Bryant McKinnie didn't start a single game during the regular season, but in Super Bowl XLVII he will be the starting left tackle for the Baltimore Ravens. McKinnie slid into the starting role when Jah Reid injured his toe and forced the Ravens to shuffle their starting line. Since returning to the starting lineup, McKinnie believes he is playing his best football in years.
Super Bowl 2013: Bryant McKinnie playing ‘best football’ since joining Ravens
Ravens left tackle Bryant McKinnie spent most of the season watching from the sidelines but believes he is now playing the “best football” of his two years in Baltimore.
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"There is no question at all. This is the best I've played since I've been here," McKinnie said. The Ravens signed McKinnie prior to the 2011 season and started every game last year, but lost his job this offseason when he came to training camp overweight. He didn't start all season and his confidence wavered, but he got a chance to play in Week 17 against the Bengals and played well.
In the playoffs he has matched up against elite pass rushers Dwight Freeney and Elvis Dumervil, but will face his stiffest challenge when he faces off with San Francisco 49ers defensive end Aldon Smith, who registered 19.5 sacks this season. McKinnie isn't worried about Smith and welcomes the challenge, "Once I get a feel for that player, and I'm on my A-game, they can forget about it. Better luck next week."
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