[News] Eisenberg: Ray Lewis Is Gone, But No-Nonsense Culture Remains

[Ravensfansince03]

This is the first article post made in a while that doesn't have to do with players transactions but still has a important and meaningful purpose. Thank you John Eisenberg. Teach Ryan Mink how to do a proper article for the public and not just ones own opinion.

I personally think that Suggs and Nghata will keep the newcomers in check. Anquan Boldin would of been a great "leader by example" on offense if we had of kept him but that's all done with now. I cant wait to see how this offseason sums up and how next season begins.

[cigarjon68]

Look there is not much of a downside of signing McClain and it gives the team flexibility heading into the draft

[raveguy23]

in ozzie we trust. nuff said

[PolyUtah]

Ngata will continue to lead with Suggs. What would be great is to see Haloti mentor one or more of the standout polynesian prospects. Teo or Lotuleilei would be worth moving up in the draft for. I have seen Star play. You have to double team Haloti and Star. If you don't, one or the other will make the play. If you do, than Suggs and Dumervil will have their way with the offense. Haloti is a great leader/mentor on and off the field.

[zgenco]

With the draft so close I feel we should take Terron Armstead with our first round pick. From what I have seen his athleticism he could be a great LT and that's our biggest need.
http://youtu.be/L3D6tAJCiUs

[BIGL]

Terron Armstead looks good

[grand prix]

One of the top franchises in the league, a little while ago they were left for dead, after losing, Lewis, Reed,Ellerbee, and company.But bad news for Raven haters, they are back. Maybe better,at least defensively, than they were last year.

[grand prix]

Boldin may be the hardest player to replace.

[chuckw]

Eisenberg - thank you for an awesome article! This is a team that snuck in and swiped the Super Bowl. I feel they are getting stronger through calculated signings and this draft is going to be bountiful for the Ravens.

[iluvpurple]

True, Ray Lewis was the major factor in the shaping of our Ravens locker room for many years, and Ed joined him along the way. But looking back since 1996, there have been many veteran players with outstanding leadership qualities also helping to shape the lives of all the young guys coming in. Even Ray had veteran guidance in his early years. Ray then became the best team leader in the NFL. It is just the Raven way, from the beginning.

[slowboater]

Yes, Ray and Ed were a part of the culture. Steve Bisciotti, Ozzie Newsome, John Harbaugh and the rest of the staff have instilled discipline and a family atmosphere. Result? Win. Some Ravens fans take it for granted. The organization strives to make winning happen.

I don't know when a hiccup will happen and the Ravens have a "down" season, but I don't expect it this year. I don't take it for granted, just don't see this team regressing....even with a seemingly tough schedule. Go Ravens!

[flaccosberger]

Wow, I think McClain should wear 52

[Boondock1957]

This is a team now. There is no longer a culture of personalities. It's Harbs and everyone else. Thats why Pollard was cut.

[The Beak]

We loved us some Ray and Ed, but time to move on with the Ravens on our Roster now! Boldin will be missed but his is Joe Flaccos team on offense, thats the way it should be, on defense we still have Suggs
Ngata Webb and now veteran Dumerville that's a whole lot of veteran leadership to me.

[sami]

what number will mcClain wear? Well, they have to be between 50 and 59 unless none is available then they can be 90 thru 99. lets just check it.

50-McClellen
51-
52-forever taken by Ray
53-J. McClain
54-Hamilton
55-Suggs
56-Bynes
57-
58-Dumerville
59-
So theres 3 open. my guess is 59.

[DelawareRaven]

[quote name='flaccosberger' timestamp='1365906633' post='1433190']
Wow, I think McClain should wear 52
[/quote]
Nope! No one should wear 52 until it is retired!

[Ravens_Flock]

This "get in line or else" needs to stop. It's not the right way to be. Team first, yes, but not at the expense of great personalities. The greatest players of all time, including Ray Lewis and Ed Reed, were strong personalities who weren't just "step in line or else" yes-men players. Johnny Unitas wasn't like that. Neither was Joe Montana. Neither was Jerry Rice.

Being an "outspoken player" doesn't equate with being a "troublemaker", though it may very well in the minds of people like John Harbaugh. But make no mistake about it, The greatest football players, or pro sports players period, of all time, were "outspoken individuals", strong personalities, larger than life people. With zero exceptions.

[CapoRocky]

I don't know what number they will give him. It must be either 51 or 59, since they will never give him number 57 unless it is approved by OJ Brigance.

[imabmoraven]

We are so quick to write of Lewis and Reed. Let's not give all these pick ups (Raiders? hello?)credit until they walk on to M and T and earn it. Lewis vs. Mclain Pro Bowls?? Defennsive player of the year, super bowl MVP, HOF. Reed, HOF, most impactful safety Ever, Really? There will be no replacing Lewis or Reed, Let the new guys play, but make no mistake No replacement, draft or trade will be a Ray Lewis or Ed Reed...And not to mention Anquan. Your comparing good NFL players, to HOF and all time league leaders.

[ellicottraven]

I think Rolando McClain will finally realize his potential in Baltimore. He will not only excel but be an instrumental part of our defense regaining the prominence it seemed to have lost last season in the regular season!

Canty, Spears, Dumervil, McClain and Huff are extremely talented players who will make the Ravens younger, faster and better in 2013!

[AlaskanRavensFan]

@ Ravens_Flock
I honestly don't think that's the actual tone of either the coaching staff or the front office. This Ravens team still has plenty of personalities. Obviously it doesn't have some of the ones we are accustomed to hearing from, but that doesn't mean that there aren't any.

Suggs, Rice, and Webb have strong personalities and are leaders in the locker room. The point of the article is that the Ravens as an organization have managed to use their stability and consistent success as a force to stabilize their locker room. Other teams simply do not have that ability, which is what Eisenberg was trying to express.

[FloridalovesRavens]

I don't think anyone is trying to compare Lewis and Reed with any of these new signings. I do believe they are trying to tell us that all is not lost because we lost so many key players. I am the first one to admit that I was really upset with the Ravens Org. for letting Reed and Boldin go elsewhere. I am truly hopeful for this Ravens "new" team. Go Ravens.

[bioLarzen]

[quote name='sami' timestamp='1365907620' post='1433198']
what number will mcClain wear? Well, they have to be between 50 and 59 unless none is available then they can be 90 thru 99. lets just check it.

50-McClellen
51-
52-forever taken by Ray
53-J. McClain
54-Hamilton
55-Suggs
56-Bynes
57-
58-Dumerville
59-
So theres 3 open. my guess is 59.
[/quote]

59 seems most logical - especially if the FO was serious about keeping the door open to Ayenbadejo - that would probably mean keeping his 51 reserved until his status becomes clear.

I'm also quite sure they aren't gonna give #52 to any player - well, maybe unless it's the only remaining number, so they have no other choice...

BTW, is there a rule about when a number can be retired? Like a "waiting period", like with the Hall of Fame? Or can a number be retired any time? Because if it can, #52 should be retired ASAP, if not for other reason, to prevent it having to be given to a rookie or something because it remains the only free number... It was shame enough to see Heap's #86 on tryout players last off season and then on Bajema (sorry Billy, you gave us your best - but still...) - it might be shame to see #20 on any other player... I think we should try to protect #52 at least - maybe by retiring it next season?

Just thinking.

bio

[catgirl54]

Over and over again I've heard it said that the Ravens' organization is one of the best in the NFL. That is because of Ozzie Newsome, John Harbaugh, Kevin Byrne and a terrific owner. Sure, Ray Lewis and Ed Reed were dominant personalities who mentored younger players. But the Ravens' foundation is solid. McClain will be a professional, or he's out. We've seen that they aren't afraid to cut players.

[The Greek]

im hearing the schedule is coming out tuesday. can anyone verify?

[Guest Mr. Nobody]

[quote name='The Greek' timestamp='1365945519' post='1433338']
im hearing the schedule is coming out tuesday. can anyone verify?
[/quote]

was supposed to come out on the 16th but the slot has been removed from the tv guide so there's more rumours now that it's being postponed for a while longer

[20306cab]

Didn't know Swayne was Director of Player Development. Outstanding!! Ozzie and the gang keep utilizing classy and talented individuals.

Patriots, Steelers, Giants and Ravens, huh? Tom, Ben, Eli and Joe. What about Oooooooooold Peyton? Heck, he's been playin' for 20 years!!

[flaccosberger]

McClain should wear 52

[Bradum]

The reason I sometimes dislike reading articles on ravens.com is that I find every article is super optimistic regardless of the situation.

[RavensFanatic11]

mabmoraven
Posted
Yesterday, 11:09 PM
We are so quick to write of Lewis and Reed. Let's not give all these pick ups (Raiders? hello?)credit until they walk on to M and T and earn it. Lewis vs. Mclain Pro Bowls?? Defennsive player of the year, super bowl MVP, HOF. Reed, HOF, most impactful safety Ever, Really? There will be no replacing Lewis or Reed, Let the new guys play, but make no mistake No replacement, draft or trade will be a Ray Lewis or Ed Reed...And not to mention Anquan. Your comparing good NFL players, to HOF and all time league leaders.

you cant compare mcclain and rays pro bowls, mcclain is 23 yrs old and played with oakland. he could be a multiple all pro when career is done. time will tell. no one has said anyone we have brought or will bring in will be as good ray and ed were in their prime, but i think someone can perform as well as reed presently and better than ray over the last 2-3 yrs.