals. "Our defense was lights out," Harbaugh said. "They were put in some really tough situations. That's about as good a defensive performance that the Ravens have ever played." The defense was fueled by Lewis, who exchanged words with Ryan and New York players all week. Before breaking the pre-game huddle, he chanted, "Family." "Ray's the Ravens," Harbaugh said. "I think we wanted to win this game for Ray and we did." The Ravens' offense showed fight inside as well. The Ravens turned the ball over three times (fumbles by Joe Flacco and Willis McGahee and an interception by Flacco) in their first four drives of the season. But the Ravens responded in the final seconds of the first half, when McGahee scored on a tough 1-yard touchdown run that put them ahead, 7-6, a lead they would never relinquish." http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/bal-ravens-jets-0913,0,6503136.story
