Torrey Smith grabs TDs for Ravens after brother dies

Torrey Smith's decision to play for the Baltimore Ravens one day after his brother died was commendable. His performance was remarkable.

The second-year pro hauled in two touchdown passes Sunday night, finishing with six catches for 127 yards in the Ravens' wild 31-30 win over the rival New England Patriots.

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"I didn't know whether or not I was going to play today, but we were able to come out, get a win and play well," Smith told NBC minutes after Justin Tucker's game-winning field goal. "That's for my little brother, man. ... We're just thankful for the support from everybody around the league, and all the fans in general. My family really appreciates it."

Smith was woken early Sunday morning to learn that his brother, Tevin Jones, had been killed in a motorcycle accident in Virginia. Smith left the Ravens around 2 a.m. ET with team security personnel to be with his family. As Sunday progressed, it was unclear if he'd be active against the Patriots.

"It's unbelievable," Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco said of Smith playing so soon. "I can't imagine what he's going through. I have a lot of brothers and sisters myself, and I can't imagine being him right now.

"For him to come out and show up and play is one thing. To come and play the way he did, and for all the guys to rally around him and bring his day up, it was really unbelievable."

Smith is an emerging star for the Ravens, a player who takes the top off defenses and opens the field for the entire offense. The Ravens would have understood if he couldn't bring that dynamic to the team against the Patriots. That he still did is worthy of everyone's admiration.

Follow Dan Hanzus on Twitter @danhanzus.