Ravens Need To Wait on Ed Reed

The Ed Reed situation is going to be one of the most interesting for the Ravens and their defense throughout the off-season. And not much has changed since the season ended last month.

There were questions at the end of the season about whether or not Reed will retire. He’s been battling various injuries the past few seasons that clearly affected him at times. But then veteran and future Hall of Famer Ray Lewis said after the season’s final game that he’d be back for Season No. 17.

That came right after the painful 23-20 loss to the Patriots in the AFC title game a few weeks ago. However, Reed wouldn’t even talk to the media after that contest, which left his situation very much up in the air.

Reed was a first-round pick before the 2002 season and also will be a Hall of Famer. The only difference is that Lewis already has a championship ring and Reed doesn’t yet.

That’s why I think that Reed will return despite the problems he went through in the final weeks of 2011.

He drew lots of controversy in the final weeks for the remarks he made about starting quarterback Joe Flacco. Did Reed made those critical comments simply to fire up Flacco, who had one of the best games he’s had in a while versus the Patriots? It’s hard to tell.

Was Reed fired up himself by the various media criticisms he received from the media and fans about his stats going down this year. He addressed those things after the playoff win over Houston. But, as mentioned before, Reed wouldn’t talk at all after the New England loss.

Reed likes to do things his way. He’s also a tremendous competitor who hates to lose. That’s why the feeling here is that the Ravens won’t hear much in the early days of the off-season from Reed, who will make the decision when he’s ready.

The Ravens will just have to wait.


(csnwashington.com)