Following a 24-9 victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday in the AFC Wild Card round , the Baltimore Ravens will have the opportunity to ride at least one more time out on the field with their emotional locker room leader and team Captain, Ray Lewis leading the way. Only days after announcing that this 2012-13 season would be his last , the 17 year veteran linebacker led the team with 13 tackles in Sunday’s victory.
Lewis, who missed 10 games this season with a torn right triceps he suffered on October 15, refused to let his career end without making one last run at a Super Bowl ring. A torn triceps would be a season ending injury for most NFL players, but not Lewis.
“I’m not going out like this. Pain was the last thing on my mind,” Lewis said he told Baltimore general manager Ozzie Newsome after he was initially hurt .
Throughout his career, Lewis has recorded 13 pro bowl appearances and seven All-Pro team selections. Both are an NFL record for an Inside or Middle Linebacker. He is the only remaining member of the Inaugrual Baltimore Ravens team from 1996 still active in the league.
The 11-6 Colts were never able to get going against the Ravens with their only points coming on field goals by Adam Vinatieri from 47, 52, and 26 yards. Colts Quarterback Andrew Luck was never able to get into a groove against the inspired Baltimore defense, led by Lewis. Luck completed just 28 of 54 passes for 288 yards and his 54 attempts are a record for an NFL rookie in a playoff game.
The 11-6 Ravens offense were led by star Wide Receiver Anquan Boldin’s franchise record 145 yards receiving including the game clinching touchdown catch with 9:14 to go in the fourth quarter. Quarterback Joe Flacco completed 12 of 23 passes for 282 yards and two touchdowns.
The Ravens will move onto the AFC Divisional round next Saturday to face the AFC West leading Denver Broncos and are looking to delay Lewis’ retirement further with another win.
Watch the video below to witness Ray Lewis’ final dance as the Ravens took the field prior to Sunday’s game:
