The Ravens expected to have a Pro Bowl running back this season — they just didn’t envision it being Le’Ron McClain.
McClain, who leads the team with 693 yards and seven rushing touchdowns on 158 carries, was named the starting fullback for the AFC squad and one of five Ravens who made the AFC’s Pro Bowl Roster. The selection represents a whirlwind season for McClain, who had just eight carries for 18 yards last season and entered training camp out of shape, causing him to be buried on the depth chart.
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The team expected little from the 6-foot, 260-pounder, especially with running back Willis McGahee coming off a season in which he rushed for 1,207 yards to earn his first invitation to the Pro Bowl. But with McGahee injured and largely ineffective this season, McClain has become a focal point of the offense under first-year coordinator Cam Cameron.
“This has been a blessing for me,” McClain said. “I always wanted to play running back and be the MVP of the Super Bowl and I’m hoping to have my chance this year.”
But McClain won’t be the only Raven heading to Hawaii to participate in the NFL’s annual all-star game, as linebacker Ray Lewis and safety Ed Reed also made the starting lineup, with linebacker Terrell Suggs and special team standout Brendon Ayanbadejo making the team as backups.
Lewis, 33, has a team-high 139 tackles to go along with three sacks, three interceptions and 11 passes defended. Reed leads the team with five interceptions and has three touchdowns, including a league-record 107-yard return against Philadelphia on Nov. 23.
This is the third straight Pro Bowl for Ayanbadejo, who made the NFC squad the past two seasons with the Chicago Bears before signing with the Ravens during the offseason.
“Unfortunately only one guy can be known as the special teams guy and I’ve got a bunch of good guys around me,” said Ayanbadejo, who has made a team-high 26 tackles on special teams. “These guys are making me better and I’ve been a fortunate position to make three Pro Bowls.”
Suggs previously made the Pro Bowl in 2004 and 2006, when he had 10.5 and 9.5 sacks, respectively. He is second on the Ravens with 90 tackles and leads the team with 7.5 sacks and has two interceptions and two touchdowns.
“It’s flattering because you’re voted in by the other guys in the league,” Suggs said. “Ray Lewis told me ‘Just because you don’t have as many sacks, it doesn’t determine what kind of season you’re having.’ He told me ‘You’re having a monster season,’ so it felt good when they called my name.”
Still, the Ravens aren’t focusing on the fun and sun that awaits them on Feb. 8 — they’re too busy preparing for Saturday night’s game against the Cowboys that may determine if the Ravens earn a wild-card berth in the playoffs. The Cowboys (9-5), who also had five players selected to the Pro Bowl, are fighting for a wild card in the NFC and can’t afford to lose what could be the final game at historic Texas Stadium.
“You’ve got to enjoy it just for the moment,” Suggs said. “When I go home and turn the film on, it’s back to business as usual. We’ve got two games left in our season and we’re trying to get into the playoffs.”
HAWAII BOUND
The following Ravens were selected to the AFC’s Pro Bowl squad
Name Position Pro Bowls Key stats
Ray Lewis LB 10 139 tackles, 3 sacks, 3 INTs
Ed Reed S 5 5 INTs, 11 passes defensed, 3 TDs
Terrell Suggs LB 3 90 tackles, 7.5 sacks, 3 INTs, 2 TDs
Brendon Ayanbadejo LB 3 26 special teams tackles
Le’Ron McClain FB 1 693 rushing yards, 8 TDs
RAVENS (9-5) vs. COWBOYS (9-5)
Where: Texas Stadium, Dallas
When: Saturday, 8:15 p.m.
TV/Radio: NFL Network, WBAL-TV/ 1090 AM, 97.9 FM
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