Ray Lewis' Last Home Game? 1/2/11?

[bauer77]

[quote name='Romo Ravens' timestamp='1293569182' post='587301']
I wasn't a member back then, but I remember scanning the boards and wasn't there a huge thread on Ray Lewis and so many people were hating on him? Funny how things change once he signs with the Ravens. Plus, didn't Jerry Jones come out and say that he would offer him some rediculous contract, like 3 years for 45 million which added to the controversy?
[/quote]



yup. A lot of people said on this forum that Ray Lewis was "disrespecting" us and he "owes" us so much. It seemed like it was turning into the Lebron James situation (obviously the LeBron situation was after that but you know what i mean)

i believe the report was Ray always thought of being a cowboy, and this forum exploded. I always knew that he would come back and i was one of the few that knew he would on here. i put it as my sig and everything. People actually picked fights with me and all lol




EDIT: just saw Franchise, you beat me to it lol

[Bltravens]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1293567113' post='587272']
His production doesn't mean he hasn't slowed down. And like Twoo said, how many of those tackles are before or near the line of scrimmage these days?
[/quote]
As great as it is to have a MLB who is a factor on 3rd downs is, the fact that Ray is making his tackles on the first 2 downs around the LOS is what you want a MLB to be doing anyways. I said it before but Ray has 1 more very effective year left in him I believe after this year.

[berad]

Pretty sure Ray's not going to retire after this season, however it may end... They just run out of things to talk about on sports radio shows, that's why they take calls from the most asinine, ignorant people they can find. Or maybe those are the only ones that call in?

[AwakenTheDemon]

I'm sick of all this speculation regarding Ray. I'll worry and be saddened [i]only[/i] when I hear it from Ray himself. Not some person discussing statistics on a radio station, TV show, or some beat writer. The simple fact is Ray is [u]still[/u] one of the most dominate, most feared, and most talented linebackers in the game. Period.

[berad]

[quote name='AwakenTheDemon' timestamp='1293585563' post='587517']
I'm sick of all this speculation regarding Ray. I'll worry and be saddened [i]only[/i] when I hear it from Ray himself. Not some person discussing statistics on a radio station, TV show, or some beat writer. [b]The simple fact is Ray is [u]still[/u] one of the most dominate, most feared, and most talented linebackers in the game. Period.[/b]
[/quote]

The Pro Bowl voters got that right, at least!

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='Bltravens' timestamp='1293584462' post='587498']
As great as it is to have a MLB who is a factor on 3rd downs is, the fact that Ray is making his tackles on the first 2 downs around the LOS is what you want a MLB to be doing anyways. I said it before but Ray has 1 more very effective year left in him I believe after this year.
[/quote]

True. One more effective season sounds about right.

[EnVy_CaLiBeR]

If they don't address MLB this offseason, next season it becomes primary because like said I believe he has one more good season in him.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='EnVy_CaLiBeR' timestamp='1293586716' post='587530']
If they don't address MLB this season, next season it becomes primary because like said I believe he has one more good season in him.
[/quote]

I think the team will draft an ILB.

[ryan23945]

dude he signed a 7 year deal before last season with a 3rd year option, which means he plans on playing another 3 years, id say start this thread end of next season, plus hell play til he cant no more, he ws born to play football, heisnt gonna b one of these guys who just gos "oh well i old i had a good career guess ill hang em up. no, he believes its hisnduty to play this game as long as he can

[edreedfromtheu]

[quote name='Twoo' timestamp='1293566417' post='587262']
I didn't want to start this thread but I have a feeling Sunday will be RayRay's last home game as a Baltimore Ravens. I was listening to 105.7 yesterday afternoon while heading home and they were talking about Ray Lewis has been slowing down as the season progressed and many are believing this is going to be Ray's last season in the NFL.

Even thinking about Lewis not being on the field makes me get a little emotional- and I will admit that I'll shed tears when the day comes RayRay releases his retirement statement.

So that being said, unless the Steelers lose Sunday and we win I have a feeling that 1/2/11 will be the last time we see RayRay come out of the Ravens tunnel, throw his arms in the air and do his famous pre-game dance.

Thoughts?
[/quote]

It's fair to speculate... but just remember that there are still a few scenarios where the Ravens will host a playoffs game or two in the postseason. They can still win the division, which would guarantee them 1 home game. Depending on the outcome of other playoff matches... they could end up hosting 2. And even if the Ravens stay as a wildcard, they could still host the AFC Championship if the Jets make it there as well. And yes, I know a lot of people dislike the Jets but they have a team that is capable of beating any team in the AFC when they play up to their talent level.

[edreedfromtheu]

[quote name='AwakenTheDemon' timestamp='1293585563' post='587517']
I'm sick of all this speculation regarding Ray. I'll worry and be saddened [i]only[/i] when I hear it from Ray himself. Not some person discussing statistics on a radio station, TV show, or some beat writer. The simple fact is Ray is [u]still[/u] one of the most dominate, most feared, and most talented linebackers in the game. Period.
[/quote]

After last season, wouldn't you say Brett Favre is still one of the best QBs in the league?

The simple fact is... we're not saying Ray Lewis can't play anymore. We're just saying that it's reasonable to think he might not want to go through the rigors of a season anymore, especially if he finally got a 2nd ring. He might want to spend more time with his family, and help out players off the field in their everyday lives. He just might want to stop taking(or giving) the pounding since the rules of the NFL have been changing to pretty much handcuff defenses. He might just not like the way the league is headed with 18 game season talk and all these games in the middle of the week to through off the players routine and schedule.

[berad]

[quote name='edreedfromtheu' timestamp='1293588344' post='587547']
[b]After last season, wouldn't you say Brett Favre is still one of the best QBs in the league?
[/b]
The simple fact is... we're not saying Ray Lewis can't play anymore. We're just saying that it's reasonable to think he might not want to go through the rigors of a season anymore, especially if he finally got a 2nd ring. He might want to spend more time with his family, and help out players off the field in their everyday lives. He just might want to stop taking(or giving) the pounding since the rules of the NFL have been changing to pretty much handcuff defenses. He might just not like the way the league is headed with 18 game season talk and all these games in the middle of the week to through off the players routine and schedule.
[/quote]

What does Brett Favre's awful play have to do with Ray Lewis?

[AwakenTheDemon]

[quote name='edreedfromtheu' timestamp='1293588344' post='587547']
[b]After last season, wouldn't you say Brett Favre is still one of the best QBs in the league?[/b]

The simple fact is... we're not saying Ray Lewis can't play anymore. We're just saying that it's reasonable to think he might not want to go through the rigors of a season anymore, especially if he finally got a 2nd ring. He might want to spend more time with his family, and help out players off the field in their everyday lives. He just might want to stop taking(or giving) the pounding since the rules of the NFL have been changing to pretty much handcuff defenses. He might just not like the way the league is headed with 18 game season talk and all these games in the middle of the week to through off the players routine and schedule.
[/quote]

No I wouldn't have. Maybe you would have, since you also think Troy Smith is a professional quarterback, talent wise.

But like Berad said, you're Favre comment is completely off base. Especially since Ray is STILL putting up solid, pro bowl numbers and adding to his legacy. Not making a joke out if it, like Favre has.

[TSizzle00]

They need Ray to just be a 2 down player next season and he will be fresh all year.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='TSizzle00' timestamp='1293591430' post='587575']
They need Ray to just be a 2 down player next season and he will be fresh all year.
[/quote]

The question is will Ray be willing to be a two-down player next season.

[TSizzle00]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1293592330' post='587582']
The question is will Ray be willing to be a two-down player next season.
[/quote]
I would hope he would consider it, I think he could have a huge year playing just 2 downs because he will be fresher during the game. Honestly him having to play all 3 downs shows how unready the other MLBs are to take over. All the younger LBs have lapses in run defense and coverage similar to Ray except for Ray its cause hes 35 years old and is just a step slower. If the other MLBS Gooden, McClain and Ellerbe were more consistent I think he wouldn't mind taking a breather.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='TSizzle00' timestamp='1293592705' post='587586']
I would hope he would consider it, I think he could have a huge year playing just 2 downs because he will be fresher during the game. Honestly him having to play all 3 downs shows how unready the other MLBs are to take over. All the younger LBs have lapses in run defense and coverage similar to Ray except for Ray its cause hes 35 years old and is just a step slower. If the other MLBS Gooden, McClain and Ellerbe were more consistent I think he wouldn't mind taking a breather.
[/quote]

You're so right. Ray is the greatest MLB in history but that none of the young ILBs have been able to push him for snaps at this point in their career, like you said, shows they aren't ready. While I'm pretty sure the team will draft an ILB next year, I'm interested to see whose brought back among Ellerbe, McClain and Gooden and more importantly, if the re-signed player improves dramatically next season.

[EnVy_CaLiBeR]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1293593471' post='587594']
You're so right. Ray is the greatest MLB in history but that none of the young ILBs have been able to push him for snaps at this point in their career, like you said, shows they aren't ready. While I'm pretty sure the team will draft an ILB next year, I'm interested to see whose brought back among Ellerbe, McClain and Gooden and more importantly, if the re-signed player improves dramatically next season.
[/quote]
I'm hoping it's Ellerbe. Hopefully he can stay out the doghouse and play behind whoever we get next year. It's time to let Gooden and McClain go.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='EnVy_CaLiBeR' timestamp='1293594447' post='587598']
I'm hoping it's Ellerbe. Hopefully he can stay out the doghouse and play behind whoever we get next year. It's time to let Gooden and McClain go.
[/quote]

I hope it's Ellerbe too but am not sure. If he is re-signed, he should be starting next season, unless the Ravens find a real gem at ILB.

McClain has played good football in recent weeks and while he makes mistakes at times, he's a solid player. I could see him being brought back.

Gooden is just too injury-prone and doesn't make much of an impact when he is on the field.

[gabefergy]

[quote name='berad' timestamp='1293589517' post='587559']
What does Brett Favre's awful play have to do with Ray Lewis?
[/quote]
I think he's saying older players can have a great season late in their career, and then drop off drastically due to accumulation of injuries or whatever reason.

[the flock nest 806]

Ray will let his fans know when his entering his final year. The guys conditioning habits will get him through 2 more years at least I believe.

That being said he has lost a step or two, but he more than makes up for that with hia leadership in the locker room and his intensity and desire to play.

He will let us (media, fans. etc) know when he is done.

[ROH522155]

[quote name='AwakenTheDemon' timestamp='1293590664' post='587565']
[b]No I wouldn't have. Maybe you would have, since you also think Troy Smith is a professional quarterback, talent wise.[/b]But like Berad said, you're Favre comment is completely off base. Especially since Ray is STILL putting up solid, pro bowl numbers and adding to his legacy. Not making a joke out if it, like Favre has.
[/quote]

And boom goes the dynamite

[reediddy]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1293595434' post='587602']
I hope it's Ellerbe too but am not sure. If he is re-signed, he should be starting next season, unless the Ravens find a real gem at ILB.

McClain has played good football in recent weeks and while he makes mistakes at times, he's a solid player. I could see him being brought back.

Gooden is just too injury-prone and doesn't make much of an impact when he is on the field.
[/quote]

Ellerbe should absolutely be our starting ILB next year and I'd guess that we found the heir to Ray Lewis in the upcoming draft. I still think he can play another 3-4 years at a high level. People say he's lost a step...but really not that much. Still making big plays, big tackles. Still the undoubted leader of the defense.

McClain, I agree, he's been playing well recently. I don't think he is suited as much for ILB as much as he is OLB; I still contend that his breakout season two years ago was because he wreaked havoc at OLB and made some huge plays spelling JJ.

Gooden, yes, gotta go.

[Jabara]

[b]First I'd like to comment to any Mod that might be reading this:[/b] I noticed in this thread that I could not multi-quote the OP's first post, it redirected me right to the reply section. I don't know if this is just a glitch in this thread or if it happens in each thread.
Just wanted to put that out there.



[quote name='Twoo' timestamp='1293566688' post='587267']
They were talking a lot of stats like the majority of Ray's tackles are on 1st/2nd downs and he's non existent in 3rd downs, etc. Plus with the labor uncertainty many are speculating this is Ray's last season.
[/quote]
Speculation is simply speculation and nothing more.
It makes for a good radio discussion, most silly topics about speculation are, especially when it's about a big name player.
I think Ray has a couple years left.
It's possible he'd want to stop if he wins the SB this season and the 18 game season is implemented, but who knows?
Only Ray knows.

[quote name='HaX' timestamp='1293570515' post='587320']
what's gonna suck is reed and lewis are prolly gonna retire the same year
[/quote]

I think this is possible, but I think Ray could out play Reed simply because Reed is dealing with injuries that won't go away until surgery, and apparently if he has the surgery he can't return to football.
Losing both at once would be horrible, but somehow fitting.

[quote name='Terrellb2007' timestamp='1293570638' post='587324']
Maybe so and if not, not to long after. I can see them staying here and coaching for us. It would be nice for Ray as a coach to come out the tunnel still dancing>LOL. That would be a sight.
[/quote]
That would not only be awesome but also hilarious, I wouldn't put it past him.
Once Ray retires, I would want nothing more than to have him involved in the organization in some way.
GM would be ideal for me, but anyway would be great, same with Reed, but apparently Reed loves coaching kids, which I can fully respect.

[scrock]

Ray Lewis is having a better year this year than in the previous 3 or 4 and you think he retires next year? Listen to Ray if you want answers, he says he can play another 5 years the way he feels.

Ray Lewis is going no where....maybe unless we win the SB then maybe just maybe he considers hanging them up.

[TheRavenouseD2008]

[quote name='theFRANCHISE' timestamp='1293567181' post='587274']
Ray Lewis signed a 7-year contract extension last season with the intent of playing at least three or four more seasons. This is the second year of that contract. I think next year or the year after will be his last, but I'm almost positive he won't retire after this season, even with the labor uncertainty. He said he'd be open to talking honestly with the coaches about reducing his snaps to preserve his body, but that talk hasn't happened yet, which means he's not ready to wind down yet.

Even though Ray is proud, he's also a man of his word. When he says he'll be honest with the coaches, he probably will. When he says he'll step away from football completely after retirement so that he can spend time with his family, I believe him as well.
[/quote]

Remember that 7 had 3 as what was called Possible Transition Years. so he has 2 left in the tank then Mattis old job is where he goes. He wont not be a raven for a long time next up is Coach Lewis then Maybe Cordinator Lewis then Retire to be specificly Pastor Lewis maybe who knows where he is led

[jimizee028]

Listening to the so called 'radio shows' and banking on that information is about as valuable as going to the forums and getting opinions....cause thats mostly what it is.....its someones spin on what they think.........and how else are you gonna fill 4 hours of air time unless you bring up a subject people are willing to 'voice their opinions'..With radio,tv,internet,newspapers,texts....its now so media saturated that there is more people 'reporting' on said subject,then there is people actually playing the game.......and IMO 80% of the so called reporters,commentators and analysts are hacks and leaches making a living off other peoples talents,riding the coat tails of sports figures and putting big bucks in their own accounts........Ray will walk outta that tunnel next year opening day,no doubt in my mind......but then again ,thats my 'OPINION'..........

[UMDan]

I don't see it being his last season. Maybe it's wishful thinking but I think he and the staff want to keep him around until he's no longer productive.

[theFRANCHISE]

[quote name='TheRavenouseD2008' timestamp='1293633079' post='587732']
Remember that 7 had 3 as what was called Possible Transition Years. so he has 2 left in the tank then Mattis old job is where he goes. He wont not be a raven for a long time next up is Coach Lewis then Maybe Cordinator Lewis then Retire to be specificly Pastor Lewis maybe who knows where he is led
[/quote]
Ray Lewis himself said that he won't be a coach when he retires. When he hangs up the cleats, he's removing himself from football to spend more time with his family and pursure his entrepreneurial endeavors. ([url="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=walker_james&id=3393835&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab4pos1"]LINK[/url])

[ravens1227]

Like many said it will be a dark dark day for us all when he does decide to retire but they day is not this or next year he is still one of the best and he will let us know when its his last season. Even though we don’t want it to ever come it will sadly enough