Allen Gives Ravens a Boost

Apparently, just about everyone on the Baltimore Ravens is being disrespected. Add running back Terry Allen to the list.

Allen, who sat out five games this season because of injuries, has been a huge boost to the Raven running game since he returned. He had 109 yards in 25 carries, including a four-yard touchdown run, Sunday in Baltimore’s 20-3 victory over the Miami Dolphins.

But when asked if his layoff because of injuries is now an advantage because he is fresher, Allen said, “All I’ve been hearing about is my age. How fresh can an old man be?”

Chip on his shoulder or not, Allen’s play has helped the Ravens win the last two weeks. He had 133 yards rushing against the Minnesota Vikings in the regular-season finale.

“For Terry to be here for us this late is a stroke of luck, really,” Coach Brian Billick said. “The nature of the [hand] injury allowed him to work himself into shape, yet not wear himself down. Sometimes fate takes care of you.”

Of course, Allen may want to talk with his teammates about the age thing.

“The old man still has something in him,” Raven tackle Jonathan Ogden said, smiling. “We’ll let him sit down all week and relax now.

“He doesn’t practice anymore, he just sits there and nurses something.”

*

Miami quarterback Jay Fiedler, whose contract is up, was not sure if he will be back with the Dolphins.

Fiedler had one of his games of labor Sunday, completing 15 of 28 passes for 122 yards and had one pass intercepted.

“It’s up in the air right now,” Fiedler said. “My first choice is to be back with the Dolphins.”

Miami linebacker Zach Thomas on the Ravens’ running game: “When you are tripping over your teammates in front of you, that’s a sign you’re getting blown off the ball.”

Chris Foster