Ed Reed leads Ravens in interceptions after two games

In just two games, Ed Reed already leads the Ravens in interceptions, collecting his third of the season in the team's 26-10 win against the Miami Dolphins this Sunday.

In fact, the six-time Pro Bowl free safety has almost as many interceptions as the rest of his teammates, who have four between cornerbacks Chris Carr and Lardarius Webb, inside linebacker Ray Lewis and safety Ken Hamlin.

After Sunday's contest, NFL Network analyst and former Ravens cornerback Deion Sanders called Reed "the best safety in the game."

Ravens coach John Harbaugh said he remains continually impressed by Reed, who missed the entire preseason and the first six games after undergoing hip surgery in the offseason.

"Obviously, he's a great football player," Harbaugh said. "He's worked really hard on getting himself prepared for the time when he was going to come back, and you guys saw how hard he was working. I think it's a tribute to him, the kind of person he is, how important it is to him, and the caliber of player he is. I've said it many times: I think he's going to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer, and that's the way he's playing."

On Sunday, Reed was the recipient of a high pass from Miami quarterback Chad Henne that deflected off wide receiver Brandon Marshall's fingers in the fourth quarter. He returned the interception 18 yards to the Dolphins' 18-yard line, and the offense converted it into a Billy Cundiff 24-yard field goal.

"I was in the right spot at the right time," Reed said. "I caught it, and I just took it down."

During the return, Reed almost pulled off what has become a patented move for him, appearing ready to lateral the football to Ray Lewis as the Miami players began to close around him. But Reed reconsidered and held onto the ball.

"If I was ever pitching it, I have to be smart in that situation," he said. "We had great field position, and the offense was doing a great job moving the ball, so I just have to be smart with it."

Click here to order Ed Reed’s proCane Rookie Card.



(baltimoresun.com)