What they’re saying about Super Bowl

Lewis savors final moments of game

 Ray Lewis said his favorite moments were some of the last of his career.

 When the Ravens were pinned back against their own end zone. When they needed a defensive stop to win the Super Bowl. When, despite nearly blowing a 28-6 lead, the game came down to a series of three plays with two minutes left.

 “The most exciting things ever were the conversations we were having on the goal line,” Lewis said. “Nobody ever panicked.”

 The Ravens stopped the 49ers from scoring a touchdown and held on for a victory in the final game of Lewis’ 17-year career. He’ll retire, leaving behind a legacy that includes Hall of Fame credentials as the greatest linebacker of his generation, as well as a cloudiness from his involvement in a murder investigation and just this week accusations that he used performance- enhancing drugs.

 Sunday night, though, Lewis punctuated his career with a championship.

 “To get that second ring before I hang up my cleats,” he said, “there’s no better way to go out.”

Tom Rock

Newsday

Blackout best thing that could happen

 We’ve seen plenty of signature moments and wacky events in the nearly half-century history of Super Bowls, but there has never been anything like this. But to whoever or whatever was responsible for the first-ever blackout in Super Bowl history, we say … thanks!

 What was looking like a blowout win for Baltimore in the battle of the Harbaugh brothers quickly turned into a Super Bowl classic that made this sibling rivalry one of the most compelling acts in the sport’s annals.

Bob Glauber

Newsday

Joe Flacco? Show him the money!

 Quarterback Joe Flacco put off contract talks with the Baltimore Ravens until after the season was done.

 Seems like a terrific decision now, huh?

Howard Fendrich

Associated Press

They’re absolutely wired in Baltimore

 Hundreds of giddy Ravens fans poured into Baltimore’s streets Sunday night, whooping, hollering, dancing, and high-fiving strangers as they celebrated the victory.

 Patrons who had packed into Mother’s Federal Hill Grille to watch the team’s second Super Bowl appearance since it arrived in Baltimore in 1996 jumped up onto the bar and began belting out a rendition of the Queen song “We are the Champions” as bartenders sprayed purple party string into the air.

 “I love this team. I love this city!” screamed Andrew Bieler, 21.

Jessica Gresko

Associated Press