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J. Smith's step forward
The Ravens were encouraged by how cornerback Jimmy Smith performed against the Bengals.
Although he was flagged for a 21-yard pass interference penalty, Smith looked more comfortable and covered more closely since returning from sports hernia surgery.
"Jimmy looked like he's getting better," Harbaugh said. "He's played his best game obviously since he's been hurt. That will be a big bonus for us if he can be 100 percent."
Beaten for a completion that set up a touchdown in his first game back against the Denver Broncos, Smith had two tackles Sunday. His pass deflection on a deep pass was taken away by a Baltimore penalty.
"It feels real good to get back on the field, especially having that adversity I faced this year," Smith said. "I'm still getting there. No setbacks, I felt good. I broke up some scar tissue. It was a step in the right direction."
Sibling rivalry
It was a proud day for the Gradkowski clan Sunday with several family members on hand to watch a pair of brothers square off.
Bengals veteran backup quarterback Bruce Gradkowski and Ravens rookie center Gino Gradkowski both got extensive playing time.
"Yeah, it was cool," Gino Gradkowski said. "It's cool because we shared the dream together and have been a part of each others' lives the whole way and been each others' biggest fans. It was weird because now we can't root for each other. It was fun to be out there with him."
Bruce Gradkowski completed 5 of 11 passes for 65 yards in relief of starter Andy Dalton, and Gino Gradkowski had a solid game.
"We got significant playing time, so that was cool," Gino Gradkowski said. "I felt pretty good out there. They have a good front. We'll evaluate the film and see how I did."
Allen finds end zone
Reserve running back Anthony Allen has provided key blocks all season for Pro Bowl kick returner Jacoby Jones.
Allen got to step out of his good-soldier role for a bit Sunday, scoring his first NFL touchdown on a 2-yard plunge off left tackle one play after a career-long 20-yard run.
His reaction to the score was tame.
"I was too tired to celebrate," Allen said. "I thought about celebrating and then I thought I got to get on this kickoff the next play."
Cody fearing fine
Nose tackle Terrence Cody is bracing for a fine from the NFL later this week due to his roughing the passer penalty stemming from a late hit on Gradkowski.
The flag gave the Bengals a first down on a drive capped with a field goal.
"At first, I didn't think I hit him with the crown of my helmet," Cody said. "I came up with my elbow first. I kind of messed up the whole drive and gave them three points. It was a bad hit. I'll be looking for that fine letter from the NFL."
End zone
The Ravens set a franchise record with 398 points for the season, topping previous marks of 391 points in 2009 and 2003. ... The Ravens also set a franchise record for fewest turnovers with 16, beating the previous record of 20 established in 2010. ... Defensive tackle Bryan Hall's first NFL sack and forced fumble was nullified after an instant-replay review. "The first sack of my NFL career, and it didn't even count," Hall said. "I'll keep the tape and show my kids one day. I had a lot of family here to see a fake sack. I got to keep it up, plenty more to come."
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