Modell Faces Familiar Foe

Baltimore Raven owner Art Modell, who is celebrating his 40th season in the NFL, is still waiting for his first Super Bowl appearance.

After taking 15 teams to the playoffs when the franchise was in Cleveland, Modell is making his first trip to the postseason with the Ravens.

And the opponent is a familiar one.

Three times the Denver Broncos defeated the Browns in the AFC championship game. The most memorable was Denver’s 23-20 overtime win in 1986.

“Denver always poses a nostalgic view,” Modell said. “Of course, [former Bronco quarterback John] Elway just took the starch out of us on three occasions. He’s not playing [today]. Of course, if I had to fight fire with fire, I might suit up [former Colt quarterback Johnny] Unitas.”

Modell remains guarded about the outcome of today’s game.

“I’m a little apprehensive, but I have a sense of optimism,” he said. “I’ve seen crazy things happen, and you’ve got to be more lucky than good.”

The owner also is happy for the city.

“I’m very proud of what we’ve done here,” he said. “I find the reception in Baltimore to be absolutely overwhelming, and they deserve it. They waited a long time for a football team, then it took us some time to put this thing together. But now we’re starting to make some music.”

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The Ravens changed the status of backup quarterback Tony Banks from doubtful to questionable. Banks threw in practice Friday and is expected to be the No. 2 quarterback.

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Baltimore put cornerback Clarence Love, tight end John Jones, offensive lineman Sammy Williams and wide receiver Marcus Nash on the inactive list. Denver listed safety Darius Clark, running back Terrell Davis, wide receiver Chafie Fields and defensive tackle Jerry Johnson as inactive.