January 6, 2013

Baltimore Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs knows the window is closing on his team's shot at a Super Bowl title, particularly with veteran Ray Lewis planning to retire after this season. (REUTERS)

BALTIMORE - The Baltimore Ravens have distinguished themselves as the only National Football League outfit to qualify for the playoffs in each of the last five seasons, including this one.

It’s a record to be proud of, to be sure, but it also brings with it that uneasy feeling of insecurity. As each January comes along, it makes you wonder if this is where it ends.

With the mid-week announcement by iconic linebacker Ray Lewis that this is his last roundup, that insecurity shadows the Ravens as they start down the road they hope takes them to the Super Bowl.