Moving on from Ray Lewis

[Tank 92]

?

[PoeDinkum]

Couple of things come to mind for me...1) very true as someone pointed out that Daryl Smith's play on the field has been an improvement over our beloved 52 from last year 2) it's a given that Ray's "intangibles" meant a lot to this team as he understood how, and maybe most importantly, when to rally the troops with those intense speeches only he can give 3) obviously his presence embodied and I believe inspired our Play like a Raven motto in others.

 

So, while all teams have the rah-rah speeches, now when we have a BIG stretch of important games coming up like we have ahead, who does this team turn to or expect to step up and give the speech that inspires teammates to play with confidence, trust, and swagger for each other to walk the talk? Suggs? I know Flacco won't as he indicated he's not that kind of guy (and I think the players get that) Rice?

 

Just curious, as I am one who is convinced Ray's efforts were essential to the consistent professionalism and success of this franchise and focused and inspired his teammates to do their best. Heck even fans could rely on the fact that Ray would rally the troops to prepare for excellence, so who do the players turn to now? And again, I know some players like Grave Digger have been in the huddle doing this, but who's that rock now?

[PolishRifle]

Just curious, as I am one who is convinced Ray's efforts were essential to the consistent professionalism and success of this franchise and focused and inspired his teammates to do their best. Heck even fans could rely on the fact that Ray would rally the troops to prepare for excellence, so who do the players turn to now? And again, I know some players like Grave Digger have been in the huddle doing this, but who's that rock now?

 

Ray was the leader of this team, because he is one of the greatest ILB ever. I don't put any stock in his speeches. Flacco was right. Most of the time, those didn't even make sense. He was just someone other players looked up to, even when he got old and his play started lacking, because he earned it by playing the game. But this team isn't really missing a beat, imho. They still show the poise and grit they always had. This is still a Ravens team, even without Ray Lewis.

[PoeDinkum]

Ray was the leader of this team, because he is one of the greatest ILB ever. I don't put any stock in his speeches. Flacco was right. Most of the time, those didn't even make sense. He was just someone other players looked up to, even when he got old and his play started lacking, because he earned it by playing the game. But this team isn't really missing a beat, imho. They still show the poise and grit they always had. This is still a Ravens team, even without Ray Lewis.

Yeah, I get that and agree with what you are saying, but even Flacco said he was tongue and cheek with his comments about Ray's gibberish. I'm just asking, you know, as a player, who do these guys play for? Who do they look at and think, "I ain't gonna let that guy down cuz he walks the talk." Like at work, when it gets tough and we're working on a hard project, or long hours there are a couple of guys who come around and rally the troops. Yeah, yeah, that's what practice is for and contracts, but c'mon I'm talking about doing what is more than what is expected.  

Who is that Raven(s)? Know what I mean?

[PolishRifle]

Yeah, I get that and agree with what you are saying, but even Flacco said he was tongue and cheek with his comments about Ray's gibberish. I'm just asking, you know, as a player, who do these guys play for? Who do they look at and think, "I ain't gonna let that guy down cuz he walks the talk." Like at work, when it gets tough and we're working on a hard project, or long hours there are a couple of guys who come around and rally the troops. Yeah, yeah, that's what practice is for and contracts, but c'mon I'm talking about doing what is more than what is expected.  

Who is that Raven(s)? Know what I mean?

 

None of us has any inside into the Ravens lockerroom. I mean, who knows that Flacco isn't that guy? Maybe it's Harbs, who is keeping everything together, afterall most successfull coaches do just that.

What I know, is what I've seen this season. The Ravens still play to the very end of a game (the last game was a great example actually), they don't give up and keep fighting, just like they always did. So whatever or whoever is making them play like Ravens, they still have that.

 

We're doing just fine. 

[wayne]

I disagree slightly as I have seen Harrison call out the patriots and tom Brady before

I have seen him call out the Patriots several times.