Ravens' Reed can't understand latest personal foul

Ed Reed continues to push the envelope with his play, and his latest hit could produce the dreaded envelope in the locker, or worse.

The Baltimore Ravens safety struck New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz after a second-half reception, and was flagged for a hit to the neck and head area of a defenseless receiver, as referee Carl Cheffers explained.

Cruz says the hit was legal: "It was alright."

Reed, who won a November appeal of a one-game suspension for his third illegal hit in as many seasons, maintains that he's not sure what to do to avoid such penalties. He didn't appear to strike Cruz with his helmet, or leave his feet on the play.

"I had the referee whispering into my ear on the second play," he said. "All I like to do is play the game. I really don't know what to do with it."

The 34-year-old safety was originally suspended one game for a helmet-to-helmet hit on Steelers wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders on Nov. 18, a punishment which would have cost him roughly $424,000 in forfeited salary. He appealed the ruling, and instead paid a $50,000 fine.

Former NFL assistant coach Ted Cottrell, who reviewed the appeal, wrote in a letter to Reed: "I have determined that your actions were egregious and warrant significant discipline. However, I do not believe that your actions were so egregious as to subject you to a one-game suspension without pay. Player safety is the league's primary concern in the formation of playing rules and all players are expected to adhere to those rules or face disciplinary action. I hope in the future you will focus on ensuring that your play conforms to the rules."

If Reed is suspended for one game, he'll be missing a largely inconsequential one for the Ravens (10-5). With a 33-14 win Sunday, they clinched the AFC North ahead of a Week 17 visit from the Cincinnati Bengals.

Cruz is becoming a target for hard hits of late. Last week in a 34-0 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, strong safety Chris Hope earned a $30,000 fine for his helmet-to-helmet hit on the 26-year-old.

"I don't know what it is," Cruz said Sunday, "but I'm gearing myself up for it, I've been covering myself up for it."