Ravens running backs Ray Rice and Le‚Ron McClain knew late in the game their bruising running style was wearing down the Cincinnati Bengals.
“We were all in the huddle wanting to take it to them,” McClain said. “They had their heads down and were ready for it to be over.”
McClain’s 86 yards on 19 carries and Rice’s 64 yards on 22 attempts was a major factor in a 17-10 victory over the Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium on Sunday afternoon. The offense ran for 229 yards on 46 carries with two touchdowns and controlled the clock late in the game, not allowing the Bengals another possession after failing on a fourth-down attempt from the Ravens‚ 25 yard line with about seven and a half minutes remaining. Rice started in place of the injured Willis McGahee, who dressed but did not play as he recovers from knee surgery.
“I’m so proud of him,” center Jason Brown said of McClain. “I know we‚re going to expect a lot more great things form him later on this year.”
CAPTAIN FOR A DAY: Baltimore native and former Towson Catholic standout basketball player Carmelo Anthony returned to Charm City to serve as an honorary Ravens’ captain for the season opener at M&T Bank Stadium. The Denver Nuggets all-star and member of the gold medal-winning U.S. basketball team, wore the medal around his neck and a No. 15 purple Ravens jersey with his name on the back at midfield during the pregame coin toss. “That was big, going on Oprah, but being here for my first Ravens game in 12 years as an honorary captain, Anthony said, “It’s even bigger.”
INJURED LIST: The Ravens were without several key players on Sunday. Quarterback Troy Smith remained sidelined as he recovers from a tonsil infection and newly-acquired defensive back Evan Oglesby and tackle Willie Anderson each did not dress. Tackles Oniel Cousins (back) and David Hale (undisclosed) are still nursing injuries as is defensive tackle Kelly Gregg (knee). Rookie receiver Marcus Smith (right shoulder) and first-year linebacker Tavares Gooden also sat out the opener.
OCHO NO: Cincinnati Bengals receiver Chad Johnson, who legally changed his surname to Ocho Cinco, was forced to wear C. Johnson on the back of his jersey until the league and team can work out several unresolved issues regarding the switch. Ocho Cinco, who wore the name on the back of his jersey during warm-ups, will go by his former name on all official statistic sheets until the change is finalized.
“I’m not worried about the name on my jersey,” he said. “It didn’t have anything to do with the game.”
