Miracle is a misnomer, and I probably shouldn’t use it.  But that is what this game last night will probably eventually be called.  The Ravens were given no chance by anyone.  Not one sportswriter in America picked the Baltimore Ravens last night to defeat Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos, who were on an 11 game winning streak and were given a 9-10 point favor by oddsmakers.

But that is why you play the game.  The game was epic.  At the end of the 1st quarter, 14-14, 21-21 at half, and 28-28 through 3 quarters.  In a game of fantastic plays, which saw the Ravens take a pick 6, the Broncos return a punt for a touchdown, and the Broncos starting the 2nd half with a kickoff return for TD, the game’s biggest play was yet to come.

With 44 seconds on the clock, the Ravens were down 35-28, on their own 30 yd line, and counted out.  Flacco steps up in the pocket and unloads a deep ball, travels 55 yards in the air, before Jacoby Jones catches it and runs into the end zone to tie the game.  (Check out the video)  Amazing.  In the 2nd OT, Corey Graham intercepts Peyton Manning, the greatest quarterback of all time, to set up the winning field goal by a rookie kicker, Justin Tucker.

Was this game a miracle?  I am not sure.  But, I have never been more in awe of a man than I am in Ray Lewis.  He is the spiritual leader of this team.  He has gotten these men to focus, to believe in themselves, and to become a team of destiny.  He is touted as the best defensive player to ever play the game.  I have never seen a man though have such a profound effect on a team or on a city is he has.  He announced his retirement a week and a half ago, and has called this his last ride.  We all hope it doesn’t end.  (Ray’s postgame press conference)

If there is one thing i will miss about my career, it will be to listen to what people say you can’t do, and then go do it.

Marcia and I watched the game with 4 of the kids (Liz and Edie were at friends’ houses).   The elation we all shared was real.  Poundcake – French Fries!  Noah wants to play football.  I am glad we’re able to see Ray’s last ride.  I hope we never forget it.