Ravens intend to make a run at top-seeded Colts on Saturday

OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — Playing keep-away from Peyton Manning is always a priority against the Indianapolis Colts.

Just ask Bill Belichick.

Holding the football and a six-point lead at Indianapolis in November, Belichick kept the Patriots on the field for a fourth-and-2 at the New England 28 with just over two minutes remaining. The first-down try failed, and Manning quickly produced a touchdown and a 35-34 victory.

The Baltimore Ravens hope to avoid a similar situation Saturday night in their playoff game against the Colts. Their plan is to deprive Manning of the ball early enough so that it won’t matter if he gets it late.

Offensive coordinator Cam Cameron has the personnel to make the plan work — especially against an Indianapolis defense that ranks 24th in the NFL against the run. In last week’s 33-14 rout of the Patriots, Ray Rice, Willis McGahee and Le’Ron McClain helped Baltimore total 234 yards rushing in 52 attempts.

The yardage the Ravens gain on the ground will be significant, but time of possession is even more important against Manning and the Colts.

“My favorite thing is to look up at the clock and watch it go tick, tick, tick,” Ravens defensive coordinator Greg Mattison said.

Rice should be getting plenty of touches in the first half. Baltimore won’t entirely abandon the passing game, but establishing a ground attack is clearly a top priority.

“This is the time of year when the run game tends to emerge a little more. Everybody knows that,” Rice said.

Including the Colts.

“I believe that’s [Baltimore’s] strength,” All-Pro defensive end Dwight Freeney said. “I think what they want to do is ball control. I believe they want to keep the ball in their hands and run and pound the ball. That will keep the ball out of our offense’s hands.”

Two weeks ago, the Oakland Raiders prepared for the 5-foot-8 Rice. They ended up getting run over by McGahee, who scored three touchdowns. Rice did most of the damage against the Patriots, beginning with an 83-yard score on the first play from scrimmage.

“That’s a tough thing to do. Obviously, you know it’s a great tandem,” coach Jim Caldwell said. “They have a lot of ability. And, certainly, their offensive line has been able to control the line of scrimmage. What you hope to do is keep them contained.”