It sure is a lot more fun to watch them dancing then to see them staring with the blank look on their face like what just happenend to us.. We need these things to occur. We need this chemistry. Remember the team celebrations from 2000? This is what teams with good chemistry do, dont discourage it. It was especially nice to see Ray in the middle of that dance. Last year he would have been on the other side of the bench..

Preston, Do you ever fall when climbing from your soapbox up to that high horse you always ride around on?

Mike come on. Is that all you have this week. I was ready to hear you blast the secondary.(which will hopefully commucicate better against the Bengals) Even tell us some more reason why the Saints Defense was horrible. Not complain about the dancing on the sidelines. Its not every game that a rookies get to return interceptions for TDs. Let em enjoy themselves. Id rather see them dancing together then sitting on the bench, try to oucast themselves from the team.

I agree with Nick. Any sign of team chemistry is a good thing for the Ravens. They won a big road game and took back sole possession of first place in the AFC North so let's cut them a little slack. If they win this week, I'll expect to see the entire team, arm in arm, doing a barn dance on the sideline.

Any QB especially one that is coming off of a concussion has the right to celebrate after not getting destroyed on a draw inside the 5 yard line. Give me a break. If you've ever played football you realize that the QB is a target for 11 world class athletes. Anytime he can walk into the endzone without being touched its a relief and deserving of any type of celebration. Not to mention the fact that it was on the road and a rare Raven td in the first quarter.

Yr right. Celebrations are mockery and mocking the other team is lame.

Teams that mock should be made to sit in a penalty box wearing a diaper for two minutes.

I think you are so right about this. In fact, if it ia against the rules to clebrate a touchdown there should be rules about some of the things that take place on almost every tackle or pass defense. This preening after every tackle is rediculous. I do not remember Ronnie Lott or Dick Butkus poundinmg their chest after every play they made.

you are free to want whatever you want.
its too bad that you are in a position where we have to listen to whatever you want

Doesn't bother me a bit. We needed a big emotional win and that's exactly what we got. There's not changing who these guys are: the "Baltimore Bullies" remember? If they need the "swagger" to win games, so be it. I'll ride this showboating train all the way to the Super Bowl, thank you.

you are not the only one watching the game. relax we have seen teams do this to us for five years

Only Preston would post something like this....the consistent Devil's Advocate. If we had lost the game, the posting would've ran along the lines of "They looked demoralized on the sidelines...no one is speaking to one another....no chemistry; the team is split. Billick may be fired in the 4th quarter. (Insert yet another absurd embellishment here)."

I usually don't buy into his goading and baiting, but for those who might not have noticed, I felt the pressing need to pull back the proverbial curtain. Point being, anyway you slice it, we're looking at 5-2, Michael....5-2.

I'm hoping this blog was sarcastic because what McNair and Landry did is NOTHING compared to some of the celebrations, people have been doing that dive and throwing the ball in to the wall for YEARS! The dancing on the side was goofy looking, I'll give you that, but they were a team and they were happy and that unified front is much better than what we saw last year.

I ENJOYED SEEING THE PLAYERS HAVING FUN. THEY WERE'NT MAKING FUN OF ANY BODY, JUST HAVING FUN. COME ON MIKE, I THOUGHT THIS WOULD BE THE FIRST WEEK YOU DID'NT FIND SOMETHING TO COMPLAIN ABOUT. I JUST HAD TO LOOK HARDER.

Mike,

This is 2006, not 1976. Celebrating and theatrics are all a part of the game now. These men quite literally put their lives on the line each week (see Corey Ivey) and a little release of that emotion is to be expected. I'm sure Steve McNair and Ray heard an earful from the NO fans beforeand during the game, there's nothing wrong with a little "back atcha!!!"

I agree Mike, I saw the replay of the dancing.
Did you see the Patroits last night? They score and flip the ball to the Ref. Thats class.
I say "Act like you scored a touchdown before"
Here in Anchorage all we is Seahawks games, Wahhhh!!!! I sure was hoping Sundays game was on. Anyways I read you everyday on the web and watch the Ravens on NFL.com

Sportsmanship is just fine, because I'm a classy guy. But please try to be a realist. If you've ever played football or if you have a decent recollection of your football days, Mr. Preston, you'd realize that "dancing and swaying on the sidelines" when you get a 35 - 7 lead in your opponents' turf is essential to team comradry. You want to go out there and do your best as a team and celebrating is the best way to do it. I can remember quite a few celebrations from 2000, can't you?

Dawan Landry is a rookie in his hometown with his entire family in the stands watching on. It is acceptable for him to be elated after intercepting one of the leagues' best quarterbacks and putting points on the board all by yourself. Making a name for yourself in this defense is hard. Dawan Landry was esctatic and that is perfectly understandable. It will probably be his second or third year in the NFL when he gets the oppurtunity to cross that goalline again.

Mike,

Here you go again. I am a huge ravens fan and I was at the game in New Orlleans. I disagree with what you say about the dancing. It was not meant as a sign of disrespect. The players started dancing when they heard a certain song being played in the dome. It was a song that got them fired up. Probably a song that they themselves listen to to get fired up. Nothing more nothing less. Leave it to a bitter guy whose major football accomplishment is playing a Towson University. Why turn it into something it is not. You are such a Ravens hater.

Mike, I was with you with all of the other controversial topics that you've discussed. I was totally against readers downplaying your work as a journalist. I was against them for calling you a "hater." Howevere, You have truly corssed the lines and entered the realms od a journalist who is completely wrong about this subject. First of all, there is nothing wrong with any "player" ceclebrting howevere they may choose. Maybe you've been brainwashed like the rest of them when it comes to this phony "sportsmanship" mentality in the NFL. The idea of celebrating when scoring is a cultural thing for many players. There is nothing wrong with it at all. I beleive that the reason that the NFL tacked on all of these penalties were racist in the first place. ...But that's another story in and of itself. LET THEM CELEBRATE! Who are you or anybody else to delcare that it is unsportmanship? It is apart of the game, regardless if it takes the heart outr of the other team's players. Relax. Stop being so uptight ALL OF THE TIME. It is very difficult to score. What do you expect? They worked hard for it so they've earned the right to celebrate as much as possible. Even though you don;t like it personally, but just like everything else in like, get use to it. It's apart of life...and apart of culture for many (who truly embrace their culture anyway.)

I agree with the dancing. It is annoying and doesn't make sense given where this team is right now. Win the Super Bowl then dance. The Ravens (Inculding the Defense) given some of their recent showings have a lot to prove.

That said I don't understand what was over the edge about what McNair did or Landry. That was just pure emotion in the flow of the game and I don't think an opposing player would take any offense at that. Find something more useful to critique. There is plenty out there worth additional analysis and being critical of. Those two actions don't fall remotely into that category. You can do a better job than that even with a Blog. Give them breaks where they deserve them and focus on real issues (the defensive lapses, and the need for continued offensive continuity with less predictability).

Get to work. Think of me as doing what you do for the Ravens but instead with you.

PS
I'm not Kyle :]

Honestly, I have no problem with most showboating. I think people are complaining too much about endzone celebrations. I think the NFL is getting ridiculous with the increased rules on celebration. I would find it hard to contain my emotions if I made a great play that helped my team. Of course since the NFL banned the team celebrations a long time ago, at least I could show my excitement by myself. As much as Steve McNair has dealt with lately with people questioning his accuracy, arm strength (Mike P.), and overall ability to lead this team, I think he deserved to throw the football the way he did at the end of his run. He was fired up. I love that.

I can't believe someone is complaining about showboating. What the Ravens did Sunday was fine in my book. It's one thing for players celebrate a tackle when their team is down but I enjoyed watching the Ravens. It's nice to see that team chemestry building. I just hope the secondary gets it's act together because Ocho Cinco is going to just blow your mind with his showboating if they don't!

I totally agree with your point, but this is Tuesday; the game was Sunday. As far as I can tell, this is the first you've mentioned it. Either this didn't really bother you that much or you had to come up with something to write about.

To some degree the Ravens are not humble about their talent, and the opportunity they have to be a special team this year. Steve McNair let out his anxiety, but dancing and parading on the sideline while Drew Brees spotted almost 400 yards through the air was embarrassing.
I particularly single out Bart Scott who is having a breakout season. He has quickly forgotten how hard he has worked to be in his situation. His comments about Reggie Bush after the game make me question if he truly has respect for the game and his opponents. I wish someone would tell him that quiet confidence leads to great things, over confidence leads to failure.

You seem to never want for an excuse to criticize the Ravens, for even the tiniest, trivial thing. McNair "over the edge"? Give me a break! What difference does it make whether he spikes the ball in the wall or on the ground, as many players do? And the dancing? I agree with Nick's post: let the players have fun. The Ravens are finally beginning to feel good about themselves and their prospects for success this year. They're highly motivated right now, and as long as their fun doesn't take away from their focus, let it be. There's new leadership at the offensive helm, in whom they have respect and confidence. As a 30 year Marine trained in leadership for most of my life, the significance of this psychological turn of events is not lost on me. They're finally coalescing into a total team. Let them dance. It’s entertaining, and a sign that all is well. More power to ‘em, so long as they win!

A bit harsh.

I agree Landry's dive was unnecessary, but as for the dancing, are the player not allowed to enjoy the victory? Agree with Nick, better chemistry will be nothing but beneficial.

It is a game its fun to watch. I think its across the line when you dance infront of the other teams bench or run into the logo in the middle of the field. That is taunting. Just having fun and showing is great!!!!!!!!!!

God forbid that the guys realize its just a game and try to have a little fun while playing it. Landry is still a kid. Last year you complained that Ray and Reed isolated themselves, but now you get mad when they celebrate with the team? How about you focus on the positives, like half the team giving their time to a fundraiser last night?

I completely agree with Nick. Leave them alone! There is nothing wrong with the celebrations they did. They did not taunt the Saints. They were having fun and it's been a long time since I saw my team having fun. You're such a wet blanket, Preston. Maybe you should run for commissioner of the No Fun League.

McNair's throwing the football didn't bother me. It didn't have the look of a choreagraphed celebration, and it's not like he was celebrating a routine play.

It's the dances and posing after making a tackle for a four yard gain that irritate me the most.

Right on, Mike. I couldn't agree with you more. Much of the showboating you see not just on the Raven's squad but also around the league is beginning to get tired. It's always great to watch a guy like Marvin Harrison score a TD because he never showboats - just quietly hands the ball to the referee.

come on the celebrations are fun. it's team pride and having fun. it was special to see ray lewis and the others dancing on the sideline as a group and sure beats the isolation we saw last year when Ray sat on the bench alone. let's just be glad we actually had something to celebrate about.

I agree with you Mike. I was brought up to believe that respecting your opponent was a part of sportsmanship. A few moments of on-field celebration I can understand, but dancing on the sidelines at an away game seems to me to be showing disrespect to the opponents and their fans. I LOVE the way that after scoring a TD, Jamal Lewis simply hands the ball to the ref and walks back to the sideline, which to me is so much more classy than some silly "look at me" dance. I'm wondering how much of society still agrees with me on that. It's a symptom of the way our society's standards are changing. Nick, those dances may be an indicator of team chemistry, and I'm glad we have it on our team, but can you have team chemistry without the dancing? I know in the old days you could. We know that Unitas' Colts had chemistry but they also had class. Rubbing your success in the face of your opponent and their fans shows a lack of class; it's always been that way and it always will be that way.

I could do without all the showboating as well. That dive into the endzone by Landry was just plain silly. There are too many guys throughout the NFL that want to wind up in a TV highlight, that's why many of them do it. The TV highlight shows, in return, constantly show this stuff. It's become a vicious cycle.

So, what's wrong with a little celebration. The Ravens are not the only team in the league that celebrates, so do not single them out. The Ravens played the best game I've ever seen and they have a right to be happy. Now the only thing they need to do is buckle down, get serious and win against Cincinnati.

Most of the time people make'n these comments haven't played sports. Its not just in Football its in every sport. it is Broadway, Apollo, football, sports, its ENTERTAINMENT... I want to see you dance, show swager show me you have a passion for the game. I love see'n Miggy, Mora and Brian Roberts do their special hand shake after every O's win. The same people would have been complaining if Ray was in his little coner on the bench say'n "where is his team spirt ? Where is the chemestry ? where is the leadership ? Keep Dance'n ... If you don't want to see dance'n watch NASCAR

Then don't watch.Simple as that.Turn the TV watch another team.First complain because that not doing what YOU think they should.Now they have a good game and your complaining because they are celebrating and enjoying a win.Are the suppose to have any fun?Evidentley your job is not fun to you,cause all you do is complain.JUST DON"t WATCH.Tell your boss you wanna cover field hockey,Mike

I'm baffled as to why your upset about the celebrations. They barely celebrated. I for one am happy that they are enjoying themselves. Their enjoyment translated into a win. A win that many speculated would be difficult to gain. It's fun to win. Period. There is absolutely nothing wrong with expressing your excitement. There wasn't excessive taunting, there was celebration. Celebration well deserved after losing two straight. Celebration well deserved after having a dismal season last year. Celebration well deserved for continually proving to be one of the most dominating defenses in the league. They get paid to play and they love it. Ray, Ed, Chris, Bart.... Dance On. Keep bringing home the W's

Man, some of you guys have it right! It pumps me up like crazy when someone hands the ball to ref! It must get the players hyped up too!

I imagine the guys on the other team hate it though... What? We're not enough of a concern to celebrate a good play? Scoring a TD is ho-hum against us? Heck... handing the ball to the ref should be a taunting penalty!!!

Loosen up, fellas. I like when the players have fun. Some people apparently want bland, emotionless players who do their jobs and never think about it. You want robots. I want athletes... people with passion who get excited about what they're doing. People who enjoy the game and want to celebrate when things go well.

No offense, but the game with your robot players? It would suck.