Chick Ludwig covers the Cincinnati Bengals. He also writes about his other passions: college football, basketball and golf.Home > Blogs > Chick Ludwig At Large > Archives > 2008 > November > 25 > Entry
Ravens’ Ed Reed: Man…Myth…Legend
REED TOPS HIMSELF
WITH LONGEST ‘INT’
RETURN IN HISTORY
EASY ED’S NEXT TASK:
BASHING THE BENGALS
Records are made to be broken, and Ed Reed shattered his own mark in the Ravens’ 36-7 victory over the Eagles.
His two interceptions were the 36th and 37th of his career, a Ravens record. And he totaled 151 return yards, including a 108-yard TD — the longest interception return in NFL history. Reed held the previous mark of 106 set in 2004 against the Browns.
Ed Reed
Philadelphia faced second down at the Ravens’ 1-yard line. Baltimore rookie Haruki Nakamura noticed that Eagles wideout Reggie Brown lined up at tight end.
“Haruki pointed out that 86 was on the end of the line, so we kind of knew it wasn’t going to be a run to that side,” Reed told the Ravens media. “I was watching 86’s feet when he was in the huddle just to find out where he was going. Once he went across the field, it was pretty simple from there. Just keep trailing it. The quarterback never even saw me come from behind.”
Reed snared Kevin Kolb’s pass, broke a tackle from tailback Brian Westbrook, eluded guard Todd Herremans and juked tight end Brent Celek.
“I was thinking, ‘Just run,,’ ” Reed said. “Once I saw Westbrook, I know he’s a fast guy. I thought I ran out of bounds, and it was, ‘Just keep running, be smart.’ And then it just sprung from there.”
BENGALS: BRANDON JOHNSON A KEEPER
Where would the Cincinnati Bengals be without outside linebacker Brandon Johnson? Lost.
The third-year veteran from Louisville has replaced the injured Keith Rivers, and proven himself as a playmaker in coordinator Mike Zimmer’s scheme.
Brandon Johnson
Johnson’s first career interception (and 35-yard return) came against Philadelphia, then he kept the momentum going at Pittsburgh with a pass deflection and two tackles for loss among his eight spots.
Johnson (6-5, 245) is a tall, athletic linebacker with good speed, range and awareness. He’s a rugged, aggressive tackler, a solid pass rusher when give the opportunity and his wide wingspan allows him to get his hands on a lot of passes others can’t reach.
Signed in the offseason after two years with the Arizona Cardinals, Johnson has emerged as a leader with his strong work ethic and enthusiastic play.
“If everybody got everything their way in life, it’d be pretty boring,” Johnson said about the Bengals’ rough season. “There’s a little saying out there: ‘Why does everyone hate adversity when it only makes you stronger?’ You’ve got to keep fighting, keep pushing.”
BROWNS: BRAYLON’S BRUTAL BALL SKILLS
Wide receiver Braylon Edwards has 40 receptions for 661 yards (16.5) and three TDs. But his season is defined by his drops.
Braylon Edwards
He dropped three more passes in a 16-6 loss to Houston, pushing his unofficial season total to 18.
“I know the fans are very upset at me and I can’t blame them,” Edwards said. “I do want people to know I love this game and I love this team. I don’t ever go out there and not give my all. I don’t ever drop a ball and not care.
“I’ve been very inconsistent this year. I hold myself to a high standard. My team is calling my number. They’re depending on me. I don’t know what it is, but I have to go somewhere and get my head together.”
STEELERS: HOLMES KNOCKED OUT
Wide receiver Santonio Holmes was having a brilliant game in Pittsburgh’s 27-10 victory over the Bengals (5 catches, 84 yards).
Santonio Holmes
And then he ran into safety Chris Crocker at 8:30 of the third quarter and was done for the night.
“He was out of it,” wide receiver Hines Ward said. “Santonio is a warrior. He’ll be back. That’s just the violence of the game. It was a clean hit. That’s why I try to preach to my guys: ‘Hit them before they hit you.’ You know they are going to hit you. So any opportunities you can get, you have to take your shots.”
Permalink | Comments (2) | Post your comment | Categories: NFL
Comments
By Brian
November 26, 2008 8:07 AM | Link to this
At this special time of year, why don’t we all stop a second and thank Mike Brown for serving us up another turkey?By Mike Brown
November 26, 2008 8:18 AM | Link to this
you’re welcome pal…i’m thinking we’re almost gonna win this sunday…that would be 11 close ones this season, not bad. Damn i’m good….is this costing me anything?