Lewis, Reed have Belichick's respect

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - In the wake of any game, and particularly in a loss, glad-handing isn't something that seems to interest Bill Belichick all that much. Just ask Eric Mangini, or any of the other coaches with whom he's shared an awkward handshake.

But after yesterday's AFC wild-card game

with the Baltimore Ravens - a 33-14 loss for his Patriots - the New England coach lingered a while. Amid the collection of players, cameramen and assorted personnel that had gathered on the field, he made a point to seek out two players in particular for a post-game hug. The first was Ed Reed. The second was Ray Lewis.

And each proved again yesterday why Belichick holds in such high regard.

Lewis had a sack among 13 tackles and two quarterback hurries, while Reed had a key interception and got his hands on another pass, as the two enduring icons of Baltimore's long-dominant defense each made his presence felt with yet another big-time postseason performance.

"We really came out and had fun," Lewis said. "That was my message all week: Have fun, grab those moments and have fun with these moments."

The bigger the moment the better Lewis and Reed seem to play, and yesterday was no different. Both were major difference makers in the first-quarter blitz that netted Baltimore a 24-0 lead, as Lewis burned through the middle of the Patriots line, bowled over Laurence Maroney and buried Tom Brady seven yards behind the line to stunt New England's second drive, then Reed came up with a tipped pass to pick the quarterback and set up a field goal.

"Being in this league for so many years, I have watched the greatest of the New England Patriots, so you have to tip your hat to them," Lewis said. "They are one of the top-notch programs in professional football - three championships in the last 10 years. You have to erase all that and just come play football. We played a heck of a football game today."

Both Lewis and Reed said Baltimore did exactly what it set out to do. It wanted to jump out on the Patriots, then give Brady a variety of looks. They wanted to make him think they were blitzing when they weren't; and they didn't want him to identify the blitz when they were.

"Bottom line is," Lewis said, "if you can get to Brady and rattle him early you have a great chance."

And, as evidenced by his level of respect, Belichick knows full well that any team with Lewis and Reed always has a great chance, too.



(concordmonitor.com)