Ray Lewis' Take on the Ravens Struggles on First Take

[Militant X 1]

Love me some Ray Lewis man!  Always will!  Today he was on First Take beginning his book tour.  When Skip Bayless asks him the question... "Your Baltimore Ravens....how much are they missing having "a" you in that locker room right now?"  Here's what he said.....

 

Lewis: "It's different!  It's different!  They have to start all over. You see franchises go through things like this but they don't have that cornerstone yet.  And for years...they was graced with that!  It was what we created in Baltimore with what Ozzie Newsome did in 1996.  And now, they have to create that!  When you see the games, it's the offense one week and it's the defense the next week.  And then you look for that one person that you say, "who is that one person that they go to?"

 

Bayless: "Yep!  Who is it?  Is it Steve Smith?"

 

Lewis: "Well, you know, Steve is....Steve is...he come from another place, so it's a little bit different cause he's a leader of his own, he plays the game one way.  But, it's going to have to be somebody that is going to be looked towards the future.  What does the future like for the Baltimore Ravens?"

 

^ Absolutely love it!  I've been saying similiar to this as well.  This Ravens squad is "leader-less" (perhaps on and off the field as well) and we are seeing the fruits of that manifest right before our eyes!

[BSHU_Miami]

My reaction is: "Cool Ray, thanks for that. Now what?"

[Static]

So what you're saying is to fire peas?

[Militant X 1]

My reaction is: "Cool Ray, thanks for that. Now what?"

 

Now what?  Lol!

 

I believe that Ray answered that question BSHU when he said..."And now, they have to create that!" And with...."It's going to have to be somebody that is going to be looked towards the future.  What does the future like for the Baltimore Ravens?"

 

My take on that line is..."Who is the "real" leader of the Baltimore Ravens that can rally this team and they respond to his leadership?  For years, (as Ray eludes to) we knew who the leaders of the Baltimore Ravens were.  Clearly it was Ray Lewis who evolved into that role and his main man Ed Reed as well.  Who is it now?  No clue!

[Static]

Ozzie didnt draft no leaders

[berad]

Now what?  Lol!

 

I believe that Ray answered that question BSHU when he said..."And now, they have to create that!" And with...."It's going to have to be somebody that is going to be looked towards the future.  What does the future like for the Baltimore Ravens?"

 

My take on that line is..."Who is the "real" leader of the Baltimore Ravens that can rally this team and they respond to his leadership?  For years, (as Ray eludes to) we knew who the leaders of the Baltimore Ravens were.  Clearly it was Ray Lewis who evolved into that role and his main man Ed Reed as well.  Who is it now?  No clue!

 

Coaches and players point to guys like Flacco, Steve Smith, Yanda, Eugene Monroe, Forsett, Dumervil, and Daryl Smith - excluding Sizzle because of injury.

 

There's no 'clear-cut' leader like a Ray Lewis. If we're waiting on another Lewis or Reed we'll be waiting quite some time, they're not likely to be found again.

 

Still, teams (including this one) have been successful and won games without Ray Lewis or Ed Reed. We miss defensive playmakers like Ray Lewis and Ed Reed... or maybe 'coach-coverers' lol.

[PurpleCity5]

Well Sizzle was without a doubt our leader, I think the real problem is that we miss the leadership Suggs installed into the team. I remember us closing out games last season. Against Pittsburgh in the Wild Card we were up 20-9 and then it easily became 20-15, and yet the team stayed resilient and fought till the end. Last year we were honestly a team that could close out games, this year that's not the case and I think that's in large part to the missed leadership Suggs used to provide, there's no doubt in my mind he is our leader, the bad part is he won't be around for much longer so we got to find our successor. 

[Militant X 1]

Coaches and players point to guys like Flacco, Steve Smith, Yanda, Eugene Monroe, Forsett, Dumervil, and Daryl Smith - excluding Sizzle because of injury.

 

There's no 'clear-cut' leader like a Ray Lewis. If we're waiting on another Lewis or Reed we'll be waiting quite some time, they're not likely to be found again.

 

Still, teams (including this one) have been successful and won games without Ray Lewis or Ed Reed. We miss defensive playmakers like Ray Lewis and Ed Reed... or maybe 'coach-coverers' lol.

 

I know who these guys "point" to as a leader B but that doesn't mean they are per se. 

 

And of course, the Ravens have won games WITHOUT Ray and Ed (as everyone loves to keep pointing out just because we love what Ray stood for and represented and meant to Baltimore)!  That's beside the point!  There will never be another Ray Lewis or Ed Reed for that matter but as you mentioned, that is what I don't see and I'm looking for....a "clear-cut" leader of the Baltimore Ravens!  And, I also believe in the term "Coach-Coverers" you used as well.  Lol!  To me; perhaps this team is lacking the "player-coach" on the field?

[ratedr]

I hate this "we need a Ray Lewis" garbage because that's what it is. 31 teams in the league have managed to exist without Ray Lewis.

 

That said, there DOES need to be someone ON THE FIELD (so not a coach) who other players are accountable to. Suggs was that guy, but without him it doesn't look like that person is on the roster.

 

Ray is right about Steve not being the guy, because in the end he's only been on the team for two years.

[Tank 92]

lol...... Ray Ray was a great football player for the Ravens, but his rhetoric is getting old and worn out.  

 

It did hurt to lose Sizzle and his leadership, but at the end of the day we're losing because we've had a ton of injuries and the secondary sucks. It ain't freakin' rocket science!

 

 

[ratedr]

lol...... Ray Ray was a great football player for the Ravens, but his rhetoric is getting old and worn out.  

 

It did hurt to lose Sizzle and his leadership, but at the end of the day we're losing because we've had a ton of injuries and the secondary sucks. It ain't freakin' rocket science!

Indeed. Ray really wants to be credited for every success the team has ever had. Dude has an ego the size of China. I won't watch any of the pre-game/post-game MNF coverage this week because he's going to be going on and on about himself, and how the team never lost a game with him.

 

But I do think some leadership is important, especially on the defensive side of the ball, where the players clearly seem less than invested in Professor Pees's scheme.

[RaineV1]

I hate this "we need a Ray Lewis" garbage because that's what it is. 31 teams in the league have managed to exist without Ray Lewis.

 

That said, there DOES need to be someone ON THE FIELD (so not a coach) who other players are accountable to. Suggs was that guy, but without him it doesn't look like that person is on the roster.

 

Ray is right about Steve not being the guy, because in the end he's only been on the team for two years.

Those other good teams though usually have a Ray Lewis type player. The Packers for instance have Clay Matthews. Saying they need a Ray Lewis is not the same as saying they need Ray Lewis himself.

Edited October 21, 2015 by RaineV1

[Militant X 1]

I hate this "we need a Ray Lewis" garbage because that's what it is. 31 teams in the league have managed to exist without Ray Lewis.

 

That said, there DOES need to be someone ON THE FIELD (so not a coach) who other players are accountable to. Suggs was that guy, but without him it doesn't look like that person is on the roster.

 

Ray is right about Steve not being the guy, because in the end he's only been on the team for two years.

 

Of course 31 teams exist without Ray Lewis and so have the Ravens...that's a given man!  the NFL itself will continue to exist without Ray Lewis.  We Ravens fans will exist without Ray Lewis.  We all know this already! 

 

Your second paragraph actually reflects what I believe Ray was talking about and I absolutely agree with him and you that it needs to be someone ON THE FIELD like a player coach.  "Like" Ray was!  So, while the Ravens no longer need Ray Lewis "personally" to be suited up to play and win games, they do need someone with a similair "personality" and temperment to rally the troops into ballte.

[Militant X 1]

Those other good teams though usually have a Ray Lewis type player. The Packers for instance have Clay Matthews. Saying they need a Ray Lewis is not the same as saying they need Ray Lewis himself.

 

Exactly!

[Tank 92]

Indeed. Ray really wants to be credited for every success the team has ever had. Dude has an ego the size of China. I won't watch any of the pre-game/post-game MNF coverage this week because he's going to be going on and on about himself, and how the team never lost a game with him.

 

But I do think some leadership is important, especially on the defensive side of the ball, where the players clearly seem less than invested in Professor Pees's scheme.

 

 

Totally agree on the leadership.  We lost Haloti and Sizzle in the same year, they were partners and motivated the troops. It has been an especially acute issue as there are so many young players on D. But I still don't think we've lost 5 games because of a lack of leadership.

 

Maybe someone has already stepped up and chewed some butt!  Let's see how the boys do in the national spotlight Monday night.  I have a feeling many are going to be surprised. 

Edited October 21, 2015 by Tank 92

[ratedr]

Totally agree on the leadership.  We lost Haloti and Sizzle in the same year, they were partners and motivated the troops. It has been an especially acute issue as there are so many young players on D. But I still don't think we've lost 5 games because of a lack of leadership.

 

Maybe someone has already stepped up and chewed some butt!  Let's see how the boys do in the national spotlight Monday night.  I have a feeling many are going to be surprised. 

Surprised that we're going get blown out instead of losing a close game like usual? Lol.

 

I also see that a member of the Lewis congregation negged me. Lol.

Edited October 21, 2015 by ratedr

[Tank 92]

Surprised that we're going get blown out instead of losing a close game like usual? Lol.

 

I also see that a member of the Lewis congregation negged me. Lol.

 

 

lol!  Have to say I am not surprised by your "optimism"!  Let's watch and see, you never know.

 

negs schmegs.  I loved Ray as a player, but let's just say I'm happy that his statue doesn't have a "pull me and hear me talk" string.  lmao!

[Militant X 1]

Surprised that we're going get blown out instead of losing a close game like usual? Lol.

 

I also see that a member of the Lewis congregation negged me. Lol.

 

I don't expect anything different than what we've seen from the Ravens for 6 games now.

[Tru11]

we need difference makers.

 

especially on defense.

 

someone who makes that INT or forces that fumble.

 

we have nobody that leads by example or sets the tone.

 

good thing we will be drafting high so we should be able to get a guy like that for either offense or defense.

[Tank 92]

I don't expect anything different than what we've seen from the Ravens for 6 games now.

 

 

..........because we don't have a vocal leader?  Or because we still have a ton of injuries, a weak secondary and a make shift group at WR?  me thinks the latter is more likely the correct answer.

Edited October 21, 2015 by Tank 92

[ALSKAN RAVEN FAN]

Leadership well you have to have the passion to lead and the key to that is stepping up and taking it and never looking back. For example basically right now for next year the WR position is wide open because SSS is going to retire. So who wants to step up and take the #1 and #2 and slot WR positions next season. No one has really stepped up and shown that they want it. Honestly I don't think Ross or Givens have been given enough looks but Aiken and Brown look to be second stringers / special teamers at best with what they have shown so far they just don't seem like they want to lead and that's just the WR position.

[52520Andrew]

We do need a leader though, this team lacks heart outside a few players.

[Militant X 1]

..........because we don't have a vocal leader?  Or because we still have a ton of injuries, a weak secondary and a make shift group at WR?  me thinks the latter is more likely the correct answer.

 

Naw!  It's not because we don't have a "vocal" leader.  See, that is all cats like you (no offense) focus on when you hear the term, "leadership" is missing.  Cause all you guys think about is the "rah-rah" cheerleader type.  Lol!  Well, Ray (for example) was quite more than that man...you and I both know that.  But enough about Ray cause the real questions are; "Where is the leadership on the field bro?  Who steps up and takes the reigns now that Suggs is gone and others are falling to injuries as well?  Who on offense and defense wants it bad enough to get in one anothers face on the sidelines to either inspire them or chastise them?  Who is that bro?

 

We lose cause this Ravens roster is weak (both offensively and defensively) and they don't have it in'em to get the job done.  Look for the slow starts...again!  The 3 & outs....again!  The over and underthrows....again!  The picks...again!  And the defense getting smoked....again!  I see nothing different in this game bro.  This Monday Night game will be butt ugly!

 

Leadership well you have to have the passion to lead and the key to that is stepping up and taking it and never looking back. For example basically right now for next year the WR position is wide open because SSS is going to retire. So who wants to step up and take the #1 and #2 and slot WR positions next season. No one has really stepped up and shown that they want it. Honestly I don't think Ross or Givens have been given enough looks but Aiken and Brown look to be second stringers / special teamers at best with what they have shown so far they just don't seem like they want to lead and that's just the WR position.

 

We do need a leader though, this team lacks heart outside a few players.

[Gordo52]

Someone define the type of leader we need or one that we're missing. Edit: Nevermind thank you Mili.

I think lack of leadership is being confused with lack of talent/playmakers.

Injuries and abysmal defense have defined the last two seasons for me. We have no playmakers on either side of the ball that can overcome these challenges. Also all the yearly turnover across the board since our SB win has caught up to us.

Just my take.

Edited October 21, 2015 by Gordo52

[FlackAttack]

what ray is saying, is that we need to draft joey bosa

[ratedr]

The FO's hubris in thinking they could replace talented players with former practice squaders has more to do with our record than leadership imo.

[sflegend89]

Flacco needs to become a leader, the quiet personality type is such a cop out, you're the big dog, you're the SB MVP, this is YOUR team, it's time he steps up and embraces his role as the unquestioned leader of the team (the offense at the very least) or things aren't going to get better.

[Gordo52]

Flacco needs to become a leader, the quiet personality type is such a cop out, you're the big dog, you're the SB MVP, this is YOUR team, it's time he steps up and embraces his role as the unquestioned leader of the team (the offense at the very least) or things aren't going to get better.

So what does he have to do differently exactly?

[Tank 92]

Naw!  It's not because we don't have a "vocal" leader.  See, that is all cats like you (no offense) focus on when you hear the term, "leadership" is missing.  Cause all you guys think about is the "rah-rah" cheerleader type.  Lol!  Well, Ray (for example) was quite more than that man...you and I both know that.  But enough about Ray cause the real questions are; "Where is the leadership on the field bro?  Who steps up and takes the reigns now that Suggs is gone and others are falling to injuries as well?  Who on offense and defense wants it bad enough to get in one anothers face on the sidelines to either inspire them or chastise them?  Who is that bro?

 

We lose cause this Ravens roster is weak (both offensively and defensively) and they don't have it in'em to get the job done.  Look for the slow starts...again!  The 3 & outs....again!  The over and underthrows....again!  The picks...again!  And the defense getting smoked....again!  I see nothing different in this game bro.  This Monday Night game will be butt ugly!

 

The point is Mili, Ray is wrong. The root of the Ravens' struggles has to do with a rash of injuries that couldn't be accounted for because of a lack of quality depth  and a horrible secondary. I"m not saying the on the field defensive leader isn't missing, I'm saying that is not the reason this team is 1 - 5. 

 

Someone define the type of leader we need or one that we're missing. Edit: Nevermind thank you Mili.

I think lack of leadership is being confused with lack of talent/playmakers.

Injuries and abysmal defense have defined the last two seasons for me. We have no playmakers on either side of the ball that can overcome these challenges. Also all the yearly turnover across the board since our SB win has caught up to us.

Just my take.

Edited October 21, 2015 by Tank 92

[Tru11]

The point is Mili, Ray is wrong. The root of the Ravens' struggles has to do with a rash of injuries that couldn't be accounted for because of a lack of quality depth  and a horrible secondary. I"m not saying the on the field defensive leader isn't missing, I'm saying that is not the reason this team is 1 - 5. 

 

i read its pees who is responsible for everything lel