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Starks gambles, calls Collins' bluff
By Joe Lago


TAMPA, Fla. -- In poker, it's called a "tell" -- a mannerism or habit that tips one's hand.

Ravens cornerback Duane Starks had detected Kerry Collins' "tell" from watching film of the Giants quarterback. If Collins hopped after the first backpeddle in his three-step drop, Starks knew that Collins was ready to throw.

Duane Starks
Duane Starks' 49-yard interception return gave the Ravens a 17-0 lead.

"Every now and then, you've got to gamble," Starks said. "You've got to take chances."

Starks called Collins' bluff and the Giants folded. Starks broke for the ball once he saw Collins hop and intercepted the ball intended for wide receiver Amani Toomer.

Forty-nine yards later, Starks fulfilled a lifelong dream by returning a pick for a touchdown in the Super Bowl. Thirty-six seconds later, the teams exchanged kickoff returns for TDs as the Ravens rolled to a 34-7 victory at Raymond James Stadium.

"They never gave us anything, coupled with the fact that I wasn't reading things well, wasn't seeing things well," Collins said. "They were responsible for a lot of misreads and did a good job of making plays and getting in the right spot."

Starks, thought to be the weak link in the Ravens' defense, was challenged early and often by Collins with deep balls. It caught Starks by surprise, but then again, the 1998 first-round pick has gotten used to being picked on in a defense that boasts one of the most dominating front sevens ever.

"I'm too small, too short and don't weigh that much," said the 5-foot-10, 170-pound Starks, who had two interceptions in the Ravens' 16-3 win over the Raiders in the AFC championship game. "But I still get the job done."

Baltimore's past meets its present
In the corridors of Raymond James Stadium, a member of Baltimore's rich NFL history could be found sitting inconspicuously in a chair and smiling proudly over the city's new football heroes.

Art Donovan, the Baltimore Colts' Hall of Fame defensive tackle during the 1950s but probably better known now for his hilarious appearances on David Letterman's "Late Show," watched the Ravens craft their own legend. Like his memorable 1958 title team, the Ravens beat the Giants, too.

"They're very good. They've played well all year long," Donovan said of the Ravens. "They got to the Super Bowl. All I can say is more power to them."

Donovan wouldn't compare the '58 Colts to the 2000 Ravens, saying "We played differently. They have more people on the teams now. What do they have? Fifty-two or 53? We had 30."

He did say the Colts acted differently than the trash-talking Ravens. "We were told to keep our mouths shut," Donovan said.

"But this is great," he added. "Do you hear those people out there now? They're going nuts. I'm glad to get away from that (rowdy celebration)."



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