No matter how diplomatic they are this week about playing the New Orleans Saints, Ravens players and coaches are aware of what awaits them if they beat the media darling Sunday.
The Saints have taken on nationwide fans after returning this season to the Superdome, which was badly damaged by Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
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“I?ve been in that building when it?s cranked up,” Ravens head coach Brian Billick said of the noise. “But … they?re the sweethearts of the league that everybody loves and deservedly so. You go in and beat them, you might as well beat up on Mother Teresa. [People will say] ?You scums, what are youdoing here?? But that?s what we?re going to try and do.”
While many Baltimore players have spoken sympathetically about New Orleans and the ongoing efforts to rebuild the area, they won?t show a soft spot on Sunday.
“Katrina is Katrina,” linebacker Adalius Thomas said. “This is about football now. I don?t feel sorry for the Saints as far as them being 5-1. No, not necessarily. As far as the people and the community around there, you pour your hearts out to people who have lost everything, but this is a game. Katrina is about life. This is something totally different.”
Tight end Todd Heap said that going against the sweetheart-pick Saints, the deck is already stacked against the Ravens, who in years past have been listed among the NFL?s bad boys.
“It?s definitely going to be a challenge,” Heap said. “You know that all their fans are going to be pumped up. It?s going to be loud in there, so they?re going to have that advantage, but they?re playing great as it is, without the support of anyone else.”
McNair takes the field
Ravens quarterback Steve McNair had his first full practice Wednesday since suffering a concussion in the loss to Carolina two weeks ago. McNair said he was refreshed.
“I feel good today,” he said. “I?ll know tonight. Overall, it felt good to practice, better than I have in a long time. I felt fresh. I felt rejuvenated.”
Billick said backup Kyle Boller might take a few extra snaps just in case McNair has a relapse.
