Thursday, September 20, 2001
Ravens start over against Bengals
The Associated Press
OWINGS MILLS, Md. — The standings show they're 1-0, yet the Baltimore Ravens feel like their season begins Sunday.
“It's like an opener, in every aspect,” Ravens coach Brian Billick said Wednesday before running the team through its first intense practice in nearly two weeks.
By the time the Ravens take the field for Sunday's game against the Bengals, it will be 14 days since they began defense of their Super Bowl title with a 17-6 victory over the Chicago Bears.
The Sept. 11 terrorist attacks caused the NFL to postpone games last weekend.
“It's going to be tough to get past what happened. It feels like we haven't played in a month,” Ravens defensive tackle Tony Siragusa said. “There have been a lot of changes, but we have to adapt to them.”
For at least three Ravens — Erik Williams, Carnell Lake and Duane Starks — Sunday's game will be their first of the season.
Williams, cut by the Dallas Cowboys in training camp and signed by Baltimore on Aug. 28, could see his first action with the Ravens. Lake, a five-time Pro Bowl safety signed this month, will be used in nickel and dime situations.
“The week off really helped me prepare and get used to the lingo here,” Lake said. “It's my first regular season game, being on a new team with new guys, there's a lot here for me.”
Starks, who participated in only one preseason game, returns at cornerback after missing the opening week with a knee injury.
“It's definitely a re-opener for me, because I haven't played yet,” he said. “I played a little against the Jets in the preseason, but that wasn't even a full game.”
Baltimore linebacker Peter Boulware had 12 tackles and a sack against the Bears, but he spoke as if he and the Ravens will bring a clean slate into Sunday's game.
“We've been off for a little bit, so we've just got to approach it as our first game of the season,” Boulware said. “The first game, you have to have a sense of urgency. You want to get the season started off right, so this is a very important week for us.”
Billick ran the Ravens through practices all last week in an effort to keep them physically fit. He's also taken strides to make sure the players are mentally sharp.
“He's pushing forward in his job, he's pushing forward in his role,” backup quarterback Randall Cunningham said. “He has pointed out to us that we have a purpose on this football team.
“Yes, we're going to mourn with the people who are mourning. But we can't make excuses for not accomplishing what we're here to do. Brian has showed us that moving on and doing our job is a big part of being an American citizen.”
Bengals Stories
Cubs 10, Reds 0
Reds donate game's pay for NY relief
Reese injured or demoted?
Griffey Sr. feeling better
Cubs hang in wild-card race, knock on Wood
Reds box, runs
Freshman QBs center stage in UC-Miami game
6-8 guard to visit UC
XU's Matta completes 1st recruiting class
Prep football page
Ohio AP football poll
SULLIVAN: Last thing we need is a baseball war
Bonds Watch
Cincinnati high school results
N.Ky. high school results
• Return to Bengals front page...
Ravens start over against Bengals 
