Ray Lewis' Take on the Ravens Struggles on First Take

[Tank 92]

i read its pees who is responsible for everything lel

 

 

no, read further.  It's Flacco's fault.

[Tru11]

no, read further.  It's Flacco's fault.

 

what if they are plotting something together? 

[Ravenseconbeast]

So what does he have to do differently exactly?

Be the voice of reason. Not one player on offense seem to be in sync.

Demand execution, demand perfection. Look like a fool, but at least have your guys hear you out.

I don't ever see anything like that from a 120mill man.

[FlackAttack]

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.

 

this is such a tired, played out assumption. Flacco isnt going to change his entire personality and become this great leader. he needs to just be himself and show up on sundays. joe cool, thats who he is.

 

imagine him pulling a drew brees or ray lewis "who let the dogs out" chant in the middle of a circle of players before a game. that would be a c'mon man moment. not happening.

[Tank 92]

wowzer

[Gordo52]

Be the voice of reason. Not one player on offense seem to be in sync.

Demand execution, demand perfection. Look like a fool, but at least have your guys hear you out.

I don't ever see anything like that from a 120mill man.

Sorry but that's ridiculous.

So basically become more vocal infront of cameras. Be someone he is not, (which in turn would most likely make him look weak) so the fans can get some weird joy from it? Do you really believe if he acted like, let's say Philip Rivers, that would fix anything? What other QB's emulate what you want from Joe specifically, and can you really attribute their success from being the "voice of reason."

Unless there's a clause in Joe's contract that demands him being vocal In the spotlight, I don't see what he makes has anything to do with it.

He's in his 8th year and has accomplished a ton without being that guy. This topic should've died awhile ago IMO.

[Edug27]

Man do I think we are overcomplicating this. Baltimore has a leader. Several of them. Harbaugh, Flacco and Suggs are all leaders on the field and in the locker room.  

 

Yes Ray was the leader here for so many years. But also during those years we missed the playoffs in consecutive seasons, had a 5-11 season, had some not-so great defenses, lost 9 straight games etc etc.. Since Ray retired we've been..

 

8-8  (with a chance to make the playoffs during the last week of the season)

10-6  (knocking off Pitt in the playoffs and taking New England to the very end)

1-5 

 

It's a rebuilding season. Ozzie made some moves that backfired and we've had some injuries that we couldn't properly overcome. Every loss has been a close game. We aren't getting blown out week in and week out. Some changes need to be made and we'll be back. Flacco needs talent around him to take this team far, just like every QB does.

[jimjim5]

You don't need a leader. You need OLB, CB, and S talent. After you have the talent, the leadership will sort itself out. Ray Lewis is wrong.

Edited October 21, 2015 by jimjim5

[FlackAttack]

Man do I think we are overcomplicating this. Baltimore has a leader. Several of them. Harbaugh, Flacco and Suggs are all leaders on the field and in the locker room.  

 

Yes Ray was the leader here for so many years. But also during those years we missed the playoffs in consecutive seasons, had a 5-11 season, had some not-so great defenses, lost 9 straight games etc etc.. Since Ray retired we've been..

 

8-8  (with a chance to make the playoffs during the last week of the season)

10-6  (knocking off Pitt in the playoffs and taking New England to the very end)

1-5 

 

It's a rebuilding season. Ozzie made some moves that backfired and we've had some injuries that we couldn't properly overcome. Every loss has been a close game. We aren't getting blown out week in and week out. Some changes need to be made and we'll be back. Flacco needs talent around him to take this team far, just like every QB does.

 

 

that last sentence is it. yes, we have a bad defense.. but if you look at peyton mannings, tom bradys, aaron rodgers, ben roethlisbergers, etc WR/TE roster, they have soild playmakers. you give Flacco a WR core like demaryius thomas and emmanuel sanders, or antonio brown and martavis bryant.. even a WR like brandon marshall or larry fitzgerald. he would be blowing up defenses.

 

look at what he did with pitta, boldin, and smith. hes proven to be a great QB with solid weapons. this is becoming more and more a passing league, yet our organization simply fails year in and year out to supply flacco with weapons. its getting quite ridiculous

[The Mom Gene]

that last sentence is it. yes, we have a bad defense.. but if you look at peyton mannings, tom bradys, aaron rodgers, ben roethlisbergers, etc WR/TE roster, they have soild playmakers. you give Flacco a WR core like demaryius thomas and emmanuel sanders, or antonio brown and martavis bryant.. even a WR like brandon marshall or larry fitzgerald. he would be blowing up defenses.

 

look at what he did with pitta, boldin, and smith. hes proven to be a great QB with solid weapons. this is becoming more and more a passing league, yet our organization simply fails year in and year out to supply flacco with weapons. its getting quite ridiculous

It's pretty elementary... You're correct.   and the fact that we are putting up enough points to win games, Joe is not the problem.  Did he make a couple boneheaded plays, yes...  the problem is that we are "allowing" even more than we're scoring..

[1/28/01]

A "leader" wont make players tackle better, reduce boneheaded penalties, stop horrid throws, reduce dropped TDs etc. The rah rah stuff is fun and I loved Ray Lewis, but his play on the field meant more than anything else.

[FlackAttack]

It's pretty elementary... You're correct.   and the fact that we are putting up enough points to win games, Joe is not the problem.  Did he make a couple boneheaded plays, yes...  the problem is that we are "allowing" even more than we're scoring..

 

yup, our horrible defense masks the fact we are a top 10 offense after 6 weeks. which is rare.

[The Mom Gene]

A "leader" wont make players tackle better, reduce boneheaded penalties, stop horrid throws, reduce dropped TDs etc. The rah rah stuff is fun and I loved Ray Lewis, but his play on the field meant more than anything else.

He was a lot like Steve Smith IS...  He put everything... all of it... out on the field.  And when he was done, he left it out there.

[January J]

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.

he can't and shouldn't be anything other than himself.

[January J]

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!

boom. Spot on.

[FlackAttack]

he can't and shouldn't be anything other than himself.

 

seriously. forcing someone to veer away from their identity in a profession that utilizes talent directly correlated from personality is simply nonsensical.

Edited October 22, 2015 by FlackAttack

[Guest]

I remember the video from the what I believe was the AFC Championship vs New England.  We schemed a defense where we left Kruger out on an island to cover a receiver and the receiver danced around Kruger for a big gain.  Ray Lewis was on the sideline after that play telling the coaches and players to "Let our rushers, rush and let our secondary cover".  He was absolutely right of course. It's classic video if one hasn't seen it.

 

For those that doubt Ray Lewis's leadership, his ability to mentor, film study, guidance on this team. For those that somehow doubt the quality he and  select others brought to Baltimore...the Field Generals...can you really call yourselves Ravens Fans?  Do you think you understand the Baltimore Ravens?  We "were" built for that........but not by non players.

 

That's what we've lost.

 

Now...we like guys with short haircuts, who listen politely and don't make waves. Guys that come from Alabama...The University of Miami....not so much....but then they've changed too.

 

We've got coaches trying to inspire now. That's what they wanted....how do you like it?

 

 

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.

 

 

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!

 

 

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.

[sflegend89]

So what does he have to do differently exactly?

 

Get vocal in practice, in meetings, in games, put a premium on personal accountability. Demand more from his teammates, challenge guys to get better and put in extra work, make sure everybody is sharp instead of just hoping for the best on gameday. Go out of your way to establish relationships with guys on the offense so you are on the same page when it matters and you aren't uncomfortable ripping them if they aren't doing their job or pulling their weight.

 

As much as I despise Tom Brady that guy knows how to lead, he doesn't mince words or sit back with a blank look on his face when the season is crumbling right in front of his eyes. He's going to call guys out, he's going to even call his OC out if it's a legitimate gripe, he's going to call himself out and get locked in when he makes a mistake. There is a level of intensity and personal accountability that Brady brings to his team that Joe flat out doesn't, Brady isn't any more talented or intelligent than Joe, he just plays the game with more focus and purpose and it extends onto his teammates who reciprocate that type of effort.

Edited October 22, 2015 by sflegend89

[PurpleCity5]

A "leader" wont make players tackle better, reduce boneheaded penalties, stop horrid throws, reduce dropped TDs etc. The rah rah stuff is fun and I loved Ray Lewis, but his play on the field meant more than anything else.

You're def. right, but I felt that you can't discount what Suggs leadership and intelligence meant to this team. Suggs has always been great, but he has declined, I think we badly miss his guidance. I mean in the Broncos game after Sizzle went down we just didn't look the same.

[FlackAttack]

Get vocal in practice, in meetings, in games, put a premium on personal accountability. Demand more from his teammates, challenge guys to get better and put in extra work, make sure everybody is sharp instead of just hoping for the best on gameday. Go out of your way to establish relationships with guys on the offense so you are on the same page when it matters and you aren't uncomfortable ripping them if they aren't doing their job or pulling their weight.

 

As much as I despise Tom Brady that guy knows how to lead, he doesn't mince words or sit back with a blank look on his face when the season is crumbling right in front of his eyes. He's going to call guys out, he's going to even call his OC out if it's a legitimate gripe, he's going to call himself out and get locked in when he makes a mistake. There is a level of intensity and personal accountability that Brady brings to his team that Joe flat out doesn't, Brady isn't any more talented or intelligent than Joe, he just plays the game with more focus and purpose and it extends onto his teammates who reciprocate that type of effort.

 

i stopped reading after the first two sentences due to your lack of credibility as a poster on a forum compared to an actual teammate of flacco. firstly, you have absolutely no idea how vocal flacco is with his teammates at practice, locker room, and on the field. secondly, i personally heard flacco talk about pumping confidence into his receivers via press conference after week 3 or 4. but he can only talk them up so much until its just a flat out lack of talent issue, which is exactly what it is.

Edited October 22, 2015 by FlackAttack

[Militant X 1]

I remember the video from the what I believe was the AFC Championship vs New England.  We schemed a defense where we left Kruger out on an island to cover a receiver and the receiver danced around Kruger for a big gain.  Ray Lewis was on the sideline after that play telling the coaches and players to "Let our rushers, rush and let our secondary cover".  He was absolutely right of course. It's classic video if one hasn't seen it.

 

For those that doubt Ray Lewis's leadership, his ability to mentor, film study, guidance on this team. For those that somehow doubt the quality he and  select others brought to Baltimore...the Field Generals...can you really call yourselves Ravens Fans?  Do you think you understand the Baltimore Ravens?  We "were" built for that........but not by non players.

 

That's what we've lost.

 

Now...we like guys with short haircuts, who listen politely and don't make waves. Guys that come from Alabama...The University of Miami....not so much....but then they've changed too.

 

We've got coaches trying to inspire now. That's what they wanted....how do you like it?

 

Yes sir!

[Bltravens]

I remember the video from the what I believe was the AFC Championship vs New England.  We schemed a defense where we left Kruger out on an island to cover a receiver and the receiver danced around Kruger for a big gain.  Ray Lewis was on the sideline after that play telling the coaches and players to "Let our rushers, rush and let our secondary cover".  He was absolutely right of course. It's classic video if one hasn't seen it.

 

For those that doubt Ray Lewis's leadership, his ability to mentor, film study, guidance on this team. For those that somehow doubt the quality he and  select others brought to Baltimore...the Field Generals...can you really call yourselves Ravens Fans?  Do you think you understand the Baltimore Ravens?  We "were" built for that........but not by non players.

 

That's what we've lost.

 

Now...we like guys with short haircuts, who listen politely and don't make waves. Guys that come from Alabama...The University of Miami....not so much....but then they've changed too.

 

We've got coaches trying to inspire now. That's what they wanted....how do you like it?

I've seen that video.  Changed the complexion of that game.  Say what you will about Ray, and obviously one man can't force guys into being better players, but the confidence that players have lining up beside a walking legend, and a walking football encyclopedia is worth something.  Even if it's little.  Especially when the guy is right so often, or blows up a play because he's seen it and trusts it.  The team is in a transition period, just the way it is.  One day Mosley will be a guy young guys can't believe they get to play with and maybe one day Mosley will inspire.  But he's 23 right now.  We don't have a gross impact player on defense right now, it doesn't help the condition.  With Suggs I firmly believe the situation is different.  Players look to the guy with the battle wounds, the salty experience and who is also a stud, in crisis time.  There's no one there right now.

Edited October 22, 2015 by Bltravens

[allblackraven]

I remember the video from the what I believe was the AFC Championship vs New England.  We schemed a defense where we left Kruger out on an island to cover a receiver and the receiver danced around Kruger for a big gain.  Ray Lewis was on the sideline after that play telling the coaches and players to "Let our rushers, rush and let our secondary cover".  He was absolutely right of course. It's classic video if one hasn't seen it.

 

For those that doubt Ray Lewis's leadership, his ability to mentor, film study, guidance on this team. For those that somehow doubt the quality he and  select others brought to Baltimore...the Field Generals...can you really call yourselves Ravens Fans?  Do you think you understand the Baltimore Ravens?  We "were" built for that........but not by non players.

 

That's what we've lost.

 

Now...we like guys with short haircuts, who listen politely and don't make waves. Guys that come from Alabama...The University of Miami....not so much....but then they've changed too.

 

We've got coaches trying to inspire now. That's what they wanted....how do you like it?

 

I'm with you on all counts.

[Tank 92]

I remember the video from the what I believe was the AFC Championship vs New England.  We schemed a defense where we left Kruger out on an island to cover a receiver and the receiver danced around Kruger for a big gain.  Ray Lewis was on the sideline after that play telling the coaches and players to "Let our rushers, rush and let our secondary cover".  He was absolutely right of course. It's classic video if one hasn't seen it.

 

For those that doubt Ray Lewis's leadership, his ability to mentor, film study, guidance on this team. For those that somehow doubt the quality he and  select others brought to Baltimore...the Field Generals...can you really call yourselves Ravens Fans?  Do you think you understand the Baltimore Ravens?  We "were" built for that........but not by non players.

 

That's what we've lost.

 

Now...we like guys with short haircuts, who listen politely and don't make waves. Guys that come from Alabama...The University of Miami....not so much....but then they've changed too.

 

We've got coaches trying to inspire now. That's what they wanted....how do you like it?

I don't disagree with what Ray meant to the Ravens, but do disagree that missing that type of leadership is the reason they sit at 1 - 5. It wasn't Ray alone that made the teams he played on better. Think about the other guys that were on the field, in the secondary, other LBs. It 's not that their hair wasn't short, or they weren't humble or polite, they were better football players.

The game has changed as well as the way teams are put together. It's nearly impossible to assemble a dominating group on either side of the ball and even harder to provide needed depth to account for the inevitable injuries. What you strive for is having young guys that can over achieve while making comparatively low salaries and mix them in with the marquis players. Unfortunately, it seems our cap situation hasn't allowed for us to have enough of the higher priced "difference makers". Add in the unfortunate injuries and you have an undermanned squad.

Like I said, I would never doubt what Ray meant to the Ravens. But if he were on the field today in his prime, it would not change the fact that we are lacking talent at key positions. Even the best general needs troops to succeed.

[codizzle]

Easy to say all that when missing so many due to injury and holding onto to Rice's money still

[RedFire]

The real question is...who still watches first take?!?!? SKIP & SAS are trolls and get into social commentary that has nothing to do with football!!! First take got exposed during the Ray Rice issue and how Michele Beadle got SAS suspended for his opinion.

Edited October 22, 2015 by Moderator 3
Not going there

[Guest]

Like I said, I would never doubt what Ray meant to the Ravens. But if he were on the field today in his prime, it would not change the fact that we are lacking talent at key positions. Even the best general needs troops to succeed.

 

Hey Wholelotta...You're a favorite poster of mine.  We can at times agree to disagree, that's life. Maybe this is one of them. When we lost Ngata, I knew it would be tougher.  Like you say, when Suggs went down, it got even worse.

 

Talent is important, but inspiring from within should not be underrated. Does anyone really think Will Hill or Mosely are currently up to the task of Field General?

 

I don't think we have drafted Field Coaches and we've purged guys that we needed for the task. 

 

I'm becoming worried with the way we are going, we may become the Cleveland Browns. (That one could be hard to decipher.)

[Purple_City39]

After reading this whole thread, I'm glad some people saw Ray's comments for what they were.  An personal ego stroke with slight delusions of grandeur.  Some sort of leader isn't what's missing from the team.  Actual healthy bodies and talent is what's missing, especially from the defense.

 

Ray and Ed were here in 2002 when the defense sucked after the salary cap purge and lacked additional talent.  7-9 with his leadership

 

Ray, Ed, and Terrell were here in 2005 when the defense was meh.  6-10 with their leadership.

 

Ray, Ed, Terrell, and Haloti were here in 2007 when the defense was very injured and could barely stop anyone on the way to 9 straight losses.  6-10 with their leadership.

 

Maybe, just maybe, Ray could have focused on the real problem that is lack of talent, injuries, and no real pass rush unless we're sending the house on defense.  And the abysmal #2 and #3 WRs on the team with an o-line that has random mental lapses.  You can have a Ray Lewis type of player on defense moving people around all day and telling them their jobs, but when they miss a tackle then what?  When they get beat by a double move knowing they are the last line of pass defense, then what?  

[Tank 92]

Hey Wholelotta...You're a favorite poster of mine.  We can at times agree to disagree, that's life. Maybe this is one of them. When we lost Ngata, I knew it would be tougher.  Like you say, when Suggs went down, it got even worse.

 

Talent is important, but inspiring from within should not be underrated. Does anyone really think Will Hill or Mosely are currently up to the task of Field General?

 

I don't think we have drafted Field Coaches and we've purged guys that we needed for the task. 

 

I'm becoming worried with the way we are going, we may become the Cleveland Browns. (That one could be hard to decipher.)

 

 

Patience Danny.   We'll be OK!

[FlackAttack]

After reading this whole thread, I'm glad some people saw Ray's comments for what they were.  An personal ego stroke with slight delusions of grandeur.  Some sort of leader isn't what's missing from the team.  Actual healthy bodies and talent is what's missing, especially from the defense.

 

Ray and Ed were here in 2002 when the defense sucked after the salary cap purge and lacked additional talent.  7-9 with his leadership

 

Ray, Ed, and Terrell were here in 2005 when the defense was meh.  6-10 with their leadership.

 

Ray, Ed, Terrell, and Haloti were here in 2007 when the defense was very injured and could barely stop anyone on the way to 9 straight losses.  6-10 with their leadership.

 

Maybe, just maybe, Ray could have focused on the real problem that is lack of talent, injuries, and no real pass rush unless we're sending the house on defense.  And the abysmal #2 and #3 WRs on the team with an o-line that has random mental lapses.  You can have a Ray Lewis type of player on defense moving people around all day and telling them their jobs, but when they miss a tackle then what?  When they get beat by a double move knowing they are the last line of pass defense, then what?  

 

^^^ this. people quickly forget that under "rays leadership" we were a losing team/ missed the playoffs 8 out of the 17 seasons he played for us. and 5 out of the 9 seasons when we made it to the playoffs,  flacco was our QB. and we also had ed reed, terrell suggs, haloti gnata, ray rice, boldin, a healthy pitta etc.

 

i love the guy and all, but come on people. hes just one man. a mortal human being, just like the rest of us. hes never playing football for the ravens again, get over it.

Edited October 22, 2015 by FlackAttack