'Superman.' 'Spectacular.': Praise overflows for Ed Reed

BALTIMORE — Ed Reed is listed as a safety for the Baltimore Ravens. He also is a safety net.

Baltimore's offense struggled much of the game Sunday night against the Washington Redskins, but Reed helped the Ravens to an early 14-0 lead with an interception and a fumble return touchdown. He added a late interception in a 24-10 victory that kept Baltimore in the thick of the AFC playoff race.

Praise for Reed flowed as if his teammates were dousing him with Gatorade:
•"It seems like the ball seems to find him. He doesn't find the ball. … He's one of the spectacular players in the NFL," said defensive lineman Trevor Pryce.
•"He's been amazing for so long that you expect him to make those plays," said tight end Todd Heap.
•"That guy is Superman. … Nothing gets past him," said wide receiver Derrick Mason.

Reed has 11 touchdowns in his seven-year NFL career: five on interceptions, two on fumble recoveries, three on blocked punts and one on a punt return. His three touchdowns this season include a record 108-yard interception return against the Philadelphia Eagles.

He has five interceptions this season despite playing with a nerve impingement that causes pain in his neck and shoulders.

"It's hats off to the trainers, hats off to my doctor, who I see every Friday. …It's not easy, but at the same time if you can be out there for your team them, then I'm going to be out there," said Reed.

His diving interception of a Jason Campbell's pass on the Red-skins first series started the Ravens on a touchdown drive. Campbell's arm was hit as he made the thrown by linebacker Terrell Suggs, and the ball fluttered high into the air.

"That's just somebody else making a play, and me doing my job," said Reed.

He had his 22-yard fumble return touchdown 5:30 into he game after forcing the turnover by Redskins running back Clinton Portis. The Redskins were unsuccessful in a challenge that Portis was down before the ball was out. "I didn't know if they were going to blow a whistle or not," said Reed. "But once they don't blow a whistle, we're taught to finish the play and let them make the decision afterwards,"

Reed sparked the Ravens (9-4) to the seventh victory in their last eight games. They are a game behind the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC North, and they host Pittsburgh Sunday.

The Steelers will have to account for Reed.

"He does such a great job of reading quarterbacks' eyes and knowing where they're going to go with the ball," said rookie quarterback Joe Flacco of the Ravens. "That's why he's always around it, and that's why you guys see him making so many big plays."

(usatoday.com)