Ravens Players Celebrate AFC Championship Win, Look Ahead To Super Bowl
OWINGS MILLS, Md. (WJZ)—The countdown is on to the showdown in New Orleans. It's been a remarkable run, but there is still one game left to win.
Sports director Mark Viviano spoke to the team.
The Ravens are back to work after an AFC Championship victory over the New England Patriots. The team's focus is now on the Super Bowl and the San Francisco 49ers.
For most football players, it's a career dream come true: a trip to the Super Bowl with your team.
The Ravens arrived back after the AFC Championship quest in New England still taking in the reality of their accomplishment.
"I think we're still on a little bit of a high from the game," said Joe Flacco, Ravens quarterback. "I don't know if anybody quite believes it yet, but it's pretty real. I'm just kind of numb to the whole thing, but slowly it's coming though."
"Hopefully, we realize the moment and appreciate it and obviously get to work," said Matt Birk, Ravens center.
After 16 regular season games and three thrilling playoff victories, the Ravens still have work to do.
Game 20 of their season is the pinnacle of their sport.
The San Francisco 49ers are the final opponent in Baltimore's way.
"We're going to get some rest, but we got to be ready. If we want to play the best, if we want to play our best, the preparation the rest of this week and next week has to be outstanding if we want to show up on Super Bowl Sunday," said Bernard Pollard, Ravens safety.
"We have to get all the mayhem that's going to be involved with the game. You kind of have to get that stuff out of the way and take care of that first so that when you do focus on the 49ers they have your full attention," Flacco said.
Regarding all the mayhem that Flacco was talking about, Coach John Harbaugh says the team will have packets of planning in place by Wednesday so the players can get that out of the way.
The coaching staff and team will focus on this week as if they're playing a game this Sunday. So they'll be practicing on Wednesday at home before heading down to New Orleans for more practice.
