Hello Baltimore,
We'll be in freezing Foxborough, Mass., the rest of this week providing news, updates, stories, perspective and maybe even a few photos from the Patriots' complex. Unlike the Ravens, who practice in Owings Mills and not at M&T Bank Stadium, New England practices at Gillette Stadium, where snow is on the ground and the temperature is in the high 20s. The whipping wind made the five-minute walk from the parking lot to the media room nearly unbearable.
But alas, we made it and were greeted by more than 60 media members inside the Patriots interview room. The large contingent even drew a smirk and a comment from Coach Bill Belichick, who began his press conference with "We've got playoff fever here." Unfortunately, that was just about the most interesting thing Belichick said during his 22-minute question and answer session.
But Ray Lewis never fails to liven up the atmosphere, and his 10-minute give and take with the Pats media proved fairly entertaining (as much as a telephone conference call can be).
Lewis bristled at the idea that this could be one of the last times he could be in position to go for a second Super Bowl ring. He sounded as if he wanted to play until he was 40, and he cited Saints safety Darren Sharper, Vikings quarterback Brett Favre and the Packers cornerback Charles Woodson as older players playing their best ball.
On if he thinks this is one of his final playoff runs, Lewis in his typically philosophical self said, "I totally disagree with that. Men and women lie. Numbers don't. We're still the No. 2, No. 3 defense in the league."
The Pats are practicing at noon and opening up the locker room afterward. Tom Brady, who won the Comeback Player of the Year award over Tampa's Carnell Williams, is expected to talk. So check back in later.
-- Brent Jones