Words: Kyle Simpson

There are quite a few headlines coming out of the Ravens’ facility this week. Here’s a quick rundown of the news in Owings Mills:

The Ravens began practicing yesterday for the Big Dance on February 3rd. The Super Bowl patches have been placed on the jerseys and the camera crews from CBS have arrived at the facility to take headshots and interview video of the Ravens. With them, they brought a few props such as footballs, helmets and one other prop that had everybody talking. That prop was a genuine, un-engraved Vince Lombardi Trophy. The greatest prize in the NFL was within reach. And that is the exact reason Ray Lewis demanded it was put away. What he said was essentially that they had not earned the real trophy yet, so they do not deserve it. The CBS Associate Director said few teams actually have an issue with taking shots with the Lombari trophy, but the Ravens do not want to leave anything to chance. “I don’t want to jinx it. That seems like a jinx,” said cornerback Jimmy Smith to baltimoreravens.com.

The other major story developing at the Under Armour Performance Center was Ed Reed’s announcement that he was indeed playing next year; no matter if February 3rd is a win or loss, or if he is in a Ravens’ uniform next year. The 11-year saftey’s six-year contract ends this year and he is worth a pretty penny; a pretty penny that the Ravens might not be able to afford with the salary cap. Danelle Ellerbe, Carrey Willams and Paul Kruger all have contracts that need renewal. And all three might not be able to come back depending on how well contract negotiations go with Joe Flacco. My ideal situation is that the Ravens win the Super Bowl and Reed walks away with Ray Lewis after winning in his hometown and we see them in Canton this time in five years. But nobody really knows with Reed, he has marched to his own drum for years, flipping back and forth between retirement and staying. As he put it his press conference, “this isn’t my last ride, I just got a bike.” I sincerely hope he will not be riding that bike in New England. Really, he could ride anywhere but New England and I would be okay.

One more week to the big day!