Ray Lewis- The Greatest

[lowrider]

Much has been said about Ray Lewis and how he has lost a step. And from what I read about the offseason articles, I thought Lewis would take even more of a step back. And I was very wrong. Watching the game against the Steelers made me realize several things:

1. Lewis' leadership is priceless. For as many leaders as we have, when Lewis retires we will miss his voice.

2. It has been said countless times but Lewis makes up for his lack of a step with his intelligence. Every time Lewis has an opportunity to make a turnover and make a big play, he will go for it. He is a playmaker, and not afraid to make mistakes because he very rarely does.

3. He is the greatest MLB of all time. Many people call him the Peyton Manning of defense, which makes sense to a degree. Doesn't matter the system, doesn't matter who is around him, he will always be great.

And what is the scariest thing about Ray is that he could play for a couple more years and still play at a high level. Talk about shoes to fill. It's impossible. The Ravens can only do it as best as they possibly can.

[ravensfan160]

That play where he chased Moore and forced the fumble is a great example of how he makes up for any step back his game has taken because of his age. He is slow in coverage and got beat on the play but came back and forced a fumble.

Of course I want us to win a Super Bowl, but in the back of my head I will know what Ray said about retiring if we win it all this season.

[usmccharles]

well Ray also said he wont play after 37 so take a pick, because hes 36. Id much rather get the superbowl ring for our guys and him walk away than him play for two-three years and get nothing. And its my guess Ed retires with Ray, wich is going to be just as big as an impact as when Ray leaves. Will be very odd, hopefully both numbers are retired. Time for suggs to completely take over that defense then.

[GrimCoconut]

[quote name='usmccharles' timestamp='1315936780' post='789801']
well Ray also said he wont play after 37 so take a pick, because hes 36. Id much rather get the superbowl ring for our guys and him walk away than him play for two-three years and get nothing. And its my guess Ed retires with Ray, wich is going to be just as big as an impact as when Ray leaves. Will be very odd, hopefully both numbers are retired. Time for suggs to completely take over that defense then.
[/quote]
Don't want to get too far ahead of ourselves by whispering Super Bowl already, but I agree. If we win the Super Bowl this year, I suspect Birk, Reed, Lewis & possibly Ricky Williams to retire. Could be a few more but those are the ones that stick out to me.

Regardless, Ray Lewis is in my opinion the best MLB to play the game yet & one of the most dynamic athletes I have ever seen play a sport. His presence is irreplaceable.

I could really see Ray leading us to the big game this year, though. His time is coming to an end & the pieces seem to be here to make a legitimate run for the prize.

Don't forget that he's also a machine, jerk.

[usmccharles]

[quote name='GrimCoconut' timestamp='1315937328' post='789812'] Don't want to get too far ahead of ourselves by whispering Super Bowl already, but I agree. If we win the Super Bowl this year, I suspect Birk, Reed, Lewis & possibly Ricky Williams to retire. Could be a few more but those are the ones that stick out to me. Regardless, Ray Lewis is in my opinion the best MLB to play the game yet & one of the most dynamic athletes I have ever seen play a sport. His presence is irreplaceable. I could really see Ray leading us to the big game this year, though. His time is coming to an end & the pieces seem to be here to make a legitimate run for the prize. Don't forget that he's also a machine, jerk.[/quote]

Well lets not pretend none of us are thinking superbowl, especially after sundays game. Im not superstitious (sp?) so it doesnt bother me to be honest, yea thats what im wanting and expecting this year. Im with you about Ray as an athlete tough, he redefined the middle linebacker position, i remember all the critics saying hes to slow and small to make a difference. I dont remember how fast he was back in the day, but i know he was able to run down almost anyone especailly when the right angle was taken. And just goes to show how much watching tape and preparing can make a difference, obviously hes lost prolly more than one step in speed, but make up for it in every other way possile ie leadership, play calling, breaking down offenses, training new guys, etc....ray lewis is the ravens, will be hard to imagine him not suiting up

[arnie_uk]

On the talk of ed retiring with ray, he has 2 years left on his deal to rays one year. I think he sees it out. But if he didn't Wats the consequences for ed if he retires still under contract

[lowrider]

[quote name='arnie_uk' timestamp='1315939413' post='789858']
On the talk of ed retiring with ray, he has 2 years left on his deal to rays one year. I think he sees it out. But if he didn't Wats the consequences for ed if he retires still under contract
[/quote]
He just doesn't get paid, but if he does ever want to come back into the NFL he is under contract with the Ravens at least until his previous deal is still in effect. I think thats how it works

[MagicianCamille]

The so-called experts say Ray Lewis has lost a step before each season and then his performance shuts them up. Seriously, anyone can be a sports analyst. You just generalize and make assumptions and you don't have to be held accountable for anything you say.

[wayne]

I don't see Ed retiring when Ray does, I just don't see that. Maybe 2-3 years after Ray but with Pagano taking over with the style he brings to the Ravens and the relationship he has with Ed dating back to Miami, I feel that the " Fun " factor will increase with Ed playing the game of football and that factor along with others always increases a players years in the league and the promise as far as how talented the up and coming young guys are showing at such an early stage , that will also play a major part in it too. Simply put, as long as players are still having fun which keeps the passion burning being healthy on that with the team going in a good direction which also helps, it prolongs their years and a prime example is Ray Lewis. Take one of those factors I just named away and Ray would have probably retired years ago.

[Gordo52]

Rays last year because were winning it all. But if we go undefeated he might come back for a repeat lol. I feel Ray could be a Favre kinda player. He dont want to stop football

[AsianRice]

[quote name='Ravens<3' timestamp='1315945606' post='790020']
Rays last year because were winning it all. But if we go undefeated he might come back for a repeat lol. I feel Ray could be a Favre kinda player. [b]He dont want to stop football[/b]
[/quote]
He really loves his son and his family, so I think that will overweight his passion for the game.....Family first kind of guy....

But like poster*wayne* saying, Pagano is not only having great relationship with Ed Reed, he's also with Ray Lewis. I hope this will keep Ray playing more for the fun, but he might miss his son debut in college football which I think it's a big regret for him.

[Gordo52]

[quote name='AsianRice' timestamp='1315947970' post='790102']
He really loves his son and his family, so I think that will overweight his passion for the game.....Family first kind of guy....

But like poster*wayne* saying, Pagano is not only having great relationship with Ed Reed, he's also with Ray Lewis. I hope this will keep Ray playing more for the fun, but he might miss his son debut in college football which I think it's a big regret for him.
[/quote]
If Ray was my dad and was still playing at a high level and had a shot to win another superbowl I would want him to. He'd still be able to watch him and support him, hes in college so hes mature enough to understand. This is Rays last years of his career and the beginning of his sons, I would want him to stay as long as possible and play against him lol. I also just dont want too see Ray leave anytime soon, so idk

[AsianRice]

[quote name='Ravens<3' timestamp='1315949146' post='790141']
If Ray was my dad and was still playing at a high level and [b]had a shot to win another superbowl I would want him to[/b]. He'd still be able to watch him and support him, hes in college so hes mature enough to understand. This is Rays last years of his career and the beginning of his sons, I would want him to stay as long as possible and play against him lol. I also just dont want too see Ray leave anytime soon, so idk
[/quote]
Ray said he'll retire if he wins another SB...kind of like Favre....but I don't want to jinx it.....

No one wants Ray to retire, and if he does, I think we'll have a Ray Lewis statue next to John Unitas....

[Gordo52]

[quote name='AsianRice' timestamp='1315949618' post='790161']
Ray said he'll retire if he wins another SB...kind of like Favre....but I don't want to jinx it.....

No one wants Ray to retire, and if he does, I think we'll have a Ray Lewis statue next to John Unitas....
[/quote]
No doubt. & No one will ever rock #52 in a Ravens uniform again.

[K-Dog]

A) Ray will never get all Favre on us and unretire ten times.
2) He will go out strong and on top

[latenighthero]

I think P. Will is better.

[Guest ArmyRaven52]

[quote name='latenighthero' timestamp='1315954174' post='790295']
I think P. Will is better.
[/quote]
Now Maybe, Ray in his prime no way.

[SackinU]

What is funny is ,

Ray has not lost that step, he got beat on the play and chased down Moore from behind for the play. Sounds like he steps just fine.

[Guest ArmyRaven52]

[quote name='Ravens<3' timestamp='1315950218' post='790179']
No doubt. & No one will ever rock #52 in a Ravens uniform again.
[/quote]

Interesting question what if his son becomes a Raven ????? The possiblities make the mind boggle.

[latenighthero]

[quote name='ArmyRaven52' timestamp='1315954598' post='790304']
Now Maybe, Ray in his prime no way.
[/quote]
Oh ya, not even close. And only just by slightly even though Willis is in his prime now and Lewis is on his last legs (even though he's in fantastic shape for his age).

[codizzle]

[quote name='latenighthero' timestamp='1315954174' post='790295']
I think P. Will is better.
[/quote]
willis is a beast.. Easily better now.. Juat the hard truth

but compare willis now with ray in his prime... Id take ray everytime no doubt about it

[Gordo52]

[quote name='ArmyRaven52' timestamp='1315954638' post='790307']

Interesting question what if his son becomes a Raven ????? The possiblities make the mind boggle.
[/quote]
If Ray says its okay and becomes our defensive coordinator and his son can do half of whats hes done then okay

[wayne]

Ray is 36 years old,lol.... Willis better be better than Ray at 36,lol.

[ball hawkin 20]

[quote name='ArmyRaven52' timestamp='1315954638' post='790307']

Interesting question what if his son becomes a Raven ????? The possiblities make the mind boggle.
[/quote]

That'd be great, the least we could do. If we could draft him that'd be such a great honor to our team, Ray, and his son.

[pthompson24]

I think if Ozzie feels that Ray's son is good enough to wear the 52, then that would be up to Ray... I think Ray's got this year and if we go out on top and win it all, then he's done. if we get to the superbowl and lose, he may try one more year to go for that Lombardi. Then, he and Reed can retire together. At that point suggs and Ngata HAVE to step up and take control of that defensive leadership role.

[Ravensstrike4424]

dont question Ray

[counts52]

[quote name='ball hawkin 20' timestamp='1315958135' post='790381']

That'd be great, the least we could do. If we could draft him that'd be such a great honor to our team, Ray, and his son.
[/quote]

It would be like the ripkens staying in charm city but prob better...we better do WHATEVER IT TAKES to draft his son when the day comes.

[SackinU]

[quote name='counts52' timestamp='1315962654' post='790477']

It would be like the ripkens staying in charm city but prob better...we better do WHATEVER IT TAKES to draft his son when the day comes.
[/quote]

Nope.... Best man available, not a name, not a position, in ozzie we trust, if Lil Ray is the best man on the board he will get selected, if not... well it was not meant to be

[BaltimoreBean]

Good article by Mike Silver I just read about Ray at halftime on Sunday.


"It's 21-7," Suggs said, referring to the halftime score against the Pittsburgh Steelers , their AFC North rivals, constant tormentors and 2010 postseason vanquishers. "Well, you know, that's the same score as …"

Before Suggs could finish, he was cut off by future Hall of Fame middle linebacker Ray Lewis (notes) , the Ravens' unquestioned leader, and the best defensive player of his era.

The elephant was about to get its enormous butt kicked.

"[Expletive] that!" Lewis screamed. "That was last year. Last year was last year. This is the 2011 Ravens. We don't care about the past. Let's play."


http://m.yahoo.com/w/sports/home/experts/article?offset=1&urn=urn%3Anewsml%3Asports.yahoo%2Cyhoo%3A20050301%3Anfl%2Carticle%2Cms-silver_morning_rush_ravens_stomp_steelers_091211%3A1&.ts=1315849551&.ysid=7LguZ7TSodf18I9YS00MxmNL&.intl=US&.lang=en

[nk02442]

Trade 3 First rounders for Patrick WIllis and we might have someone who can fill in for ray when he retires. Like JO, no one can replace him and when Him and Reed retire, Ravens are in for some rough years ahead.