<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=yspsctnhdln>Aided by Ray Lewis, Ed Reed wins top defensive honors</TD></TR><TR><TD height=7><SPACER height="1" width="1" type="block"></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>By DAVID GINSBURG, AP Sports Writer
January 8, 2005
BALTIMORE (AP) -- Late in the second quarter of a November game against the New York Jets, Ed Reed intercepted a pass in the end zone. Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis yelled in delight and motioned for his teammate to drop to one knee.
Reed considered the suggestion, then decided against it.
After all, what fun would that be?
<TABLE cellPadding=1 align=left border=0 hspace="10" vspace="5"><TBODY><TR><TD><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>Reed didn't stop running until he had covered 104 yards. A holding penalty nullified the score, but the Ravens followed the long return with their first touchdown and rallied for a 20-17 overtime victory. It was merely one of several thrills that Reed provided during a sensational season that enabled him to win The Associated Press 2004 Defensive Player of the Year award. Reed, the first safety to claim the award in 20 years, earned 20 votes from a national panel of writers and broadcasters who cover pro football. Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Farrior finished second with 16. Indianapolis end Dwight Freeney, who had an NFL-leading 16 sacks, took third with seven votes.
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January 8, 2005
BALTIMORE (AP) -- Late in the second quarter of a November game against the New York Jets, Ed Reed intercepted a pass in the end zone. Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis yelled in delight and motioned for his teammate to drop to one knee.
Reed considered the suggestion, then decided against it.
After all, what fun would that be?
<TABLE cellPadding=1 align=left border=0 hspace="10" vspace="5"><TBODY><TR><TD><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>Reed didn't stop running until he had covered 104 yards. A holding penalty nullified the score, but the Ravens followed the long return with their first touchdown and rallied for a 20-17 overtime victory. It was merely one of several thrills that Reed provided during a sensational season that enabled him to win The Associated Press 2004 Defensive Player of the Year award. Reed, the first safety to claim the award in 20 years, earned 20 votes from a national panel of writers and broadcasters who cover pro football. Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Farrior finished second with 16. Indianapolis end Dwight Freeney, who had an NFL-leading 16 sacks, took third with seven votes.
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