Simms Says Ravens Fans In NFL's Top 3

RAVENS FANS IMPRESS PHIL SIMMS

"There were times during the game when I thought to myself: 'I'm glad I'm not Ben Roethlisberger. The way your defense was jumping around and the noise, the energy. It was something new," former Giants quarterback and CBS-TV's top analyst told me on Tuesday. Simms, part of CBS' No. 1 team, broadcast last Sunday's 28-point victory over the Steelers with his partner, Jim Nantz.

"That friggin' crowd was unreal. They were so loud. It seemed like everyone in the stadium had either a black or purple Ravens jersey or shirt on," Simms added. "Right now, I'd say the three best stadiums in the league are you, Green Bay and Pittsburgh. Heck, 20 minutes before the game, your stadium was filled. I don't remember it being that good. You've been good, but not at that level.

"I'm not taking anything away from what you guys did to the Steelers, but your crowd had something to do with it," Simms continued. "And, it was the most exciting blowout I've ever called. You kept after them and, give them credit, they fought to the last play.

"And, one more thing: that chant. It was wild. Your fans were singing that in the parking lots after the game. When did that start?"

The chant, sung to White Stripes "Seven Nation Army" song, was impressive. I can see Ravens fans bringing that out every time we need a big defensive stop. John Harbaugh called the chanting "awesome."

SIMMS SURPRISED WITH JOE, CAM QUESTIONS

Simms noted that he had done a number of Baltimore-area radio shows prior to the season opener. "Am I missing something here? I got a lot of questions about Joe Flacco and Cam Cameron, and: 'Are they good enough?' Every time I do a game, they seem alright to me."

Including last Sunday's opener, Simms has called six Ravens games since 2009. He witnessed the Oct. 4, 2009 loss (27-21) at New England when the Ravens produced 363 yards to the Pats' 319. Flacco threw for 264, and Tom Brady produced 258.

Later that season, Simms was there for the season finale at Oakland, a 21-13 Baltimore victory. We rushed for an impressive 240 yards that game. Phil was there at the 33-14 playoff victory at New England a week later (1/10/10) when we rushed for 234 yards, including that famed game-opening touchdown run from Ray Rice.

Last season, CBS-TV's top crew broadcast our 17-14 victory at Pittsburgh (10/3/10) when Joe hit T.J. Houshmandzadeh for the winning touchdown – and we outgained the Steelers at Heinz Field, 320 yards to 210. And, Simms and Co. followed us two weeks later to New England, when we lost 23-20 in overtime. The Patriots produced 17 more yards than we did that day, 394 to 377. Both Flacco and Brady threw two interceptions, but the New England quarterback did have a touchdown toss.

"Tell you what, I think your offense is pretty good, and I've seen it against some good defenses. Some of those shows did seem like they have it in for Cam and Joe," Simms stated.

MORE RAVENS/STEELERS

I know, I know, we have to move on from last Sunday's victory. But, I want to share some things I saw in the locker room.

I never go to the our locker room just before the Ravens come out for introductions, but last Sunday, we had so many moving parts in the pre-game that I checked on a couple of items and reminded Coach Harbaugh about what was happening with the 9/11 salutes.

The pre-game locker room was less dramatic than I anticipated. Just before the team left the locker room, Harbs called the team together and said: "There's nothing more to say. We know what we have to do. Anybody have anything else?" Silence. "Let's go play."

Coach Harbaugh then told the players as they gathered around him in a tight huddle: "There will be a giant flag out there for the National Anthem. If you want to grab it to show your respect for the country and the memory of 9/11, you can."

There was not enough room for all the players and coaches to grab. I thought that was pretty cool. And, then I turned to my left during the Anthem and caught Cory Redding's glance. Tears were streaming from both of his eyes.

POST GAME

When Harbs brought the team up for the post-game huddle in the locker room, he asked if anyone had something to say. Domonique Foxworth, with a big smile, nodded to John and said: "So much for the OTAs. Guess we don't need those." Everyone laughed, including the coaches.

When most of the players had already showered, dressed and left, Bryant McKinnie was still in the sweaty shorts and shirts he wore under his uniform. Bryant was standing at his locker being interviewed by a few reporters. As Ray Lewis passed me to leave, I said: "Look at your big guy over there." Ray laughed, "He's not standing. He's leaning. He's a tired man. He's going to sleep well tonight."

We all want to be sleeping well this Sunday night. A victory at Tennessee will certainly help that. Let's beat the Titans.

Talk with you next week,

Kevin

Kevin Byrne, a Ravens senior vice president, has worked in the NFL for 32 years. Byrne has been with the Ravens since the start of the franchise in 1996. Earlier in his career, Byrne was the sports information director at Marquette University, his alma mater, when they won the 1977 NCAA basketball championship under coach Al McGuire.