Ravens' success in postseason could depend upon performance of youthful offensive line

Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice, left, rushes past New York Giants strong safety Stevie Brown for a touchdown in the first half of an NFL football game in Baltimore, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Gail Burton) (The Associated Press)

Baltimore Ravens running back Bernard Pierce, center, rushes past New York Giants outside linebacker Spencer Paysinger, back left, and middle linebacker Chase Blackburn in the first half of an NFL football game in Baltimore, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Nick Wass) (The Associated Press)

The Baltimore Ravens can only hope the performance they received from their offensive line last weekend is an indication of what lies ahead for a unit that relies heavily on youth.

Baltimore amassed a season-high 533 yards Sunday in a 33-14 rout of the defending Super Bowl champion New York Giants. Joe Flacco had enough time in the pocket to throw for 309 yards and two touchdowns, the Ravens converted 11 of 18 third downs and Ray Rice and Bernard Pierce each topped 100 yards rushing.

Flacco, Rice and wide receivers Torrey Smith and Anquan Boldin are the big names on Baltimore's offense, but the team's success in the playoffs could depend on what happens up front.

Baltimore (10-5) concludes the regular season Sunday at Cincinnati (9-6).

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