Hard-hitting Pollard provides swagger to Ravens' D

OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) - Bernard Pollard likes to talk and loves to hit.

The Baltimore Ravens strong safety is one of the chattiest players in the locker room, eager to discuss anything from NFL policy to gay marriage.

On the field, Pollard is arguably the fiercest tackler on a rugged defense with a reputation for nastiness. His affection for collision is one big reason why the Ravens beat New England 28-13 last Sunday to earn a berth in the Super Bowl.

Pollard's helmet-to-helmet smack down of Patriots running back Stevan Ridley forced a fourth-quarter fumble that proved to be turning point in Baltimore's upset victory. New England trailed by eight points with just under 13 minutes left when Pollard leveled Ridley, forcing him from the game with a technical knockout.