Baltimore Ravens rookie safety Matt Elam has insisted that he meant no disrespect to Calvin Johnson when he called the Detroit Lions wide receiver "old" last week.

Elam stoked the flames between the two playoff-chasing sides ahead of Monday's crucial match, which the Ravens went on to win 18-16 thanks to a 61-yard field goal in the final minute.

Johnson struggled to make his usual impact on the match, gaining 98 yards on six receptions and dropping two passes in the first half, but Elam still believes that 'Megatron' is the best player in the league.

"We just put every guy on him to try to stop him. It was no disrespect meant to Calvin. He's the best in the league, so why would I challenge him? Words just got stirred up," Elam told reporters.

Both the Ravens and the Lions now sit second in their respective divisions, one win behind the leaders with two games left to play.