What Do You Think of Ray Lewis's Comments?

[BmoreBird22]

Ray Lewis made yet another comment about the Ravens, but it always seems to come back to him. First it was that the Sweet Pea incident doesn't happen if he's there, and now it's this. I really like Ray, but it seems like EVERYTHING is about him. He's always talking about guys and I frequently here, "If I was there, it would be this way." I don't mind the gesture, but when Ray whipped out his credit card to offer to pay for Ahmad Brooks fine, I think it was more him trying to be in the spotlight than anything else. That just annoys me.

Here are his recent comments about Ray Lewis.

"When I was playing with Joe Flacco, Joe Flacco wasmaking these same mistakes back then, but our defense always found a way to bail him out," Lewis said during ESPN's Sunday NFL Countdown.

Lewis said that in order for Flacco to flourish, the offense needs more balance with a successful running attack, meaning Flacco can’t carry the offense all on his own.

“There’s no real balance that [the] Baltimore Ravens have right now and they want to make Joe Flacco – they gave him $100 million, I understand that – they want to make Joe Flacco a Tom Brady or Peyton Manning. He’s not that type of guy. He’s a system type of guy that if you have the balance – that you have running the ball, doing the things you need to do – then Joe Flacco excels.”

 

Well, this could not be any more wrong to me. First, Joe never made these high risk throws in the past, that I saw. He was always very careful, but this season I see a Joe Flacco that's trying to do way too much and he's forcing throws. I don't think these are the same throws and mistakes. Secondly, does Ray not remember that it was Flacco who led the Ravens to the Super Bowl in his absence and carried the team in the playoffs? Ray actually held the defense back last year, and Flacco pulled that team along.

Now, as for his comments about the "elite quarterbacks who don't need a supporting cast", that's a bunch of crap to me.

Tom Brady put up his best numbers from 2007 on. What happened in 2007? He added Wes Welker and Randy Moss to his lineup. He also added Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez not too much later. Just happens to get better after that, right? No, he got much better supporting cast players. From '07-'11, Brady had two top 10 running games and ranked outside of the top 15 once and that was '11 where the Patriots scored the third most rushing touchdowns in the NFL. In '12, Brady also had the 7th ranked run offense. Did Brady sacrifice defense? Nope. From '07-'12, the Patriots defense ranked inside the top 10 five times and never ranked outside the top 15 in terms of points per game given up. That's pretty incredible. Brady also had the first, second, and sixth ranked defenses when he won the Super Bowl. So, Brady breaks out in '07, but he always had a great defense and running game from then on out. It just so happens that his receivers this year drop off in talent and he's abysmal until Gronkowski gets back.

Peyton Manning may have never had the great offensive lines or defenses, but he still had Edgerin James as a major offensive weapon at running back, and while the numbers didn't show a high octane running attack (much like the Ravens), he still had a great running back to help balance out the attack. Know how many Super Bowls he won without Edgerin James? Zero. He also played much of his career with Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne, and Dallas Clark. When he goes to Denver, he still has a balanced running attack, but he adds a great defense, the best offensive line in the NFL, Demaryius Thomas, Julius Thomas, Wes Welker, and Eric Decker. That's insane. Remember, Jim Irsay did say that he thought Peyton Manning would win more IF HE HAD BETTER PIECES AROUND HIM.

Aaron Rodgers never had the greatest running games, but he played with Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, James Jones, Jordy Nelson, and Randall Cobb at various points. He also had Jermichael Finley. He always had amazing receivers and way too many weapons to even be considered fair at all. When he won the Super Bowl, he had the number two defense in terms of points per game allowed. Not to mention that he also has only had an offensive line rank outside the top 10 once since 2008, including the 3rd ranked offensive line in 2010. His worked offensive line was in 2009, but wasn't that the Super Bowl run where the Packers dealt with like 13 IR'd players? Or was that a year later?

Look, I'm not saying that Joe is playing great or that he's doing the best he can because he isn't, but there is no such thing as a quarterback who can "carry the team" all by himself. Every team needs some pieces in place to do great things.

 

Note: Just found out that the defense gave up 10 fourth quarter leads last year, but Flacco and the Ravens still went 12-4. That is carrying your team.

[redlobster]

I think Lewis's desire to make everything about him is silly. He talks about the defense bailing flacco out but I would think Lewis should realize what happened last year, the Ravens didn't win the superbowl because of their defense, they won because Flacco bailed the team out and went on an epic run. As a matter of fact the Ravens nearly lost the superbowl because of Lewis playing MLB, as the niners targeted and abused him.

[The Raven]

Ray needs to keep his self-righteous mouth shut. I'm starting to see what Joe was talking about when he said he had no idea what Ray was talking about.

 

Ray Lewis the player was great, but Ray Lewis the analyst is moronic, but hey, how many analysts aren't moronic?

[Challenge Accepted]

That's about right

[cursona pirate]

Maybe he is trying to put fire into Flacco more? beats me.

[BALTIMOREFLACCO]

Ray needs to keep his self-righteous mouth shut. I'm starting to see what Joe was talking about when he said he had no idea what Ray was talking about.

 

Ray Lewis the player was great, but Ray Lewis the analyst is moronic, but hey, how many analysts aren't moronic?

 

I told myself that I would not watch ESPN this year because I had a feeling he would be an annoying analyst and I didn't want to resent him for that.

 

Oh well 

[The Raven]

I told myself that I would not watch ESPN this year because I had a feeling he would be an annoying analyst and I didn't want to resent him for that.

 

Oh well 

 

It's clear to me that he's using the position to stroke his ego even more.

[BmoreBird22]

 

I think Lewis's desire to make everything about him is silly. He talks about the defense bailing flacco out but I would think Lewis should realize what happened last year, the Ravens didn't win the superbowl because of their defense, they won because Flacco bailed the team out and went on an epic run. As a matter of fact the Ravens nearly lost the superbowl because of Lewis playing MLB, as the niners targeted and abused him.

 

 

Ray needs to keep his self-righteous mouth shut. I'm starting to see what Joe was talking about when he said he had no idea what Ray was talking about.

 

Ray Lewis the player was great, but Ray Lewis the analyst is moronic, but hey, how many analysts aren't moronic?

 

 

That's about right

 

 

Maybe he is trying to put fire into Flacco more? beats me.

 

 

I told myself that I would not watch ESPN this year because I had a feeling he would be an annoying analyst and I didn't want to resent him for that.

 

Oh well 

I just updated the post a little, or a lot, more, but I do agree that he is a bad analyst. When he first made the Sweet Pea argument I kinda just brushed it off, but he just tries to make EVERYTHING circle back to him. It's so annoying. 

A great player does not make a great analyst. That's for sure.

What annoys me is that people are agreeing with him mindlessly on the news thread. I like posting on here because you all actually think out your comments.

[SecretAgentMan]

It's clear to me that he's using the position to stroke his ego even more.

It's called espn and ratings.

I highly doubt Ray Lewis thinks some of these things. Espn is just a machine that doesn't give two craps about actual facts. They want to stir controversy to increase views and ratings.


Ray Lewis bashing his old qb= high ratings for espn.

Espn only has 2 or so credible anyalysts who tell the truth IMO.

Gruden(but I don't watch him bc he's super annoying)
Jaws


Those two are the only two who know what they're talking about. Gruden is a Super Bowl winning coach, and Jaws is a guy who studies qbs for a living.

What they really should have Ray doing is defensive analysis. Explaining NFL defenses to those who don't understand. Not paying him to trash his old team.

Is part of it his ego? Yes, but I highly doubt he believes everything he is being paid to say

[The Raven]

It's called espn and ratings.

I highly doubt Ray Lewis thinks some of these things. Espn is just a machine that doesn't give two craps about actual facts. They want to stir controversy to increase views and ratings.


Ray Lewis bashing his old qb= high ratings for espn.

Espn only has 2 or so credible anyalysts who tell the truth IMO.

Gruden(but I don't watch him bc he's super annoying)
Jaws


Those two are the only two who know what they're talking about. Gruden is a Super Bowl winning coach, and Jaws is a guy who studies qbs for a living.

What they really should have Ray doing is defensive analysis. Explaining NFL defenses to those who don't understand. Not paying him to trash his old team.

Is part of it his ego? Yes, but I highly doubt he believes everything he is being paid to say

 

Oh, I know how ratings work, and I wouldn't be surprised if ESPN was using and manipulating him to get higher ratings.

 

I wish he would have went to NFL Network. Even NFLN is more intelligent than ESPN. He would have been great on their NFL playbook segment. 

[BmoreBird22]

 

Oh, I know how ratings work, and I wouldn't be surprised if ESPN was using and manipulating him to get higher ratings.

 

I wish he would have went to NFL Network. Even NFLN is more intelligent than ESPN. He would have been great on their NFL playbook segment. 

Some of the guys on NFL Network, like Heath Evans and Jamie Dukes, are complete idiots, but I do think he would have been a more welcome sight there since they use a lot of former athletes. 

I really think Ray believes what he says and ESPN is just loving that he is willing to say it..

[SecretAgentMan]

Oh, I know how ratings work, and I wouldn't be surprised if ESPN was using and manipulating him to get higher ratings.

I wish he would have went to NFL Network. Even NFLN is more intelligent than ESPN. He would have been great on their NFL playbook segment.

Yeah. Espn is completely misusing him. He'd be brilliant with playbook segmants.

He's regarded as one of the most intelligent players the league has ever seen football wise for a reason.

ESPN is a joke. Other than Gruden and Jaws no one is worth listening to their.

[ratedr]

Ray Lewis has always been self-serving. I have little doubt that he thinks he's the main reason the team won a Super Bowl last year.

He should be sending Flacco flowers for allowing him to retire as a champion instead of a slow, washed up linebacker.

[SeaHawk]

I actually tend to agree with Ray Lewis on all things. He has always said the truth.

[cursona pirate]

 

I just updated the post a little, or a lot, more, but I do agree that he is a bad analyst. When he first made the Sweet Pea argument I kinda just brushed it off, but he just tries to make EVERYTHING circle back to him. It's so annoying. 

A great player does not make a great analyst. That's for sure.

What annoys me is that people are agreeing with him mindlessly on the news thread. I like posting on here because you all actually think out your comments.

 

lol I would not say everyone ;)

[Ravenseconbeast]

Seems like the same o' Flaccopogist up in arms again.    

Im just laughing @ how ridiculous Flacco homers will remember when its all said and done.  Ray Lewis helped build this franchise into what it is now.   A sure 1st ballot HOF.   No one can doubt what he has done for this town for football.   Go ahead and insult the guy just so you can serve your fandom of being a Flacco fan.  

 

One thing about Ray is that he always spoke the truth.  No sugar coating or anything.  He was a professional as a football player, and now he is a professional as an analyst.   If you can't take the heat, just shut up and keep your mouth shut.   Don't insult Ray just b/c you got your feelings hurt being told Flacco isn't doing well.

[cursona pirate]

Seems like the same o' Flaccopogist up in arms again.    

Im just laughing @ how ridiculous Flacco homers will remember when its all said and done.  Ray Lewis helped build this franchise into what it is now.   A sure 1st ballot HOF.   No one can doubt what he has done for this town for football.   Go ahead and insult the guy just so you can serve your fandom of being a Flacco fan.  

 

One thing about Ray is that he always spoke the truth.  No sugar coating or anything.  He was a professional as a football player, and now he is a professional as an analyst.   If you can't take the heat, just shut up and keep your mouth shut.   Don't insult Ray just b/c you got your feelings hurt being told Flacco isn't doing well.

I don't think anyone here is meaning to insult Ray Lewis. However, I feel that he is saying that the Raven defense won all the games or something like that. Flacco really held this team last year. That's something you can't doubt. Lewis was barely on the field last year.

[BmoreBird22]

 

lol I would not say everyone ;)

Okay, fair enough, but way more than the other threads.

[BmoreBird22]

I don't think anyone here is meaning to insult Ray Lewis. However, I feel that he is saying that the Raven defense won all the games or something like that. Flacco really held this team last year. That's something you can't doubt. Lewis was barely on the field last year.

I'm not trying to insult Ray Lewis, merely point out the flaws in his thinking. I'm by no means a Joe Flacco homer (my favorite player is Jimmy Smith and the jerseys I own are all defense and will be more defense when I figure out whether I want Doom, Elam, or Upshaw). I love the defense more than anything, but Lewis was not that great last year. He was more of an icon, and now that he's gone, he wants to make sure he's in the same spotlight. I wrote an article about how he held the defense back, and when you look at the numbers, it was pretty staggering.

[berad]

Ray Lewis can say whatever he wants. He's media now.

[Ravenseconbeast]

I don't think anyone here is meaning to insult Ray Lewis. However, I feel that he is saying that the Raven defense won all the games or something like that. Flacco really held this team last year. That's something you can't doubt. Lewis was barely on the field last year.

 

that's fine.  there's fans that understand football and  there's some blind fans here like this one:

 

Ray needs to keep his self-righteous mouth shut. I'm starting to see what Joe was talking about when he said he had no idea what Ray was talking about.

 

Ray Lewis the player was great, but Ray Lewis the analyst is moronic, but hey, how many analysts aren't moronic?

 

 

some fans doesn't have a clue what it means to be one.  

[ratedr]

Seems like the same o' Flaccopogist up in arms again.

Im just laughing @ how ridiculous Flacco homers will remember when its all said and done. Ray Lewis helped build this franchise into what it is now. A sure 1st ballot HOF. No one can doubt what he has done for this town for football. Go ahead and insult the guy just so you can serve your fandom of being a Flacco fan.

One thing about Ray is that he always spoke the truth. No sugar coating or anything. He was a professional as a football player, and now he is a professional as an analyst. If you can't take the heat, just shut up and keep your mouth shut. Don't insult Ray just b/c you got your feelings hurt being told Flacco isn't doing well.

Seems like the usual blind Flacco haters (who are quick to term anyone who isn't 100% negative about Flacco an apologist) are up to their usual tired shtick.

Ray Lewis has always been self-serving and he's always had a massive ego. I knew this before I even knew what a Joe Flacco was. The comments he's made about the Ravens this season just further prove that fact. If Ray Lewis fanboys can't take that truth then oh well.

[KnowNoLimits]

Ray can say whatever he wants, but it won't change my opinion; his legacy is set in stone.

Also Trent Dilfer is a great analyst, Jaws lost a little credibility when he said Kap could be the "greatest of all time".

[runamuk]

Call me what you will. But I posted in another thread. Lewis's defense was not the reason he got a second ring he should think of that before he throws the reason he does have ring number two under the bus. the niners abused  him in the superbowl  If someone would have told me several months go Lewis would do this I would not believe them .

[Ravenseconbeast]

Seems like the usual blind Flacco haters (who are quick to term anyone who isn't 100% negative about Flacco) are up to their usual tired shtick.

Ray Lewis has always been self-serving and he's always had a massive ego. I knew this before I even knew what a Joe Flacco was. The comments he's made about the Ravens this season just further prove that fact.

 

No wonder he got a cheap contract for Ravens and retired last year just so Ravens can have a chance to win a SB last year.   Even though he still had another year to squeeze a 5m on his contract.    He definitely is self serving alright...

 

unlike that other guy that got paid 120m contract who isnt even worth 1/4 of that contract am i right?

 

 

But knowing you, I've never seen you post anything other something related w/ Flacco.   You are more of a Flacco fan than a fan of the organization anyway.   Fans like you move where Flacco moves.   I can careless about fans like that.  

[KnowNoLimits]

Whoa... Wait a minute... Was anybody complaining about Ray's "massive ego" before he retired?

I like Flacco too, but don't be so sensitive...

[Corvus]

To be honest, and I've only been a fan since '04, I had grown tired of Ray's antics as early as 2009 or so...don't get me wrong. I respect the heck out of what that man has accomplished in his life and what he helped our Ravens accomplish. But its pretty evident the type of persona he radiate s and it just eventually got old. It is certainly a "me first" personality and that has simply been amped up now that he is in the actual media. Even non-Raven related stuff he is just making himself out to be this character. Remember a couple of weeks ago they were talking about the to-be fine on Ahmad Brooks of the Niners and Ray in his usual tone begins yelling that he will pay half of the fine, flipping out his American Express card on the air, drawing all attention to him instead of, you know, analyzing the football topic at hand. Congrats to Ray on getting another well-paying gig, but I could care less about his thoughts on anything football related until he gives his HOF speech in 5 years.

[KnowNoLimits]

To be honest, and I've only been a fan since '04, I had grown tired of Ray's antics as early as 2009 or so...don't get me wrong. I respect the heck out of what that man has accomplished in his life and what he helped our Ravens accomplish. But its pretty evident the type of persona he radiate s and it just eventually got old. It is certainly a "me first" personality and that has simply been amped up now that he is in the actual media. Even non-Raven related stuff he is just making himself out to be this character. Remember a couple of weeks ago they were talking about the to-be fine on Ahmad Brooks of the Niners and Ray in his usual tone begins yelling that he will pay half of the fine, flipping out his American Express card on the air, drawing all attention to him instead of, you know, analyzing the football topic at hand. Congrats to Ray on getting another well-paying gig, but I could care less about his thoughts on anything football related until he gives his HOF speech in 5 years.

[ratedr]

No wonder he got a cheap contract for Ravens and retired last year just so Ravens can have a chance to win a SB last year. Even though he still had another year to squeeze a 5m on his contract. He definitely is self serving alright...

unlike that other guy that got paid 120m contract who isnt even worth 1/4 of that contract am i right?


But knowing you, I've never seen you post anything other something related w/ Flacco. You are more of a Flacco fan than a fan of the organization anyway. Fans like you move where Flacco moves. I can careless about fans like that.

Ray was smart enough to retire because he knew he was done. Had nothing to do with being generous.

Anyone on this site will tell you that I'm fairly harsh on Flacco when I need to be, but unlike blind haters such as yourself, I can see the good and the bad. Interesting accusation from you especially, considering that you only pop up when there's something negative to say about Flacco. Come to think of it, you were MIA after the Super Bowl. I'm sure if Flacco had a terrible game you would've been all over the place though. Fans like you would love to see the organization fail just to say "I told you so" about Flacco. How sad.

Guys like Mili are objective. Don't fool yourself into believing you're anything close to that.

And Ray Lewis is still arrogant and self-serving.

[KnowNoLimits]

Antics? What antics??? Seriously, some of you guys can't be Ravens fans..