Thursday's Notebook: In the 2000s, Where Should the Vikings Rank?
Daily Norseman — ... linebacker) Ray Lewis and some other fellows, and one defensive fellow — I don't want to give away his name — said, 'If you can go at 230, no defender wants to see you coming downhill at 230,' " Nelson Peterson says. "That's where having an old-school dad comes in handy. I told Adrian, 'Those veterans are trying to set you up. … There's a lot of guys getting up there in age on defense, and they want you to add weight so you can slow down a bit and they can have an easier time catching you.' ...

Rams wrap minicamp; TST shuts down Marvez
Turf Show Times — ... floating around out there, hat tip to Tackle Box, in which the Fox Sports writer call Brown the worst free agent signing based. Whatever. When Brown was on the market, Marvez called him the best lineman of the free agent class. Yes, the Rams had to pay a little more than other teams would - the price of being in the cellar two years running (the Ravens made a serious attempt to bring him back, but couldn't up the ante and risk losing out on Terrell Suggs and Ray Lewis, the heart of their defense, and bringing in Domonique ...

Redshirt Stock Report
Arrowhead Pride — ... but I think it goes to show that there is opportunities to earn a roster spot for these young guys as they are getting a chance to prove themselves. And finally the linebackers. We all should have seen the switch to the 3-4 defense coming as soon as we saw Pioli signing every able-bodied linebacker he could find. I really like the veteran signing of Zach Thomas, but at his age I don't think we should expect Patrick Willis like production, but we can expect Ray Lewis like leadership. Mike Vrabel has to been seen as huge ...

What's Going On In Baltimore?
Baltimore Beatdown — ... be successful is another. Cameron, despite his reputation taking a beating in his one year in Miami, is a great coach who took a Division I-AA quarterback and turned him into a productive NFL starter as a rookie." In addition to this, there have been other stories out there regarding the ranks of people within the Raven's organization such as thescore's breakdown of the offensive and defensive players of the decade, where lead writer Brad Gagon selected Ray Lewis as the defensive player of the decade. Wide ...

Could Chris Johnson really be the most exciting player in the NFL?
Music City Miracles — During a recent Players Roundtable on NFL Network, Jamie Dukes picked Ray Lewis, Deion Sanders picked Ed Reed, Marshall Faulk picked Peyton Manning and Warren Sapp picked Chris Johnson as the most exciting player in the National Football League. "There's no money time except playoff time. And I watched Baltimore come in there with that defense, and this kid just looked like he was on another level...I mean we were talking about Tennessee needing a home-run ...

Shallow Thoughts & Nearsighted Observations
The Mile High Report — ... , and I think both can make the team and contribute.  The Ravens had to re-sign Ray Lewis, and did it eventually. ...

Rex Ryan responds to Channing Crowder's comments
The Phinsider — ... Crowder's "all tatted up"?  What does this have to do with anything?  I'm pretty sure Ryan's buddy in Baltimore - Ray Lewis - also has some tattoos.  Oh - and he "may have" been involved in a murder.  But Ryan seemed fond of him.  Of course, he had every reason to be - Lewis basically made Rex Ryan's career and got him the job he now has.  ...

All-Decade Defense: Urlacher Gets Featured
Windy City Gridiron — It's the time of year when many websites are running their Top-10 Lists, coaches rankings, etc., and ESPN will have a similar feature this week.  Even though we still have one year left in this decade, they are doing a daily installment of their "All-Decade" lists. Today, they have pieced together their All-Decade Defense.  Brian Urlacher gets the nod in the Linebacker department. Linebackers Derrick Brooks, Ray Lewis and Brian Urlacher: Brooks has started 16 games in ...

NFL All-Decade Defense
Baltimore Beatdown — ... Offense, Special Teams, Moments, Team, Coach and so on. Today, Monday, they put together the all time defense of this decade. The group was comprised of these players, with 2 Ravens making the list. DE: Michael Strahan, N.Y. Giants, DT: Warren Sapp, Tampa Bay/Oakland DT: Kris Jenkins, Carolina/N.Y. Jets DE: Jason Taylor, Miami/Washington LB: Derrick Brooks, Tampa Bay LB: Ray Lewis, Baltimore LB: Brian Urlacher, Chicago ...

Will The Chiefs Ever Make the Big Acquisition?
Arrowhead Pride — ... The big free agent splash. Every fan in every city of all 32 NFL franchises holds their breath for their GM to be the one to strike while the iron is hot. When a linebacker like Ray Lewis or ...

Tampa 2, Cover 2; What do the Bears do?
Windy City Gridiron — ... used in their Super Bowl win, with Ray Lewis causing havoc.  In this current Bears defense Chicago has their defensive linemen attack their lone gap and to disrupt anything that runs by.  They want them to penetrate through their gap, but not to over run the play.  When you see a running back squirting under a D-Lineman for a gain that's a sure sign he over pursued his gap. ...

Weekend Roundup: Talking Davone Bess, Jason Taylor & more
The Phinsider — ... Bess was targeted 15 times, catching 10 of them - with 6 first downs.  That right there says a lot. JASON TAYLOR RANKED AS 5TH BEST PLAYER OF THIS DECADE ESPN recently released a list of the 25 greatest players of this decade.  And wouldn't you know that our very own Jason Taylor was ranked 5th overall.  In fact, no defensive player was ranked ahead of Taylor.  Champ Bailey (6th), Michael Strahan (8th), and Ray Lewis (9th) were the next highest rated defenders. Am I surprised by ...

Hogs Haven chats with Redskins LB Robert Henson
Hogs Haven — ... Robert: [laughing] London is definitely up on all the plays. I've seen him make checks that even the coaches didn't notice. And the coaches will be like "that's a good idea" and write it down. London's the most under-rated LB I know. He's not flashy. He makes plays and then gets back up and goes into the huddle. He's not a Ray Lewis-type which is my type of football. I celebrate a lot. Emotional. I'm crazy on the field. I'm a different person. But from what I heard London is the same way. I'm learning a lot from him. He's not giving me too much ...

The Beatdown's Reasons Why The Ravens' Defense Will Be Better In 2009 Than 2008
Baltimore Beatdown — We have all heard it time and time again.... "The Ravens D will fall off.  They lost Rex Ryan.  They lost key players in Bart Scott and Jim Leonhard who can't be replaced.  They are an aging defense.  Ray Lewis is done." Of course, us knowledgeable guys at the Beatdown know the average fan just has no clue.  We have to disprove these falsities over and over and I think we are all getting tired of it.  So I have an idea.... Why not come up with a list of reasons why the Ravens defense ...

Texans Down 'N Dirty: Top 5 Edition
Battle Red Blog — ... have made a few of the lists. First business of order is the top five middle linebackers. Somehow this list ended up being six linebackers, due to a tie between Bart Scott from the New York Jets and Brian Urlacher of the Chicago Bears for the fifth spot. The good news is Captain Meco did manage third place on this list, ahead of Scott, Urlacher and Jon Beason of the Carolina Panthers. Landing ahead of DeMeco on the list are Ray Lewis of the Baltimore Ravens and Patrick Willis ...

Ravens Comment on McNair's Death
Baltimore Beatdown — ... , who also played with McNair in both Tennessee and Baltimore along with Mason, and Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome. As stated therein, Ray Lewis has had such a tough time dealing with the loss of his close friend that he has yet to publicly comment on the situation. ...

46 Part I
Dawgs By Nature — ... whole. NFL ideal: Shaun Phillips, Chargers Probable Brown playing the position: David Veikune "Middle" Linebacker--The "Mike": The third linebacker--the "Mike" linebacker--lines up about 4 yards off the line of scrimmage, in front of the strong side offensive tackle. Desired Skills: Mike: tackling, intelligence, play-reading, speed, strength, coverage, some blitzing ability. NFL ideal: Ray Lewis, Ravens or Patrick Willis, 49ers ...

Of pillars and paucity, part 2 of 2
Turf Show Times — ...   Consider Ray Lewis.  Lewis is one of the most well-respected, feared linebackers in the history of professional football.    Lewis is known as a consummate teammate and a ferociously dedicated laborer, a prime example of ...

Steve McNair Laid to Rest in Mississippi
Music City Miracles — ... This morning was the final memorial service for former Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair at Southern Mississippi University.  Once again a lot of players turned out to remember McNair, including Brett Favre, Ray Lewis, Jay Cutler, and Vince Young.  Jeff Fisher spoke again and called Vince up to the podium to help him lead the Lord's Prayer. This service ends what has been a week of public memorials for our slain quarterback.  I am sure there will be more stories about McNair's life to ...

Pessimistic Team Preview
Gang Green Nation — ... is an intelligent, blistering tackle machine who can play the part of Ray Lewis. But he’s a poor man’s Ray Lewis. Overpaid rush-linebacker ...

Ray Lewis Speaks at Steve McNair's Funeral Service
Baltimore Beatdown — ... Baltimore Ravens star linebacker Ray Lewis was one of the speakers who eulogized former teammate QB Steve McNair at his funeral yesterday. He spoke so eloquently, reminding so many why his motivational rants and dances drive the Ravens and their fans into a frenzy before every game during the season. He spoke like a friend, and might have a future if he ever decides to join the priesthood. Lewis spoke to McNair's four boys directly about the pride they should have for their father and effortlessly switched from seriousness to ...

Suggs Gets a Deal, Dansby’s Future Uncertain
Arizona Cardinals Community Blog - Fanster.com - Voice of the Cardinals — ... . The new contract will keep the star linebacker in purple and black for another 6 years and is worth $63 million, with $33.1 million in bonus money in the first 2 years. Suggs is a Pro Bowl linebacker that is one of the keys to the Ravens defense, and is sure to be the foundation after Ray Lewis retires. That brings us to the next subject that is ...

Who Are The Future Chiefs Hall of Famers?
Arrowhead Pride — ... - It's almost too bad he certainly won't get in the Hall as a Chief, because Thomas' future is definitely enshrinement. With more tackles than any Hall of Fame linebacker (although other active LBers like Ray Lewis have more) and 7 Pro Bowl seasons, Thomas has been a man among boys for some time now. ...

Ravens Training Camp: Friday AM Edition
Baltimore Beatdown — ... Ray Lewis headed to the locker room and returned a few minutes later. He received huge cheers as he ran along the sidelines from the fans in the stands. Funny thing is, he was probably returning from just going to the bathroom! ...

Ravens Training Camp: Friday PM Edition
Baltimore Beatdown — ... Joe once again throws short to Rice after seeing his wide receivers were covered. Rice, crossing underneath for the reception was trailed by Ray Lewis, although Lewis shouted that he would have had him. ...

Ravens Training Camp: Sunday AM Edition
Baltimore Beatdown — ... Derrick Mason made a nice sliding catch of a Flacco 16 yard pass for a first down on what was a third and ten. Terrell Suggs and Haruki Nakamura playfully pushing each other between plays, then Suggs respectfully "bows" to Haruki, apparently to acknowledge his Japanese heritage. See my FanPost for a short interview with LB Jameel McClain, who is vying with fellow second year LB Tavares Gooden, to replace the departed Bart Scott and line up next ot Ray Lewis at one of the two inside LB slots. ...

Ravens Training Camp: Wednesday PM Edition
Baltimore Beatdown — Since the day was designated as a "plus-30" day and the older veterans had the day off, the afternoon session was only for Special Teams' practice. As I got on the fields, I saw the teams in groups, doing drills such as blocking punts, picking up loose ballls and diving for the ball, as seen below with Tavares Gooden as the example. On the stairs leading to the locker room, Ray Lewis was holding court. He was in uniform, but without pads and was joined by Todd Heap and Ravens' Media Relations ...

Can't believe I missed Snoop Dogg!!!
Baltimore Beatdown — ... ' Ray Lewis, legendary hip hop rapper Snoop Dogg was at Ravens Training Camp this morning! I chose to skip today's Camp to do some "real" work for a change. Figures that would be the day and time a true star would be in da' house! ...

Ravens Training Camp: Friday AM Edition
Baltimore Beatdown — ... hits D-Will, who fumbles and the defense recovers. The 1st team offense is going against the 2nd team defense and vice versa. Jalen Parmele is stuffed by Ray Lewis and ...

Remembering Derrick Thomas: Arrowhead Addict
Arrowhead Pride — ... not going to write about the stats. Anybody can do that and everybody will. Derrick Thomas was my hero — I owe him more than that. Besides, his stats only tell half the story. Roughly a year ago, all of us Addicts voted him the COAT (Chief of All Time). There’s a reason for that. You know that essential team identity thing I always write and talk about? D.T. gave the Chiefs team of the 90s that. He was what Larry Fitzgerald is to the Cardinals. What Ray Lewis is to the Ravens. He filled opponents’ hearts with ...

The Pro Football Hall of Fame; An Opinion
The Mile High Report — ... to Ray Lewis. A very good talent that benefited greatly from the superior talent around him. How much of Carson's success really came from an opposing teams attention being pointed Lawrence Taylor's way? ...

'Football Outsiders' Breaks Down the 2009 Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore Beatdown — ... 5. You say that while Ray Lewis may be considered the best ever to play his position when you look at his entire career, he is currently not in the top ten, although he is probably in the top 25. How can you seriously name 10 better linebackers than him right now? He may not be near the guy he was 10 years ago, but he is such a student of the game and is still as quick sideline-to-sideline as any linebacker, and there is still not anyone I’d rather have man the middle. ...

Ravens Training Camp: Tuesday AM Edition
Baltimore Beatdown — ... it and reached out before falling to the ground to haul in the deep pass amid cheers from another huge crown in attendance. Joe also hit Todd Heap over the middle for a 20 yard TD and even Troy Smith got in on the TD action with a 20 yarder down the sidelines to a wide open Justin Harper. It was nice to see safety Ed Reed in full pads and without the red (no contact) jersey. Tavares Gooden and Paul Kruger were running with Reed, Ray Lewis and the first team defense. Gooden looks like he'll be taking ...

Now There's a War of Words With Baltimore
Gang Green Nation — ... O.J. and this inspiration he's brought to our team. So, we will hold that number back this year. That's one we'll hold back."   Again, Rex isn't with the Ravens. I don't get why he has to involve himself in this. If it meant that much to him, he could have stayed in Baltimore and kept a rookie from getting number 99. He can make sure something similar doesn't happen in New York. Who is Michael McCrary anyway? It's not like we're talking about Ray Lewis or Ed Reed here. Harbaugh just comes off a lot ...

Ravens Show Patriotism at Training Camp
Baltimore Beatdown — ... As th defense moves from the far field to the one close to the where most of the fans sit, Ray Lewis' arrival brings loud applause and cheers. ...

Rating the Quarterback Play Against Baltimore
Gang Green Nation — ... looked like a rookie last night. His first pass was an interception Baltimore ran back. Ray Lewis dropped a second pick six on the next drive. Early in the game, there wasn't a whole lot to like. He was staring down all of his receivers. He was freezing in the face of blitzes. It was ugly. ...

Keeping an Eye on the Chiefs Week One Opponent
Arrowhead Pride — ... are currently 2-0.  Here's how I can sum up the difficulty of the Kansas City Chiefs week one trip to Baltimore: The Ravens defense scored more points in last night's game than the Chiefs have since December 21, 2008. The final tally?  Two interceptions, two touchdowns.  The Ravens defense was constantly in starter Mark Sanchez's face.  His first pass went for a pick-six to Ravens defensive tackle Haloti Ngata.  Ray Lewis nearly had another interception.  Jameel McClain ...

Ravens Hold Off Jets, 24-23
Baltimore Beatdown — ... , 24-23, when the Jets were unable to convert what would have been the game winning two point conversion at the end of the game. While the score was close at final whistle, the Ravens jumped out to 14-0 and 21-7 leads in the first half. Both Ray Lewis and ...

Stop Worrying - It's Only Pre-Season
Baltimore Beatdown — ... If you really want to see what the coaches are looking at during these meaningless games, with "meaningless" defined as the outcomes, try to figure out what roster spots are open for competition and watch those players that are reported to be fighting for those spots. Whether or not Ray Lewis or ...

Preseason Preview, Carolina Panthers vs. Baltimore Ravens
Cat Scratch Reader — ... You would expect the Raven run defense to be every bit as good as their running offense.  Baltimore boasts some of the most talented defenders in the NFL, with Haloi Ngata, Ray Lewis, and ...

Baltimore Ravens @ Carolina Panthers: Open Thread
Baltimore Beatdown — ... Remember that this is still a pre-season game, and although the starters are aiming to play most, if not all of the first half, the coaches will not be giving anything away from what we will be "unveiling" when the games count. More than likely, both Ray Lewis and ...

Baltimore Ravens' Starters Dominate Carolina Panthers, 17-13
Baltimore Beatdown —   "That's what's most exciting, the way we are clicking both offensively and defensively," Lewis said. "The bottom line is everyone is lining up and playing fast. We're all playing well right now." The quote above from the Baltimore Ravens' Ray Lewis epitomizes the consensus of opinions on the team's dominating victory over the Carolina Panthers in week 3 of the pre-season last night. While it still was an exhibition game, the starters played into the third quarter and left with a 17-3 lead. The ...

The Final 53
Baltimore Beatdown — ... Yamon Figurs TE: Todd Heap, L.J. Smith, Davon Drew OT: Jared Gaither, Michael Oher, Oniel Cousins  OG: Ben Grubbs, Matt Birk, Marshal Yanda, David Hale, Chris Chester DE: Trevor Pryce, Terrel Suggs, Paul Kruger   DT:  Haloti Ngata, Kelly Gregg, Dwan Edwards, Justin Bannan, Brandon McKinney LB: Ray Lewis, Tavares Gooden, Jarrett Johnson, Jameel McClain, ...

Ravens 53 Man Roster: My Picks
Baltimore Beatdown — ... Michael Oher, David Hale, Oniel Cousins   Defense DB: Ed Reed, Dawan Landry, Fabian Washington, Domonique Foxworth, Haruki Nakamura, Tom Zbikowski, Chris Carr, Lardarius Webb, Frank Walker, Derrick Martin LB: Ray Lewis, Terrell Suggs, Jarret Johnson, Tavares Gooden, ...

Chiefs Fantasy Outlook: Week 1 Against the Baltimore Ravens
Arrowhead Pride — ... , Ray Lewis and the rest of the AFC Pro Bowl defense. KC might walk away with the win. For fantasy though, you'll be lucky if the KC QB has positive points at the end of the day. ...

Profiling the Ravens Defense: Part One
Arrowhead Pride — ... But the Ravens were ready for this. The best teams always are. Each year, the winners are looted by the losers, grabbing their coordinators on both sides and their impending free agents with much more money than the mother ship ever planned on offering. The Ravens knew they couldn't keep Ryan on their sidelines forever and that they had to choose between Ray Lewis and Bart Scott. And in their plans, they've been grooming the back-ups. ...

Arrowhead Pride Profiles Ravens' Defense
Baltimore Beatdown — ... can expect when he looks over his center at Ray Lewis and company. That is, unless the Chiefs play it smart and want to protect their expensive off season acquisition and avoid further punishment by starting backup ...

Profiling the Baltimore Ravens Defense: Part Two
Arrowhead Pride — ... Simply put, the Chiefs line will not be able to hold off the explosive talent of the Ravens for 60 minutes on the gridiron. Ray Lewis, ...

Tennessee Titans Morning Links: Rinse. Repeat. Edition
Music City Miracles — ... , and the first Titan on the list is Chris Johnson at no. 70.  You read that list though, and it's obvious that hype and name recognition are the most important qualifications: How else would Ray Lewis be no. 11 (this isn't 2001, folks) and Roethlisberger be no. 12 (3rd overall QB and 6 spots ahead of ...

VIDEO: Ravens LB Ray Lewis on the Chiefs Rushing Attack
Arrowhead Pride — Video courtesy WNST.net Baltimore Ravens LB Ray Lewis took some time out from practice today to talk about the Kansas City Chiefs rushing attack. Lewis, of course, is the vocal and physical leader of the Ravens defense.  He talked a little bit about the Chiefs running backs Larry Johnson and Jamaal Charles. On Larry Johnson: "He's probably one of the best backs in the league.  Of course, ...

With Pollard's Departure, Chiefs Safety Mike Brown Even More Important
Arrowhead Pride — ... "Ray Lewis, the heart of their team, is going to be really pumped up.  They're going to be ready to show the world they're ready to make another run but we're there to stop that.  We're going to go out there, play hard, give it all we have and try to get a dub." ...

How to Beat the Kansas City Chiefs
Baltimore Beatdown — ... to pound the rock and demoralize the Kansas City defense with the heavy package of the 230 pound McGahee and 250 pound McClain. Stopping the opponents running attack will continue to be the rep of the Ravens defense and despite a fitter Larry Johnson, it should continue this trend. The Chiefs' offensive line has had trouble protecting their QB's, so whether it be Matt Cassel, Tyler Thigpen or Brodie Croyle, it won't matter to Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Haloti Ngata, T-Sizzle and company. ...

Chiefs News from the Overnight 9/11 (in progress)
Arrowhead Pride — ... "It was kind of a cat and mouse game with Ray Lewis because of some of our plays," said Johnson. "Usually you have to stay in there and run hard and keep sticking it in there. I didn’t think it was pretty. I only had one long run and I was running into Ray Lewis for three yards, four yards, five yards. ...

Know Your Colts History: 3 Things to Watch for Every Week of the NFL Season
Stampede Blue — ... CBS passes down a mandate to the announcers that they must clarify that John Harbaugh isn't Jim Harbaugh at least once per quarter. Ray Lewis soils himself after Peyton tells him telepathically that he can read his mind. Donald Brown is forced to get on the team bus wearing Blue's mascot uniform after the rest of the team steals his clothing from the hotel. ...

New York Jets Pass Defense vs. Houston Texans Pass Offense
Gang Green Nation — ... Lito Sheppard will probably spend most of the game with Kevin Walter, who had 899 yards in 2008. Houston's second leading receiver last season was tight end Owen Daniels. The way the Jets play against him will show us early whether they can defend tight ends any better than they did in 2008. It was an issue from Anthony Fasano's 8 catch Week 1 through the rest of the year. It was definitely a factor in the Jets targeting Bart Scott instead of Ray Lewis. The Jets will unveil their attack style defense. This ...

Ravens Host Chiefs: Game Prediction & Open Thread
Baltimore Beatdown — ... will sound a lot like an overconfident loyal fan hoping for the best, but there is a reason for the 13 point spread in betting circles. While I am not a big fan of giving almost two touchdowns in any NFL game, I'd rather give the points tomorrow than take them and the Chiefs. I cannot see a game where Kansas City plays well above their heads while the Baltimore Ravens play well below their own abilities. Baltimore knows the window of opportunity for a Super Bowl run with the aging Ray Lewis is closing rapidly and have been on a mission since their ...

Ravens Defensive Stars Impressed with the Chiefs
Arrowhead Pride — ... Arguably the Baltimore Ravens two best defensive players, Terrell Suggs and Ray Lewis (with a nod to Ed Reed), came away impressed with the effort and performance of the Kansas City Chiefs. Sounds like last year, right? Suggs said the Chiefs took advantage of all opportunities, LB Jarrett Johnson was down on the defense for giving up 24 points (even though it was really 17) and Lewis said he knew it would be a tough battle. Here are a few quotes: Terrell Suggs "Hats off to the ...

Can you Imagine?
Baltimore Beatdown — ... the 2010 season. However, for now, his season is over and the Bears' team leader on what was considered an elite defensive unit will have to stand on the sidelines and watch the final 15 games in street clothes. While football is a team game, it is indeed possible for one player to make such a huge difference either by playing or not playing, that can make the difference between playing late into January or not. What if it was the Baltimore Ravens All World LB, Ray Lewis? (More on "Can You Imagine" coming after the ...

Ravens Win 31-26: Ray Lewis is a Beast!
Baltimore Beatdown — ... The Baltimore Ravens' Ray Lewis read the play and broke into the San Diego Chargers' backfield and stoned Darren Sproles for a loss on fourth down, giving the Ravens a hard fought 31-26 victory in San Diego. The stats might not look good for our defense but Chargers QB Phil Rivers was throwing the ball up for grabs and his huge wideouts continually outmuscled our smaller DB's all game long. However, it was all for nothing as we still leave with the wina dncombined with the Pittsburgh Steelers loss to the Chiucago ...

Relax Ravens' Fans: Chargers' Receivers Are Unique
Baltimore Beatdown — ... yards for the second straight game, extending their streak of not allowing a 100 yard rusher to 37 straight games. However, give San Diego credit for realizing this at an early point of the game and going to those long passes which they completed with success. At the same time, we Ravens fans want to thank Chargers coach Norv Turner for momentarily forgetting about their poor success running the ball and placing the entire game's outcome on a Sproles run up the middle that All-World Ray Lewis blew up in the backfield for the game deciding play. ...

Salfino Offers His Praise
Gang Green Nation — ... (only playing like a young Ray Lewis, as is, by the way, the old Ray Lewis). But when you shut down the freakishly gifted guys like ...

Breaking Down Ray Lewis' "Play"
Baltimore Beatdown — ... posted a great story on the breakdown of what happened before, during and after the incredible play that Ray Lewis made to seal the 31-26 victory over the ...

Jamaal Westerman: Hope For The Un-Drafted
Gang Green Nation — ... Bart Scott's significant breakthrough with the Baltimore Ravens came in 2005 when Ray Lewis was suffering with a hamstring problem.  Westerman will wait for his chance, producing on special teams like Scott, and when that chance does come, like Scott he will take it and run with it. ...

Ravens vs. Browns: Prediction & Open Thread
Baltimore Beatdown — ... by our front seven. While Ray Lewis will probably not have to be counted on to save the day, the rest of the team should have a field day as they remind the rest of the league that this defense has not fallen off as so many have said as a result of last week's game. ...

My Thoughts on What the Raiders Need to Do
Silver And Black Pride — ... And like I said, he can pound it up the middle. If Cable is so in love with running up the middle, at least use the guy who's 245 pounds and stronger than most linebackers not named Ray Lewis. Plus he can do a lot of the off-tackle running I mentioned earlier. Give him some chances on those runs in between the guard and tackle because Bush is capable of getting out of the backfield decently quickly. Bush can easily find the holes, fire through them, and keep pushing forward. ...

Scott Pioli, Two Former Chiefs Honored By The Sporting News
Arrowhead Pride — ... team offense: WR Marvin Harrison and Randy Moss; T Walter Jones and Jonathan Ogden; G Alan Faneca and Steve Hutchinson; C Jeff Saturday; TE Tony Gonzalez; QB Peyton Manning; FB Lorenzo Neal; RB LaDainian Tomlinson All-decade team defense: DE Michael Strahan and Jason Taylor; DT Richard Seymour and Casey Hampton; OLB Derrick Brooks and Joey Porter; MLB Ray Lewis; CB Champ Bailey and Ronde Barber; S Brian Dawkins and ...

Denver Broncos Thoughts and Musings - Cowboys Week
The Mile High Report — ... There are limits, of course. Ray Lewis might be good in any system, but even then, a lot of folks questioned his desire to move to a 3-4. Would he fit? There are, as we can see, a lot of different 3-4 systems. Coverage LBs or not? Zone blitz? Bigger players, Bullough-type scheme? 5-2? Hybrid? As always, I recommend reading ...

New England Patriots Links 10/01/09 - Brady: 'This Is Going to Be The Toughest Game We've Played'
Pats Pulpit — ... [Ray Lewis is] great in his own way. He’s just at a different level, he’s in that second level of the defense where the linebackers play and control the running game. He’s very disruptive in what he does there. He’s just been a great player for 13 years — that and change. You watch him this year, he still plays with a lot of enthusiasm. He really rallies those guys, too. There are no plays off for us in this game. ...

New England Patriots Links 10/02/09 - Brady, Moss Join NFL In Raising Awareness For Breast Cancer
Pats Pulpit — ... returns to the locker room signed to the practice squad, and isn't telling whether he gave any inside Ravens info to the Pats; LB Ray Lewis looks forward to meeting with ...

Ravens @ Patriots: Prediction & 'Open Thread'
Baltimore Beatdown — ... is on the field, he will create problems for our DBs in the open field with his slashing and crossing patterns. Look for our LB's to make him pay early for his transgressions across the middle. Pressure on Tom Brady is a must but if we constantly blitz him, he'll find a way to make us pay. We will need to find a way to make him hurry his throws while only rushing four guys on most plays and blitz when he leasts expect s it. Ray Lewis will be ready for the chess match and he usually makes the right moves. ...

Tom Brady and his "skirt": How the calls against the Ravens Sunday were indeed correct
Stampede Blue — ... Watching Baltimore Ravens defenders like Ray Lewis whine about the costly personal foul calls made against them by Ron Winters's officiating crew provided both entertainment and an educational learning experience. Perhaps even more enjoyable than Lewis crying about "bad calls," and not the choke-job drop of Ravens wide receiver Mark Clayton on 4th down, was watching Ravens coach John Harbaugh barely acknowledge the presence of Patriots coach Bill Belichick after the game. Seriously folks, the league really hates ole ...

New England Patriots Links 10/07/09 - Pees Pleased With Secondary Efforts
Pats Pulpit — ... I also understand what Ray Lewis is concerned about. The league-wide approach to handling quarterbacks is all wrong; it sends a terrible message to the rest of the NFL: the quarterback is 10 times more important than everyone else. Does Brady get any special treatment? Obviously I believe that, too. ...

Ravens Loss Might Lead to Better Things
Baltimore Beatdown — ... The team will be ready for the Bengals and will want to prove to themselves, their fans and the league that we are the best team in the AFC North and ready for a run at the division title and beyond. The progress of the passing attack should continue this weekend and the return to dominance by the defense is fresh on the minds of Ray Lewis, ...

Cincinnati Bengals (4-1) Links and Notes: First place edition
Cincy Jungle — ... following the game, primarily telling us that Brad St. Louis is no longer a good player. Ernst also has a good quote from Chad, who apparently is sporting a black-eye after Ray Lewis lit him up. ...

Shallow Thoughts & Nearsighted Observations
The Mile High Report — ... below average, and they can be killed outside the numbers.  Old friend Domonique Foxworth is a good guy, but an average-at-best player.  Fabian Washington isn't even as good as that.  Particularly, if you can block the Ravens' pressure packages, there is a lot of opportunity for success. b.  It is, however, best to stay out of the middle of the field, with any kind of risky throws.  Ed Reed is as great as ever, and we all know about Ray Lewis.  Reed made a couple big plays Sunday, stripping Chad ...

Ray Lewis Blacked Chad's Eye
Cincy Jungle — ... This, folks, is the price you pay for going across the middle against a Ray Lewis-led defense. No, I'm not talking about posing with Jennifer Lopez (who still looks good, BTW) and Marc Anthony. No, I'm talking about the bruised area under Ochocinco's eye, courtesy of Ray Lewis' ...

Jets defense shows no respect after drubbing by Dolphins on Monday night
The Phinsider — ... , who also likes to run his mouth (even though he isn't nearly as good as he was in Baltimore playing next to Ray Lewis and ...

Who will Win Purple Bowl IV?
Daily Norseman — ... As for God's Linebacker Ray Lewis: I believe he is without a doubt the best defensive leader in the NFL today, but he's nowhere near an elite player any more. Ray-Ray makes everyone around him better; it shows when he's the last one in on a gang tackle and celebrates like he made the play all by himself. If it wasn't for his leadership, all his teammates wouldn't have been in the right place to make the tackle a full three seconds before he got there! ...

Purple, Purple Everywhere - Ravens @ Vikings
Daily Norseman — ... upright - After going down seven times against Cleveland and Detroit to start the season, Favre has only been sacked four times in the past three games, and the pass protection has improved greatly as the season has gone on.  The Baltimore front seven, featuring such talented players as Ray Lewis, ...

Baltimore’s Struggling Defense: A Warning for the 49ers
Niners Nation — ... and Ray Lewis, that dragged its offense along for the ride – basically what the 49ers aspire to be in coming years, if not later this season. After years of waiting, however, their offense finally came together in 2008, and this season had Ravens’ fans talking dynasties and superbowls. But a funny thing happened in the first six weeks of the season: the heralded Baltimore defense forgot to show up. ...

Rodney Hudson Majors in Recreation, Leisure and Putting a Hole in Somebody
Field Gulls — ... The Dennis Erickson era is not remembered fondly by Seahawks fans and rightly. Erickson was neither exciting, new nor successful, has since coached a division rival, and a few Pac-10 foes (depending on your allegiance). Kendall was something he did right. Late first round picks sometimes produce Ray Lewis or ...

That sound you're hearing is a million cups receving a healthy pour of Orange Kool-Aid. Bengals destroy Bears, 45-10
Cincy Jungle — ... lining up in the I formation as the blocking fullback.  I absolutely love the idea of lining Peko up as a fullback from time to time, I think that seeing Domata running full bore at you would loosen the bowels of any linebacker from Ray Lewis to Lawrence Taylor.  I loved it.  ...

Book Report: Peter King's 'Monday Morning Quarterback'
Baltimore Beatdown — ... what he'd change as Commisioner of Pro Football, Top Coaching Hires, Best Draft Picks, Hall of Fame Snubs, Sports Illustrated Covers, Cliches I Hate, NFL's Best/Worst, and Top 100 Players of Today and All Time. The last two are my favorites and some of the names will certainly stir debate in you as it did in me. In the Top 100 Players of All Time, our own Johnny Unitas was only number eleven and the next Baltimore player was.....Gino Marchetti (#21)!? Interestingly, the Ravens' Ray Lewis came in at #29 of All Time. Both Unitas and Lewis were noteworthy ...

NFL Picks & Pans: Week 8
Baltimore Beatdown — ... miles to win on the road. Time for a QB change? Saints over Falcons (Monday night): No Sunday night football this weekend, due to the World Series. However, New Orleans should provide enough offense for both nights as they shine on national TV while Atlanta does their part to try to keep up in the NFC South race, but just can't match firepower with Drew Brees and company. Watch Brees charge up the team pregame in a way that is only matched by our own Ray Lewis! Last week:  9-4 Season ...

Welcome to the NFL (National Favre League)
Niners Nation — ... Denver came into this game a perfect 6-0.  Baltimore came into this game a mediocre 3-3.  But it was the Ravens who looked like the perfect team.  The Broncos head coach, Josh McDaniels, who looks like he came straight from a college frat party to coach the game, wasn't able to continue the magic as Denver lost for the first time of the season.  Their was the usual "We must defend this house!" ranting from Ray Lewis.  But it was the Ravens ability to run the ball, becoming the first team this season to rush for over 100 yards ...

Horse Tracks 11/4/09 - Orton has sore left ankle; Broncos add two to PS, bringing back DT Carlton Powell
The Mile High Report —

And On the Ninth Week, They Rested.
Daily Norseman — ... over BENGALS: Big-time revenge game here; Baltimore had their first meeting locked up until they went all penalty-happy. Fun drinking game if you're watching this one: drink every time the announcers mention "leader", "motivator", or "intensity" when referring to Ray Lewis. You should be bombed halfway through the second quarter. ...

Blackout deadline approaches for Bengals; Chad isn't sensitive to how the Ravens feel
Cincy Jungle — ... is Frodo and Ray Lewis is Gollum. If it's like before, we'll get bits and pieces of information preceding a mid-afternoon announcement. So bit and piece #1: C Trent got a tweet that someone is going to the game " ...

Shallow Thoughts & Nearsighted Observations
The Mile High Report — ... , which is an occasional hazard of writing for Tuesday mornings.  (The) Other smart analysts see(s) the same things and beat(s) you to talking about them sometimes.  Ray Lewis definitely looks like he's doing it more on guile and want-to than skill anymore.  I respect his effort greatly, and sometimes he makes a huge play, like against the ...

GOT NUMBERS? Analyzing the Baltimore Ravens vs. the Cleveland Browns
Dawgs By Nature — ... and Ray Lewis are still cheating and killing people making most of the tackles and interceptions in Baltimore.  And that the offense is led by aging WRs, a "hard-nose running game" (as opposed to the unpopular "soft-nose" running game), and an inexperienced QB.  But do the facts and numbers match up with what we think we know, or what some ESPN guy told us?  Let's find out. ...

Bengals beat Steelers for season sweep, and something feels very different.
Cincy Jungle — ... rode Ray Lewis and Marvin Lewis' scheme to Super Bowl XXXVI and brought home a Lombardi.  The Cincinnati Bengals showed today that they have a defense that can trade punches with anyone else in the league.  They have a defense that can stop a dynamic offense in critical situations.  They have a defense that can command the outcome of a game by bending their will against anything that stands in their way.  There's one major difference between the 2001 Ravens and the 2009 Cincinnati Bengals though, readers.  ...

Sports Books for the Holidays
Buc 'Em — ... and takes you inside the draft room, the roster selection process, and the toughness and contradictions of an NFL locker room. Readers learn the back stories of backup offensive linemen, as well as famous faces like Ray Lewis. I especially enjoyed the stories of nondescript players. With age, I’ve learned that the NFL is not always a dream come true for all players. The game grinds up their bodies as they play through broken arms, back surgery, and other ailments. I have tremendous respect for all players, even the 53rd man on the roster. ...

Week Eleven Preview: Colts at Ravens
Stampede Blue — ... . Baltimore fans and players seem to respect Peyton Manning more than any other QB in the league. I've heard more than a few fans from the "City of Firsts" say that Peyton Manning is as close to a clone of Johnny Unitas as they've ever seen. He even walks like unitas did, they say. There is also mutual respect from Colts players towards greats like Ray Lewis, ...

Bill Polian lays the kibosh on any lingering Joseph Addai hate
Stampede Blue — ... MLB] Ray Lewis and see how much you have left in your legs. It's very difficult to do and that's a critical part of our offense. ...

Steelers Lose Heartbreaker To Rival Ravens, Lose Third Straight To Fall To 6-5
Behind the Steel Curtain — ... hold on Ray Lewis. The Steelers would have had the ball at the Ravens 23 yard line with the score tied at 7. Instead they were forced to punt and the Ravens capitalized with a touchdown drive of their own to take a 14-7 lead in to intermission. It's an awful lot to ask of a kid to lead a team to victory in Baltimore's house in the first place. It's an even greater task to expect him to do so when two of his better plays get negated by penalties.  ...

As I Look For Hope: I See None: The Oakland Raiders Are Terrible
Silver And Black Pride — ... After this last loss he said that the big plays were JUST some players missing their assignments. JUST SOME PLAYERS MISSING THEIR ASSIGNMENTS!?!?! Does Ray Lewis miss assignments? How about ...

Official, Public, Sincere Apology To Mr. Joseph Addai
Stampede Blue — ... Something was different about him and for the past few weeks I just couldn't put my finger on it.  It wasn't a physical change, like he bulked up during the offseason, or that he suddenly turned into a burner and was scorching the field with his juking abilities, although it awesome to see Addai juke Ray Lewis out of his jock.  It was something else. ...

Keith Bulluck: Best Linebacker In The AFC South
Music City Miracles — ... • 17 career interceptions: that's good for 42nd on the active list of all defenders, and 2nd among linebackers (behind Ray Lewis, who has 4 more years in the league).  You see this is what most people don't get about Keith: he plays the pass better than pretty much any other LB in the NFL.  He's still got speed, range and agility that every team looks for. ...

Who is Jonathan Goff? I'm excited to find out
Big Blue View — ... I am not expecting the second coming of Ray Lewis on Sunday. And I'm not expecting a mistake-free performance. But, if he can show the ability to be stout in the middle, make plays sideline to sideline and get in the backfield once in a while that will be enough for me. ...

Saturday Injury Report: Ravens at Packers
Acme Packing Company — ... Barbre at LT, after his disastrous stint at RT, is scary. LB Aaron Kampman is still listed, but there is no chance he'll play after tearing his ACL against the 49ers. LB Jeremy Thompson won't play after he spent Friday night in the hospital due to a neck injury suffered in practice on Friday, but McCarthy expects he'll be fine.  The Ravens have listed four key defensive players: S Ed Reed, LB Terrell Suggs, LB Ray Lewis, and DT Haloti Ngata. Reed wasn't able to practice until ...

Shallow Thoughts & Nearsighted Observations
The Mile High Report — ... Spikes is not an elite athlete, but he's an elite player.  He's downhill all the time in the running game, and he strikes guys as hard as any college player you'll ever see.  He's also as naturally gifted and instinctive in pass coverage as Ray Lewis, and he's a similar type of emotional leader.  What intrigues me most at the NFL level with Spikes is his natural pass-rushing skills.  He really can get after a QB.  He'll only run a 4.65 or 4.7, but he'll be an every down player, and make a bunch of Pro Bowls, trust me. ...

Packers-Ravens Retroactive Live-Blog
Acme Packing Company — ... Ray Lewis may have lost a step or four, but he's still quite the motivational speaker.  It's like if Lil' Jon was coherent and dread-less. ...