Team’s fifth win in past six games has it 7-4 heading to Cincinnati
And to think, Ed Reed might not have been on the field this season.
The Ravens’ star safety stood before the media and made a confession very few — if any — saw coming this summer: He was on the verge of retiring.
He said the pain shooting from the nerve impingements in his neck and left shoulder made playing a game predicated on colliding with some of sports’ biggest athletes too unbearable.
He thought about retiring, but couldn’t quit playing the game he loved in the prime of his career.
A few months later, the Eagles wish he would have called it a short, but great career.
The four-time Pro Bowler showed he’s still very much at the top of his game, as he made two interceptions — returning one an NFL-record 108 yards for a touchdown in the four quarter — to spark a 36-7 victory over the Eagles in front 71,379 at M&T Bank Stadium.
Reed’s touchdown broke his own record of 106 yards, which he set four years ago in a 27-13 win over the Cleveland Browns. Reed has 37 career interceptions, including three this season, and 10 career touchdowns for the Ravens (7-4).
“Retiring never really left my mind,” Reed said. “It’s something you constantly think about with what I’m dealing with as we speak. My thing is if I can walk and talk and have no pain, then I’m going to play.”
But doing his part has become increasingly difficult for Reed. The 30-year-old is in the middle of his seventh NFL season after missing most of training camp dealing with his injuries. He says it’s a struggle to simply get on the field each week, as he requires considerable treatment with team trainers and doctors.
“It’s just grinding it out,” Reed said standing in front of his locker in a grey pinstriped suit. “I play for my teammates and my coaches. That’s why we keep doing it week after week. We do a great job as a training staff to try and get guys healthy. So I just try to do my part.”
Reed’s performance was just part of an overall dominating showing by the defense, which allowed just 206 yards in total offense and forced five turnovers, including four interceptions.
The Eagles’ lone score came in the second quarter on a 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Quintin Demps. It got so bad for Philadelphia that Coach Andy Reid pulled five-time Pro Bowl selection Donovan McNabb in the second half after he completed just 8-of-18 passes for 59 yards and two interceptions. Backup Kevin Kolb wasn’t much better, as he completed 10-of-23 passes for 73 yards and two interceptions for the Eagles (5-5-1).
“When you get beat up like we did today, that’s a head coaching problem right there, and a direct reflection of the job I’m doing,” Eagles coach Andy Reid said. “It’s unacceptable.”
Added Ravens coach John Harbaugh, who spent the past nine years working as Reid’s assistant in Philadelphia: “There’s no way to describe it. It was meaningful looking across and seeing Andy Reid over there, seeing [defensive coordinator Jim] Johnson and seeing the Eagles because I have great respect for them.”
But Reed wasn’t the only Raven making life miserable for the Eagles. The Ravens also received interceptions from cornerbacks Samari Rolle and Fabian Washington, who each have been slowed by neck injuries this season.
“I’m not surprised about what the defense does,” Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis said. “You look at our corners, they played extremely well today. That’s the beauty of our team. Ed Reed is probably — and I might be a little biased — one of the greatest football players I’ve ever seen, bottom line.”
A Closer Look
Ravens 36, Eagles 7
» Star of the game Safety Ed Reed. The four-time Pro Bowler made two interceptions, returning one an NFL-record 108 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter.
» Decisive play Linebacker Jameel McClain blocked Saveria Rocca’s punt in the end zone for a safety to give the Ravens a 12-7 lead with 6:01 left in the third quarter. It was McClain’s second safety of the season, a team record.
» Best coaching decision Harbaugh remaining calm. The Ravens’ offense was abysmal for much of the game. But Harbaugh did not panic and stuck with his players. The strategy worked, as the Ravens’ offense scored 17 points in the fourth quarter to secure the victory.
» Worst decision Reed trying an illegal forward lateral inside the Eagles’ 10-yard line during his 43-yard interception return. The Ravens, however, were not penalized because Eagles tackle Jon Runyan was called for an offsetting unnecessary roughness penalty. The Ravens got the ball on the six-yard line, and three plays later, quarterback Joe Flacco threw a one-yard touchdown pass to tight end Daniel Wilcox.
» It was over when Flacco connected on a 53-yard touchdown reception to receiver Mark Clayton to extend the lead to 22-7 with 11:30 left in the game.
Ron Snyder covers the Ravens for The Examiner. He can be reached at [email protected]
