Time To Smallow Some Pride And Take Reed And Lewis Out

[display name]

You guys know I'm right! De-nile!

[The Raven]

[quote name='display name' timestamp='1325630268' post='933877']
But I haven't! -1
[/quote]

Lol okay.

So, who do you propose replaces them? Ellerbe and Zibby? Don't get me wrong, Zibby and Ellerbe have both played tremendously whenever filling in for Ray and Reed but they are simply not as good as Ray and Reed, even in their old age. You'll find it hard to find people that agree with your sentiment. Good luck convincing people.

I will say, we need to find Ray's and Reed's successor ASAP. They are declining and declining fast.

[PuRock]

[quote name='display name' timestamp='1325630900' post='933892']
You guys know I'm right! [b]De-nile![/b]
[/quote]

and reat up!

[arnie_uk]

[quote name='display name' timestamp='1325630900' post='933892']
You guys know I'm right! De-nile!
[/quote]
you need to remove your sig after calling for rays head

[The Raven]

[quote name='arnie_uk' timestamp='1325631144' post='933902']
you need to remove your sig after calling for rays head
[/quote]

Haha yeah. Talk about irony.

[reediddy]

[quote name='codizzle' timestamp='1325627067' post='933763']
Smallowing as I get my reat up
[/quote]

Lmao at thread title grammatical errors!

[reediddy]

Honestly this is a very sheepish post. Don't listen to these extreme Preston articles. Yes, our defense did a fine job against the Niners and Bengals #1 when Ray was out, but our defense is undoubtedly better with Ray and Ed's leadership and experience, ESPECIALLY in the playoffs. What with the rest they get this week, Ray and Ed should be fine for the divisional round. Don't trick yourself into thinking these two don't hear all this talk about them getting up there in age. They are going to take full advantage of this opportunity

[Bltravens]

Two things, running backs don't run over Ray, Tebow never will. Second, who the hell are you going to replace them with? People have all these ideas like we have 25 year old Ray and Ed waiting on the bench to replace the 36 and 33 year old banged up versions we have. We have Ellerbe who either pulls him hammy or gets a concussion every week, a converted OLB in McLellan, a 225 pound nickel LB in Ayenbedejo, or Zbikowski who also gets a concussion every other week, and Nakamura who is god awful in coverage.


Ya some real studs waiting on the bench...

[baltravens]

[quote name='display name' timestamp='1325626960' post='933759']
[url="http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2012-01-02/sports/bs-sp-preston-ravens-0103-20120102_1_john-harbaugh-ravens-reed-and-lewis"]http://articles.balt...-reed-and-lewis[/url]
I had been developing this idea for a while but it hit a new stride when it showed up in a Baltimore Sun article by Mike Preston. First I will evaluate the players:

Ed Reed. He and defensive coodinator Chuck Pagano have a history dating back to their days with the Miami Hurricans. Reed was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens for their dominant defense in the 2002 NFL Draft. he quickly excelled in many ways. Reed had nine interceptions twice, and has 12 career TDs, including in special teams. He also was dominant mentally. He made people around him better and served as a lead on and off the field. However, there has been a disturbing trend recently. It has been going on ever since he picked nine passes in 2008. We have just let it slide because, well, you know it's Reeeeeeeeeeeeed! Possibly due to fear of re-aggravating his many injuries, Reed has struggled with tackling (sometimes does not even try) and deep coverage skills. While we (myself included), have been hitting on guys like Bernard Pollard, Domineque Foxworth, Corey Ivy, Frank Walker, Cary Williams, and others for their faults, Reed's has been blown off.

Ray Lewis is in better shape. But barely. With a Super Bowl XXXV MVP, 13-time Pro Bowler, two-time NFL DPLOY (2000, 2003), 16-year veteran (1996-present), larger-than life leadership, charities, religiouse beliefs, physical toughness, and repsect, Lewis has been almost worshipped. The leader of the famous Baltimore defense for 16 years, Lewis would never miss tackles, and could help out in pass coverage. (Just look on youtube for his, Terrell Suggs's Reed's, and others' defining moments!) However, he too has started to slide. Besides looking very confused in pass coverage, Lewis has even missed a few tackles here and there. His siuation took a viral turn for the worst when he suffered a turf toe and missed a month! One curious fact, the defense played even better with Ray as a coach on the sidelines than when he was in. Lewis looked rusty as the defense surrendured 34 points to the San Diego Chargers a few weeks ago. I would definetly keep Lewis in most of the time, but take him out in passing situations. He has very capable backups in Jameel McClain and Dannell Ellerbe.

This will be tough for Head Coach John Harbaugh to do, I know. But would you keep them in all the time and risk a disastor deep in the postseason. Say, having Mike Wallace of Wes Welker blow by Ed Reed, or Tim Tebow running over Ray Lewis? I love these guys too, but harbaugh needs to have a talk with both and figure something out. But let's
[/quote]
I know it is unpopular, but like other players on potential passing downs, I would like to see Ray Ray substituted for because there are faster and better coverage guys. IMO, totally benching Ray is out of the question; however, if he is not completely healed from his injury, it is best he rest. The defense did not skip a beat this season when he had to sit out. (I find no evidence that we suffered defensively when he was out with his injury.)

[gabefergy]

[quote name='The Raven' timestamp='1325629497' post='933861']

"You have reached your quota of negative votes for the day"
[/quote]
I get that all the time...

[display name]

[quote name='The Raven' timestamp='1325630937' post='933894']

Lol okay.

So, who do you propose replaces them? Ellerbe and Zibby? Don't get me wrong, Zibby and Ellerbe have both played tremendously whenever filling in for Ray and Reed but they are simply not as good as Ray and Reed, even in their old age. You'll find it hard to find people that agree with your sentiment. Good luck convincing people.

I will say, we need to find Ray's and Reed's successor ASAP. They are declining and declining fast.
[/quote]
So you sort of agree with me and sort of don't? You guys just seem to forget that I love Ray (and my sig) and Ed as much as anyone! You can't deny their charecter or what they have done in their careers. I also believe totally benching them is out of the question. Like if you look more closely, I said take Ray out on passing downs. He is still a force to be rekoned with in run support. Reed is in worse shape. He is often burned in coverages. Maybe read my topic post again. All I said was to put them on the bench more in certain situations and to evaluate their futures.

[wayne]

[quote name='display name' timestamp='1325630176' post='933872']

Yeah we've been saying this all year. Every game it's "I feel a Reed pick-six coming!" Fast Fact: He hasn't had one since 200NINE! I usually don't like Preston but this was a good one. Hate on it all you want but you'll regret it!
[/quote]

So, since Ed isnt getting pick sixes, he's not doing anything,lol? Ed has been doing just fine this season minus a couple of whiffs here and there and maybe rotating a little late on a pass or two. Guys, we just spoiled from the vintange Ed Reed how he transcended the safety position and now that his stats are like all the other FS's, Ed play has went down,lol.( if you look at the pattern of Ed int's in his career, he was due for having a low pick count coming off a big int count last season ). We hardly ever give up anything in the seams like a lot of teams do, you know why, Ed...... we hardly ever give up a huge gain coming off a PA, you know why, Ed ( if it wasn't for Pollard blowing his assignment, that TD by Jones would have neva happened ). Look how GB and Hou destroy people with that same PA stretch play to the left with Nelson and Jones doing the fake flag route and doing a deep post ( double move ). Almost every team I see get destroyed by that but b/c of Ed doing a wonerful job playing the middle, it hardly happens to us.

All I know is that we will need Ed, especially once we beat Pitts and play NE b/c Brady loves his TE's better than Welker and when we beat them, we got to get ready for Drew " loves the seam passes, especially to Graham " Brees. Ed will come through major for us in the playoffs. Does Ed sort of save his self on some plays, one would think so and its reasonable considering his situation and I'm all for it personally.

As far as Ray, the stats have been brought up and he's among the best ILB 's in the league in pass coverage. Someone said if Ray was to get done in by Tebow then he would consider taking Ray out, I say if he were to get done in like Ray Rice does opposing ILB's, then I would consider taking him out on 3rd downs but that hasn't been the case. Just use the example of how Rice does other ILB's that try to stop him from running and catching passes out the backfield converting them into big plays and it will make you appreciate Ray Lewis a lot.

[ghost1986]

Once I read this, I had no chance of smallowing my powerade.

[wayne]

Also, its not completely true about the D playing better with Ray out. Against Cincy, Dalton threw for 300+ and a TD and we gave up 2 rushing TD's also and they were without their best offensive weapon, Green.

[ghost1986]

Good point, wayne. Man, I wish they'd stop letting Steelers fans (display name) post on here.

[The Raven]

[quote name='display name' timestamp='1325635058' post='933959']
So you sort of agree with me and sort of don't? You guys just seem to forget that I love Ray (and my sig) and Ed as much as anyone! You can't deny their charecter or what they have done in their careers. I also believe totally benching them is out of the question. Like if you look more closely, I said take Ray out on passing downs. He is still a force tobe rekoned with in run support. Reed is in worse shape. He is often burned in coverages and I do not believe totally benching him in out of the question. Maybe read my topic post again. All I said was to put them on the bench more in certain situations and to evaluate their futures.
[/quote]

For this season, I disagree. I thought I made that part clear... I guess I have to spell things out in depth for people to get it.

Next season, we MAY need to start exploring other options. Ray is definitely not a liability as stats have proven, and he is still a very valuable asset in stopping the run.

I read this quote around here somewhere, I can't remember who said it, or the exact wording he used, but it went something like this

"Ray always used to be 2 steps ahead of everybody else, bu now that he's getting older he's the same speed as everyone else"


And I think that quote accurately describes whats going on. Whether you believe it or not, Ray is still better than most linebackers.

I am concerned, because he took a bigger step back this year than I thought he would, and he might regress even more next year. It's terrible to think about and its rather blasphemous, but we need to find his successor.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='baltravens' timestamp='1325634535' post='933950']
I know it is unpopular, but like other players on potential passing downs, I would like to see Ray Ray substituted for because [b]there are faster and better coverage guys[/b]. IMO, totally benching Ray is out of the question; however, if he is not completely healed from his injury, it is best he rest. The defense did not skip a beat this season when he had to sit out. (I find no evidence that we suffered defensively when he was out with his injury.)
[/quote]

Who? For all of Ray's issues backpedaling and moving laterally, are there really ILBs on this team noticeably better than him in coverage? The speed and athleticism McClain and Ellerbe have means nothing when they bite on play-fakes, don't show good technique, or read and react quick enough. And I don't know how often B.A. gets defensive snaps.

[wayne]

[quote name='The Raven' timestamp='1325636104' post='933987']


For this season, I disagree. I thought I made that part clear... I guess I have to spell things out in depth for people to get it.

Next season, we MAY need to start exploring other options. Ray is definitely not a liability as stats have proven, and he is still a very valuable asset in stopping the run.

I read this quote around here somewhere, I can't remember who said it, or the exact wording he used, but it went something like this

"Ray always used to be 2 steps ahead of everybody else, bu now that he's getting older he's the same speed as everyone else"


And I think that quote accurately describes whats going on. Whether you believe it or not, Ray is still better than most linebackers.

I am concerned, because he took a bigger step back this year than I thought he would, and he might regress even more next year. It's terrible to think about and its rather blasphemous, but we need to find his successor.
[/quote]

I agree with everything you said but its very obvious, self explanatory that we need to found his replacement b/c #1: He is 37 going on 38 years of age I believe and #2: He has stated that he would retire if he won a SB or he won't play pass 38 meaning if we don't win it this season, he will play for one more season. Father time catches up to everyone regardless of how extraordinary you are at whatever it is you do.

[The Raven]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1325636908' post='934010']

Who? For all of Ray's issues backpedaling and moving laterally, are there really ILBs on this team noticeably better than him in coverage? The speed and athleticism McClain and Ellerbe have means nothing when they bite on play-fakes, don't show good technique, or read and react quick enough. [b]And I don't know how often B.A. gets defensive snaps[/b].
[/quote]

Not often, but only in nickel situations. He's too small to stop the run

[cursona pirate]

[quote name='PuRock' timestamp='1325631039' post='933898']

and reat up!
[/quote]

omg i see the reat everywhere on here!! lololololol

[Ravenz52]

This is a hilarious post. Take out our heart and soul of the defense? These too leaders STILL put fear into the minds of running backs/quarterbacks. It's playoff time. We need all of the experienced leaders we can get.

Side Note: When other offenses game plan against us, knowing here number 20 is located is still a priority.

[The Raven]

It'd be one thing if we had great backups behind them. It's not like replacing Favre with Rodgers, more like replacing him with Alex Smith. Good enough to get it done, but nothing special.

[D_UP]

I remember when Ed was out last season for the first part and haruki and zib got a bulk of the time and made zero plays we were scuffling for turnovers. I rather have reed back there yea he lost a step but the guy knowledge is off the chart same for Lewis. Who would harbaugh sit them for? not like we have the heir apparents on the roster.

[K-Dog]

[quote name='codizzle' timestamp='1325627067' post='933763']
Smallowing as I get my reat up
[/quote]


Just quoting this for pure awesomeness

[cobrajet]

[quote name='codizzle' timestamp='1325628073' post='933814']
The day I see tim Tebow "running over" ray is the day I will highly question how much I really daydream
[/quote]
If Tebow ever dreamed of running over Ray Lewis, if he knows what's good for him, he better wake up and get on the phone and apoligize to Ray ASAP!

[display name]

Oh and guys, the smallowing was a typo! I know! get over it!

[The Raven]

[quote name='display name' timestamp='1325644853' post='934188']
Oh and guys, the smallowing was a typo! I know! get over it!
[/quote]

Come on, don't get upset, they're just having a little bit of fun.

[1/28/01]

[quote name='display name' timestamp='1325644853' post='934188']
Oh and guys, the smallowing was a typo! I know! get over it!
[/quote]
Don't [s]smallow[/s] wallow about in despair! Tis just a joke!

[jaege]

Tim Tebow better have his prayers said and his soul consigned before he tries to "run over" Ray Lewis. The only thing that will get him is a while on his back contemplating the clouds.

[theblackdog]

[quote name='cobrajet' timestamp='1325644305' post='934182']
If Tebow ever dreamed of running over Ray Lewis, if he knows what's good for him, he better wake up and get on the phone and apoligize to Ray ASAP!
[/quote]

But...but Jesus told Tebow in a dream that he would do that.