Grading the Ravens' performance in last Sunday's 33-14 victory over the Patriots on the road in the first round of the AFC playoffs.

Offense. You don’t often win a game with four completions. Fortunately, the Ravens’ smash-mouth rushing game more than made up for a lack of a passing attack. From Ray Rice’s 83-yard touchdown run on their first play from scrimmage, it was clear the Ravens were going to run wild. The offensive line blocked beautifully and they steamrolled the Patriots for four TDs — at least one each by Ray Rice, Willis McGahee and LeRon McClain — and 234 yards on 52 carries. Rice was again spectacular, and McGahee continues to prove he’s worthy of getting touches. The Ravens did the right thing in relying on the rush. And it probably isn’t easy to establish much of a groove when you only throw 10 passes. But in completing just four of them — and throwing an interception — Joe Flacco didn’t inspire much confidence. But he turned in a heady play when he extended the ball to the first-down marker as he ran out of bounds, a play which was later successfully overturned in favor of the Ravens. Flacco didn’t play well, but he was good enough. Grade: B-

Defense. This is what we’d been waiting for all season. The defense was ferocious in the first quarter. It was like Greg Mattison had suddenly figured out how to best utilize his personnel. They hit hard. They tackled well. They got pressure on Tom Brady, who played poorly. (Was that a mullet?) And they were able to stop the run. Ray Lewis had his first-ever postseason sack. Even Terrell Suggs finally made a big play. His sack, strip and fumble recovery proved to be a game-changer, not even five minutes into the game. But it wasn’t just about the linebackers. It was probably the secondary’s best game yet. Dawan Landry, Ed Reed and Chris Carr (in his best performance as a Raven) each had an interception. Two of those went for big returns. (Although Reed shouldn’t be so eager to lateral.) And Frank Walker laid out a devastating hit that led to Landry’s INT. All of those players — and Domonique Foxworth, who had a hand in Reed’s turnover — did a great job in wrapping up players and finishing tackles. Grade: A+

Special Teams. The Ravens turned over the ball on a punt return, which would’ve been overturned had it been challenged. Tom Zbikowski (kick) and Carr (punt) each had an excellent return. And Billy Cundiff was perfect on the day. But the Ravens did give up a big punt return to Julian Edelman. Grade: B --- RONALD T. ZIZMOR.