BALTIMORE (AP) — The Baltimore Ravens were perfect at home during the regular season and a .500 team on the road, which explains why they were so desperate to host at least one playoff game this month.
There are many theories as to why the Ravens are so much better at home. Familiarity with their surroundings? Check. The noise generated by their 71,000 supportive fans? Absolutely.
Houston Texans coach Gary Kubiak, whose team faces Baltimore on Sunday in the second round of the AFC playoffs, says the Ravens also get a lift from the synthetic turf at M&T Bank Stadium. He says running back Ray Rice runs better on the turf in Baltimore than anywhere else.
Rice rushed for 101 yards in October to help the Ravens beat the Texans 29-14 in Baltimore.
