Ravens fine season again ends in disappointment

OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) - For all they accomplished -- an unprecedented perfect record at home, a division title and a berth in the AFC title game -- the Baltimore Ravens nevertheless fell tantalizingly short of reaching their ultimate goal.

Again.

A 23-20 loss to the New England Patriots on Sunday concluded Baltimore's fourth straight playoff run. On each occasion, the Ravens won at least once before losing. And every time, the end came in disheartening fashion.

This time, a dropped pass and a missed field goal in the final minute ended Baltimore's quest to reach the Super Bowl.

"Coming up short just gets kind of old," defensive tackle Haloti Ngata said Monday as the players said their goodbyes and stuffed their belongings into oversized trash bags.