Baggage gone, heavier Jamal Lewis is traveling light

Nearly 15 pounds heavier than his playing weight, Jamal Lewis still reported to minicamp in June a little lighter than last year.

Lewis, the Ravens' burly running back, has finally shaken all of the distractions that dogged him in a season to forget.

If Jamal Lewis needs added motivation, he can look over his shoulder. Mike Anderson could be gaining on him. (Getty Images)

He is no longer bothered by his federal drug plea agreement after recently finishing his community service. He is no longer preoccupied by contract issues after signing what is essentially a one-year, $6 million deal. He is no longer slowed by a surgically repaired ankle that took away his burst.

All that Lewis carries around these days is the motivation to prove he is still a dominating running back.

"I feel like this is a new beginning," Lewis said. "Everything is behind me right now. I'm happy right now. The fewer things you have on your mind, the better off you are as a football player because this is a mental game."

The Ravens have publicly supported Lewis, saying he should look more like the back who rushed for nearly 2,100 yards and earned NFL Offensive Player of the Year honors in 2003.

But it's not a blind faith.

A day before re-signing Lewis, the Ravens added Mike Anderson, reaching a four-year, $8 million agreement with last year's leading rusher for the Denver Broncos. He is a top-notch insurance policy, a power runner just like Lewis who never demands more carries.

Ravens coach Brian Billick said Lewis would remain the Ravens' featured running back "with the idea he returns to the form that we're familiar with."

If Lewis doesn't return to that form, the Ravens likely wouldn't hesitate in turning to Anderson.

"You don't preclude Mike Anderson and the success he's had from forcing himself into that rotation or a primary role," Billick said. "One of the things about Mike Anderson is he'll do whatever you need him to do. He will be the consummate role player."

Lewis, who at 26 is six years younger than Anderson, has had more prolific numbers over the past six seasons (6,669 yards to Anderson's 3,822). But Anderson outgained Lewis last season (1,014 yards to 906) despite playing in the Broncos' running back-by-committee system.

"This game is all about competition," Lewis said. "I'm just going to come in and do what I do every year, and come in and practice hard as I practice every year. My concern is to come in and be the best running back I can be for this team and take this team where it needs to go."