Sanders Plays Like It’s ‘Prime Time’

The absence of Jamal Lewis wasn’t nearly as significant to the Baltimore Ravens as the return of “Prime Time.”

Deion Sanders conjured memories of his high-stepping past Sunday, returning an interception 48 yards for a touchdown and picking off a pass in the end zone to lead the Ravens past the Buffalo Bills, 20-6.

“Neon Deion” even got into the act on offense, although his 10-yard loss on an end-around was one flaw in an otherwise memorable afternoon.

“I was smiling so much I almost forgot the play when I came out of the huddle,” Sanders said. “I was just so happy to be out there.”

Sanders ended a three-year retirement to join the Ravens as a fifth defensive back. He sat out two games because of a hamstring injury and had only one interception before Sunday, but made a big difference against the Bills.

“They talked about me before I came. He’s too old. He shouldn’t be doing this,” Sanders said. “I’m a 37-year-old kid out there.”

Chad Williams went 94 yards with an interception for the Ravens, who sputtered offensively but took advantage of five turnovers by Drew Bledsoe to beat the punchless Bills (1-5).

Baltimore (4-2) played without Lewis, who is serving a two-game suspension for violating the NFL substance-abuse policy. The standout running back pleaded guilty on Oct. 7 in Atlanta to using a phone to set up a drug buy, and will sit out the Ravens’ game next week in Philadelphia.

Chester Taylor filled in for Lewis and ran for 89 yards in 21 carries, but the victory was primarily the result of a punishing defense.

“All the guys stepped up,” Sanders said.

Bledsoe completed 20 of 36 passes for 203 yards and lost a fumble. His four interceptions were one more than he threw in his first five games this season.