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The difference-makers Special teams could be key if Ravens' D stymies Raiders' O
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) -- With the Oakland Raiders' potent offense and the Baltimore Ravens' strong defense, special teams could be vital Sunday in the AFC title game. "I think we're more prepared for this game than any other game we've played," said Oakland punter Shane Lechler. The Raiders (13-4) are well aware of the matchup on special teams with the Ravens (14-4). Last week, against the Tennessee Titans, Baltimore returned a blocked field goal for a touchdown in its 24-10 upset. "We always say that special teams win close games," said running back Randy Jordan, who doubles on special teams. "We're going to be ready Sunday." The Raiders could have used the added advantages of special teams last season. Eight of their losses came by a touchdown or less -- four by a field goal or less. The Raiders addressed the problem in the offseason, drafting kicker Sebastian Janikowski out of Florida State with the 17th overall pick. He was the first kicker taken in the first round in 21 years. They also drafted Lechler out of Texas A&M with a fifth-round pick. Janikowski had a shaky start, hitting only seven of his first 13 field goals. Then he had a bout with a bacterial infection in his kicking foot, keeping him out of two games. But Janikowski has come on strong down the stretch, hitting 18 of his last 22 tries. He missed a 58-yarder against the Miami Dolphins in the divisional playoff last weekend, but hit on field goals from 35 and 33 yards out. Lechler has been the real surprise. He ranked first in the NFL with a 38-yard net punting average this season, with five punts of 60 yards or longer. He was the only rookie named to the All-Pro Team. He's not worried about the Ravens. "The more relaxed I am, the better I hit the ball," he said. "So if I can be calm on Sunday and play my game, I'll be fine." They are the core of Oakland's special teams, which have improved this season under fiery coach Bob Casullo. The Raiders have blocked five kicks, and returned a kickoff and a blocked punt for touchdowns. "It's a real eager crowd we have in that room," head coach Jon Gruden said about his specialists. "We've got some guys who push each other and raise the bar every week." Jordan blocked a Denver punt earlier this season and ran it 3 yards for a touchdown. "I think special teams will make a difference," he said. "Because that's hidden yardage that means an edge in a close game." While the Raiders aren't going to change anything, they have been paying close attention to detail in their meetings. A focus of their attention has been Baltimore's Jermaine Lewis, who led the league in punt returns. "He's a loaded gun, there's no question about it," Gruden said. "I've seen him explode on people over the years."
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