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

[George70]

I, like so many others, am somewhat skeptical of this Sunday being Ray Lewis' last home game as a Raven. I say this because I believe that Ray still has some fire in his gut, and his work ethic is truly unquestioned.

I have to believe that Ray will still be playing for at least another two years, and when the time for him to retire comes, it shall be a day of honor for the man who makes Ravens football something worth watching.

[charlie cash]

Ray has not slowed down much...His knowledge makes up for anything that he has lost...I just dont see it...He still looks like a spring chicken out there too me!

As far as I am concearned Ray Lewis is still in his prime as crazy as that sounds....Nmae one middle linebacker better right now? You cant

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='charlie cash' timestamp='1293677676' post='588183']
Ray has not slowed down much...His knowledge makes up for anything that he has lost...I just dont see it...He still looks like a spring chicken out there too me!

As far as I am concearned Ray Lewis is still in his prime as crazy as that sounds....Nmae one middle linebacker better right now? You cant
[/quote]

Ray is the man but I can't believe you think he hasn't slowed down considerably or that he's still in his prime.

To answer your question, I'd say Patrick Willis is better right now and guys like Jerod Mayo and Lawrence Timmons aren't far behind.

[JImmy Love The Ravens]

I totally disagree with you. Ray Lewis is an honest guy that would tell the fans when he didn't think that he would be able to play at his level anymore. It may be tempting for him to retire after we win the Super Bowl. He just signed a huge extension and will be in uniform for 3-4 more years (baring injury). I see Ray moving into some sort of front office position after that or even on to the field as a linebackers coach. Who else would you want to motivate the players in training and during game time? May Ray continue until he is ready to retire. After that, he will go to the Hall of Fame as a Raven.

[JImmy Love The Ravens]

Jimmy says, "Love the Ravens!" Hahahaha. Go all the way to the Super Bowl #52.

[PuRock]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1293679090' post='588190']
Ray is the man but I can't believe you think he hasn't slowed down considerably or that he's still in his prime.

To answer your question, I'd say Patrick Willis is better right now and guys like Jerod Mayo and Lawrence Timmons aren't far behind.
[/quote]

Yea Mayo seems to be involved in every play. At the end of any down, Mayo always seems to be tackling or around were the tackle has taken place. Him and Patrick Willis are in their prime where they can take their game to the ball. Ray nowadays needs the ball to come more his direction.

But whenever Ray loses a step he takes another step in becoming a leader.

[Bltravens]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1293679090' post='588190']
Ray is the man but I can't believe you think he hasn't slowed down considerably or that he's still in his prime.

To answer your question, I'd say Patrick Willis is better right now and guys like Jerod Mayo and Lawrence Timmons aren't far behind.
[/quote]
In terms of overall physical ability Willis is above Ray now, but in terms of actual production this year Ray and Willis are on equal terms as far as im concerned.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='Bltravens' timestamp='1293733505' post='588402']
In terms of overall physical ability Willis is above Ray now, but in terms of actual production this year Ray and Willis are on equal terms as far as im concerned.
[/quote]

I'd agree with that. According to NFL.com, they've both got the same amount of tackles and forced fumbles. Willis has 6 sacks to Ray's 2 but Ray has 2 interceptions(one returned for a TD) while Willis has none.

[FerrariFan87]

Trust me, Ray Lewis won't play in the NFL if he can't do so at an elite or near-elite level. He's still the best MLB in the game, if you look at the bigger picture, and while he has "slowed down," he's still head and shoulders above anyone else we have! I guarantee Ray Ray plays at least next year (assuming a new CBA is reached).

[FerrariFan87]

[quote name='Bltravens' timestamp='1293733505' post='588402']
In terms of overall physical ability Willis is above Ray now, but in terms of actual production this year Ray and Willis are on equal terms as far as im concerned.
[/quote]

Not only that, but just look at how their defenses have performed overall. Our guys have surpassed expectations and I shudder to think what this unit would have looked like without Ray roaming the middle and taking charge. Ask Dustin Keller if he thinks Ray's lost "it."

[Twoo]

[quote name='FerrariFan87' timestamp='1293736072' post='588425']
Trust me, Ray Lewis won't play in the NFL if he can't do so at an elite or near-elite level. He's still the best MLB in the game, if you look at the bigger picture, and while he has "slowed down," he's still head and shoulders above anyone else we have! I guarantee Ray Ray plays at least next year (assuming a new CBA is reached).
[/quote]

I like what Ray said during an interview. "Physically I am not a 25 year old man anymore- but when I was 25 I didn't have the mind I do now."

[EnVy_CaLiBeR]

[quote name='Twoo' timestamp='1293738155' post='588450']
I like what Ray said during an interview. "Physically I am not a 25 year old man anymore- but when I was 25 I didn't have the mind I do now."
[/quote]
That explains his play nowadays. Not the beast physically that he was, but his football IQ makes up for losing a step. He will stay elite until he's done.

[Bltravens]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1293735332' post='588418']
I'd agree with that. According to NFL.com, they've both got the same amount of tackles and forced fumbles. Willis has 6 sacks to Ray's 2 but Ray has 2 interceptions(one returned for a TD) while Willis has none.
[/quote]
Ya and actually I forgot to add in the fact that Ray is 35 and Willis is 25, for there to be a 10 year gap and their production to be on par with each others is proof to the fact that Ray is still clearly an elite MLB in the league and definitely in the AFC.

[mdrsharon]

You guys must be kidding.
Have you ever heard the sound bites when he is on the sidelines? He is more fired up than anybody on that team. This guy is going to stay as long as possible, he has the desire, and passion to play, and that makes up for any loss of physical ability,which really isn't a factor at this point.
He is still the best, in every way.
Rock on Ray - you got it goin' on!!!

[ravenswoman]

I'll enjoy watching Ray for as long as he wants to play. I'll cry the day he retires.

[BloodRaven]

He started off hot but in the second half of the season Ive seen him get knocked around and miss a lot of tackles. I know what willpower can do but it only goes so far, at 35 his body could very well be failing him.

[Q-Bold81]

there is no way ray will retire. The only reason i see him retiring is if we win the superbowl. Ray even said in an interview earlier this season that he doesn't see him self retiring because he still believes he is playing at a high level which is true. he also said he loves going to battle with the team he is playing with today. He clearly said he will not retire after this season

[BMOREHAWAII]

[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]
No..i wont accept that.

[cursona pirate]

next brett favre without the weird the sexting part

[McBoller]

nah, Ray will be here for at least all of next year if there is football. I think he calls it quits right before or after the 2012 season.

Only was he's done this year is if we win the SB. Thats how you go out in style.

[luke]

[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]
GOOD LUCK RAY IN YOUR NEXT PROFESSION...YOU WERE FUN TO WATCH, GOD BLESS

[i]Note: posting in all caps is a violation of our Code of Conduct.[/i]

[cursona pirate]

[quote name='luke' timestamp='1293894035' post='589265']
GOOD LUCK RAY IN YOUR NEXT PROFESSION...YOU WERE FUN TO WATCH, GOD BLESS
[/quote]
Says the guy who says we will suck in the playoffs and has no hope
http://boards.baltimoreravens.com/topic/31515-playoffs/page__pid__589291#entry589291

[luke]

[quote name='cursona pirate' timestamp='1293897252' post='589298']
Says the guy who says we will suck in the playoffs and has no hope
http://boards.baltimoreravens.com/topic/31515-playoffs/page__pid__589291#entry589291
[/quote]
sorry, but i enjoyed watching ray lewis play...too bad it won't last forever

[KyKobra]

[quote name='luke' timestamp='1293897346' post='589299']
sorry, but i enjoyed watching ray lewis play...too bad it won't last forever
[/quote]
I guess you also like saying the Ravens being a wild card team every year will bring them down..We beat New England in New England last year..
But the day Ray retires..will be a dark day..That's also the day when everyone in Baltimore wears the number 52.

[luke]

[quote name='KyKobra' timestamp='1293902189' post='589357']
I guess you also like saying the Ravens being a wild card team every year will bring them down..We beat New England in New England last year..
But the day Ray retires..will be a dark day..That's also the day when everyone in Baltimore wears the number 52.
[/quote]
yea..your raven beat the patriots, then the next week they lost...hummm

[BirdWatcher]

Let's stay on topic, please.

[PWNEDbyDEANO]

I'm inclined to believe that a big part of whether he decides to retire or not will be if the new 18-game regular season is implemented next season. I know that Ray's against it, for obvious safety reasons as much as anything, but I doubt that at the age of 36 he could play 18 full games at the level of intensity that he plays.

Maybe he would agree to start taking some plays out during the game, but I think that he'd be more likely to retire.

[Irish Girl]

[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]
The same thing happened last year with Ed Reed. Remember him saying, "Well, it's a 50/50 chance for me to retire right now..."? Well, he's still playing. It doesn't look like Ray Lewis is slowing down at all. He's been fine. There are some players on the roster, like Derrick Mason, who are older than him and are most likely coming back next year. For now, don't worry about Lewis, I'm sure he should be back.

[TheRavenouseD2008]

[quote name='theFRANCHISE' timestamp='1293654804' post='587944']
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])
[/quote]

thnx for the link franny , but I dont think he is done yet . he wont be he got atleast 2 more maybe 3

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='Irish Girl' timestamp='1293934626' post='589530']
The same thing happened last year with Ed Reed. Remember him saying, "Well, it's a 50/50 chance for me to retire right now..."? Well, he's still playing. [b]It doesn't look like Ray Lewis is slowing down at all.[/b] He's been fine. There are some players on the roster, like Derrick Mason, who are older than him and are most likely coming back next year. For now, don't worry about Lewis, I'm sure he should be back.
[/quote]

I'm not denying he hasn't had a productive season but let's not pretend like Ray isn't slowing down.