 |
Ray Lewis
|
What did you think of the Giants’ 41-0 victory over the Vikings in the NFC
title game?
"They came out and threw the ball very well. Kerry Collins was hot. Not taking
anything away from Minnesota, their offense is always high-powered, but their defense has
always had problems stopping people. You give them (the Giants) credit, and they deserved
to win the NFC championship, but it was against the Minnesota defense."
Is the Ravens’ defense the best the NFL has ever seen?
"Yeah. Especially this year."
Does your defense ever have to make adjustments during the course of a game?
"Our coach might have to correct us. He might want to make an adjustment. But if
something happens in a game, we correct each other. We know where the blown coverages come
from. That’s the biggest improvement that we’ve made all year – when
something goes wrong, we can correct it. Whatever game plan they have, (we’re ready).
I’m sure they probably thought they had to establish the run last week, but they
didn’t. I really don’t think they can come out and run the ball on us."
What’s it like with the focus being on the defense?
"Definitely, we want that. It’s the last game. They can put everything on our
shoulders, and we’re going to ride. Our philosophy is, if they don’t score, they
don’t win. Point-blank. If you want to give us three points, if you want to give us
seven points, all we need is something. If we get that, we have the ballgame."
Are you aware that there has never been a shutout in the Super Bowl?
"Yeah. Believe me, I’ve done my research on it. Anytime we step on the field,
that’s our goal. We really don’t believe a team should drive 80 yards on us and
score at will all game."
When did you know your defense would be so outstanding?
"In training camp. We had days when one unit might be doing well and the other
might not be. But by the end of training camp, there was a gel there. We have playmakers
all over the field. Once we got to that point, we blossomed. When we step on the field, we
don’t even have to talk to each other – all we have to do is look into each
other’s eyes and we know. That’s not boastful. We’re a very confident
team."
With all of the questions about the Atlanta murders following last year’s
Super Bowl, have they been a distraction?
"It doesn’t bother me. Not at all. I’m having too much fun right
now."
Talk about your relationship with Giants LBs Jessie Armstead and Micheal
Barrow, who are both Miami (Fla.) products like yourself?
"This is the moment we’ve waited for for eight years now. Ever since I was a
freshman in college. The competition that we have against each other is, I think a lot of
people would say it’s almost ridiculous. We might go out and be involved in
something, and it’s going to be until the last man in that group falls. I think
it’s a compliment to all of us. To see us all going at each other in the Super Bowl
is going to be a great thing."
Talk about the team’s preparation and confidence.
"This is the Super Bowl. But it’s a 60-minute ballgame. We’re not going
to change something that we did all season. We’re coming in loose and come in with
what we have. It’s business and we go from there."
On Tuesday, it was reported that you made a guarantee that the Ravens would
win. Did you really make a guarantee?
"Someone asked me that question, would I step on a limb and guarantee a victory,
and I said if I didn’t I would be saying the Giants were going to win. I don’t
think we’re here to lose. No team comes in to lose."
Have you paid any attention to all of the media coverage you are generating?
"No. I don’t have to. The only article I want to read is hopefully at the end
of Sunday night, Monday morning, when the paper is out and says ‘Ray is the Super
Bowl champion."
To Super Bowl index page |
