Report: Ray Lewis could return to face Peyton Manning

**Tyrian** · 11-26-2012, 05:36 AM

And he might even practice this Thursday!?

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nfl--mo...104935310.html

**leachisabeast** · 11-26-2012, 06:04 AM

The injury must have not even been anywhere near as bad as first reported, torn muscles usually mean done for the year.

I don't care what anyone says, him being back is great news, we need his presence and leadership on the field, he should start next to Ellerbe or McClellan, yet they will start McClain because they are paying him the big money of course.

**JAB1985** · 11-26-2012, 06:15 AM

good news. Im curious to see how the defense works with him back in the mix. Weve actually been playing better since he was out and im not sure if thats a result of it or just coincidence.

**ed from Bel Air** · 11-26-2012, 06:31 AM

Originally Posted by leachisabeast

The injury must have not even been anywhere near as bad as first reported

Maybe he is taking lessons from Ben?

**Flipping Birdie** · 11-26-2012, 06:34 AM

Originally Posted by ed from Bel Air

Maybe he is taking lessons from Ben?

Heh. Man, I bet his torn tricep could puncture his aorta.

**pslholder96** · 11-26-2012, 07:57 AM

This will probably be debated more in the coming days but Ray's return can do nothing but have a positive impact.
Yes the defense has really stepped up in Ray's absence but to do have the general back is nothing but awesome.

**RavensNTerps** · 11-26-2012, 08:03 AM

It's not a coincidence; Suggs came back at the same time Ray went out and Suggs is clearly more important to the D than Ray. Doesn't mean we're better without Ray.

**Bhcforlife** · 11-26-2012, 08:03 AM

Going to be completely honest and say that I'm not real happy about this. The defense has really gotten on a roll and played much better without him, and when you compare how Ellerbe has played vs. how Lewis was playing prior to injury, there is no comparison. If I was sure that they were going to bench McClain's useless ass and continue to play Ellerbe then I would be happier about this, but I'm pretty sure if/when he comes back, it'll be him and McClain.

**JAB1985** · 11-26-2012, 08:08 AM

Originally Posted by Bhcforlife

Going to be completely honest and say that I'm not real happy about this. The defense has really gotten on a roll and played much better without him, and when you compare how Ellerbe has played vs. how Lewis was playing prior to injury, there is no comparison. If I was sure that they were going to bench McClain's useless ass and continue to play Ellerbe then I would be happier about this, but I'm pretty sure if/when he comes back, it'll be him and McClain.

Im not sure we can be certain of that. Ellerbe was getting more snaps before the injury. Hes played damn near brilliantly since. why would that now make him get less snaps than before? Hopefully Ray put some weight back on in his absence and Ellerbe can remain that compliment to him.

The fact Suggs came back in a good point, however the improved ILB play isnt explained by that. that explains as a defense why weve gotten better, but the ILBs have been playing better now than they were with him. that cant all be contributed to Suggs ability to pass rush, imo.

**yousuf7590** · 11-26-2012, 08:09 AM

I think that having Ray back for the Broncos game would be beneficial just because he can match Manning in making checks on the Defense as Manning checks in and out of plays on the offense.

**DrUnk** · 11-26-2012, 08:09 AM

Originally Posted by Flipping Birdie

Heh. Man, I bet his torn tricep could puncture his aorta.

**Bhcforlife** · 11-26-2012, 08:17 AM

Originally Posted by JAB1985

Im not sure we can be certain of that. Ellerbe was getting more snaps before the injury. Hes played damn near brilliantly since. why would that now make him get less snaps than before? Hopefully Ray put some weight back on in his absence and Ellerbe can remain that compliment to him.

The fact Suggs came back in a good point, however the improved ILB play isnt explained by that. that explains as a defense why weve gotten better, but the ILBs have been playing better now than they were with him. that cant all be contributed to Suggs ability to pass rush, imo.

True, I did not remember that Ellerbe was seeing increasing snaps prior to Ray getting hurt, so that is a great point and eases my concern about this. I would hope that the staff has seen what we've all seen and if Lewis does come back, they'll make the right decision about who plays next to him based on performance on the field and not money.

**NCRAVEN** · 11-26-2012, 08:33 AM

The area we are hurting the most right now is the are we rely on Ray the most - communication.

If you look at a lot of scoring plays or 3rd down conversions, it's usually miscommunication, 9 times out of 10 between Carey and Pollard.

The D is playing better (Suggs!!) but Ray coming back I think can only help.

**moose10101** · 11-26-2012, 08:47 AM

Originally Posted by leachisabeast

The injury must have not even been anywhere near as bad as first reported, torn muscles usually mean done for the year.

Yesterday, he was doing that "arm hook" celebration, or whatever they call it, using his injured arm. It must be healing rapidly.

**Ravenswintitle** · 11-26-2012, 08:50 AM

this can only be a good thing even if he plays limited snaps

**Jsmoove** · 11-26-2012, 08:58 AM

I can't believe he could be back this fast! Where and how does Ray do this? The reason defense is playing better is that Suggs is back, it opens up things for those Linebackers, UPshaw and Kruger and starting to benefit from that as well, Also ngata is getting back in his groove and Cody is starting to play better, Ray along side ellerbe should be the key start, Mcclain is just not that good.

**Ravenswintitle** · 11-26-2012, 09:55 AM

agreed^

And if McPhee can get healthy down the stretch it could be a swarming D

**JCroUSAF** · 11-26-2012, 10:07 AM

The defense playing better in my opinion started with Suggs returning to form. This combined with pees moving up to the press box and utilizing players with their strengths really helps. As someone above said the only thing that is missing is communication this is where ray comes in and puts everything together. I have been extremely critical of pees but it seems he has finally figured out his players strength and weaknesses. I pray that ray starts next to Ellerbe but u fortunately this is a business and they are going to get their money's worth out of McClain.

**Corey** · 11-26-2012, 10:22 AM

Not sure how I feel about this. I guess it depends on how bad Ellerbe's injury is.

**Shambla** · 11-26-2012, 10:28 AM

Another variable in the before/after defense is Pees moving up top to get a better view. I think it's obviously a benefit to have him back but I would wait until he's healthy although it would be nice to have him back for Denver. We've held Peyton under 25 points 6 out of the last 8 games (the crappy 2007 season, and then scorched in 2008 on Mcallister Hangover day). I think Ray's the reason we've been able to keep him somewhat contained.