Welcome to the latest edition of Inside Answers, where we've taken questions from fans and brought them to a top performer in the Ravens' most-recent game.
Here's fullback Le'Ron McClain with his answers to your questions about Baltimore's win in Miami.
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[Ed. note: Questions may have been edited for clarity.]
Yurii Bartlett, Woodbridge, VA: I wanted to know the story of switching to No. 33. As a kid growing up in Baltimore, the number 33 has many positive associations, from the old Memorial stadium on 33rd street to Eddie Murray, and plenty others too numerous to list. As a bruising back I am pleased that you are continuing the tradition of positive association with No. 33.
Le'Ron McClain:"First off, thanks for the questions. I've been wearing it since high school, so it's a number I really wanted to get. It was originally from the 'Varsity Blues' movie. The running back in there had No. 33, so I've be 33 since I'd been playing football. And, I think it looks good on a jersey. I even have it tattooed on me."
Chris Ventura, Baltimore, MD: Do you still get nervous before games?
LM:"No. I'm pretty much calm out there. Last year, some games I'd have something go through my head, but I'm good this year. It's just going out there and playing."
Valarie Klein, Jarrettsville, MD: I was at the Miami game last Sunday and wondered if the players noticed all the purple in the stands. If so, did having so many fans at an away game affect your performance? We did our best to be heard above the Dolphins crowd!
LM:"That was awesome, man. Coming out and seeing the purple jerseys representing us was awesome. I heard the 'Heeap!' call and everything. They were in a big section, and those Ravens fans showed up."
Jamie Tipton, Bel Air , MD: Hey Le'Ron. Your a definite force to be reckoned with in the backfield and really came on this year to give us the best chance to win. Since your coming out party this year how do you feel about people starting you on there fantasy football teams? Also do you play fantasy football?
LM:"Yeah, that's crazy. My friends and everybody have been calling me about the fantasy thing. I don't understand it, really, the whole fantasy thing. But, I'm going to go out there and try to get as many people points as I can."
Derrick Hobbs, Hampstead, MD: Le'Ron, we saw that with a healthy backfield, the Ravens can control the clock and grind out those long drives that lead to wins. How do you stay consistent as an offense with all of the changes that are made to the O-line?
LM: "Those guys that have stepped in – Willie Anderson and Chris Chester – have just done their job. They've made plays, and we got moving on offense. They worked all week to get ready."
Amanda Collins: Pasadena, MD: Le'Ron, every week I look forward to seeing you run the ball. You earn every yard you gain. I know Ray Lewis is a huge motivator to the entire team, and especially his defense… Do you have someone on the offensive side that brings the same intensity?
LM:"I would say Derrick Mason. Before we start seven-on-seven passing before the game starts, he gets us going, talking about what we have to do."
Andrew Varley, Baltimore, MD: Hey Le'Ron, good game on Sunday. I was wondering if you base your preparation differently for a game in Miami as compared to a game in Baltimore in December? Good luck and keep up the good work.
LM:"Being in Miami, you have to hydrate, make sure you have your electrolytes in you so you're not cramping up. But, if it's a cold game, like Baltimore in December, you have to really focus on catching the ball and ball security. It's so cold, your hands can go numb, so you have to make sure you've got the ball."
Cole Natterman, Reisterstown MD: What did Joey Porter say to you when you laughed?
LM:"Nothing!"
Note to readers: Le'Ron McClain was unavailable Tuesday due to a scheduled treatment with Ravens trainers, but fans should still expect to see *Inside Answers on Tuesdays for the rest of the season.*
