"Cory Redding isn't the only Raven enjoying a welcome taste of the playoffs.

Marc Bulger hasn't been to the postseason since 2004 when he was quarterbacking the St. Louis Rams to an NFC Wildcard game. That makes the Ravens' upcoming foray into the playoffs that much more enjoyable.

"It's been about five years," said Bulger, who was off by one year. "So it's nice to not to have to think about starting to pack this week. Hopefully, we're prepared for the next six weeks. We obviously don't want to look past this week [against the Cincinnati Bengals], but we know the season won't end after this week."

What isn't clear is Bulger's future after the postseason. The backup signed a one year, $3.8 million contract in the offseason to back up starter Joe Flacco, becoming a free agent after this season.

But Bulger, a 10-year veteran, said he hasn't contemplated what's in store for him in the offseason.

"I haven't. Right now, it's Cincinnati and then the playoffs, and we'll see where it takes us from there," he said. "I like where our football team is at right now. We've gotten better all year, and I think we can make a run."

Bulger is a two-time Pro Bowler who became the fifth-fastest quarterback in NFL history to pass for 20,000 career yards in 2008. Bulger, who is 33, can still sling the ball around, but he deferred when asked if he believes he can be a starter now.

"I haven't even thought about it," he said. "I think every quarterback feels they can be a starting quarterback. But right now, I'm not. That's not my role. Joe's playing great, which is awesome. I've watched him get better each game this year. I didn't know he could get much better, but he has, and it's been fun to watch.""