Ray Lewis to Return in 2012 (Merged)

**MarkS** · 01-22-2012, 07:10 PM

Frankly, although Ray's pretty much replaceable at this point, I'm happy to have him back - he may no longer be great, but he's still pretty good.

Ed is still pretty close to dominant at his position though - losing him would be huge.

**dandrews** · 01-22-2012, 07:14 PM

The man is a legend. As long as he's still able to perform to levels that are at least average, we should consider it a privilege to watch him play for another year. There won't be another like him on our team in a long time.

**RavenMadness** · 01-22-2012, 07:15 PM

Originally Posted by MarkS

Frankly, although Ray's pretty much replaceable at this point, I'm happy to have him back - he may no longer be great, but he's still pretty good.

Ed is still pretty close to dominant at his position though - losing him would be huge.

Yea, because Ellerbe was great out there...

Ray's knowledge and leadership alone cannot be replaced... yes, he is a step slower, but I'd take that over some younger, inexperienced, and lesser talented LBs... give Ray time to mold new talent.. he is invaluable to this organization!

**CincyCat** · 01-22-2012, 07:18 PM

Classiest I have ever seen Ray. My heart goes out to you guys.

**PGCountyRaven85** · 01-22-2012, 07:32 PM

We need him then draft a ILB who can play the run and play coverage, suck Burfict...hopefully he drops to the second.

**Jeremiah W** · 01-22-2012, 07:39 PM

Originally Posted by PGCountyRaven85

We need him then draft a ILB who can play the run and play coverage, suck Burfict...hopefully he drops to the second.

I like Hightower.
Dquell Jackson as a Fa may be worth a look.

Still I don't think ilb is a huge need. The only thing I think we need is to play better vs road dogs so we host the title game next year.

**palukaraven** · 01-22-2012, 07:43 PM

Ray Lewis played a great game against the Patriots, and from what I saw, he looked quicker than he has in the last few games he's played. Sure he gave up a play or two, but he certainly played admirably tonight. Looking VERY forward to seeing Ray play another year in Baltimore. When he's ready to hang up the cleats, he's ready.

**BleedPurple92** · 01-22-2012, 07:54 PM

I'm so happy to hear that. Lets make another run at this thing. With another Great Draft, and a few Free Agent signings, and Maybe a new OC. This team is destined for greatness next season.

Honestly the fact that Ray is coming back, just made my day. I'm not gonna lie i feel a lot better.

**JettRavensSuperPup** · 01-22-2012, 07:58 PM

I didnt hear did he make a statement?...How about Ed Reed???
He can play next year and I would be good with him moving into a coaching position when he is tired of playing

**lovefootball** · 01-22-2012, 08:04 PM

Fimstudy will break the defense down and we will probably find out that ed and Ray had a great game. The Dline dissappeared again and oher along with birk had a tough game. Ray and Ed are going to decide what happens later this year. Great game by the Ravens, missed by that much. Ravens will get another shot in the 2012 season. Count on it!

**houstonravensfan** · 01-22-2012, 08:23 PM

I'm OK with Ray coming back, BUT we MUST find another ILB -- FA or draft -- to step in SOON. Ed's replacement must be identified, too.

**Roland of Gilead** · 01-22-2012, 08:24 PM

Originally Posted by BleedPurple92

I'm so happy to hear that. Lets make another run at this thing. With another Great Draft, and a few Free Agent signings, and Maybe a new OC. This team is destined for greatness next season.

Honestly the fact that Ray is coming back, just made my day. I'm not gonna lie i feel a lot better.

+1. That's a good sized chunk of the reason I've felt so terrible.

**NauticalWheeler** · 01-22-2012, 08:34 PM

If you haven't heard it, search out Ray's press conference after the game in which he made the announcement about playing next year. He truly knows how to put everything in perspective in the most eloquent and classy way. I watched it twice and cried both times... not from disappointment in the season, but from what he said at the end about what's really important in life (like not getting the chance to be with a 17 year old kid with bone cancer, because of having to prepare for this game). After losing both parents to cancer I can relate to that a lot. But what he said about the team, the season, and the game was also very inspiring.

**pslholder96** · 01-22-2012, 08:45 PM

Originally Posted by Ravenalytics

Actually, not really.

I love him, but I think Ray needs to move on to be honest. He looked very slow to me today.

Yes he did. 12 tackles proved it.

**EdReedDaGawd** · 01-22-2012, 08:50 PM

Originally Posted by BleedPurple92

I'm so happy to hear that. Lets make another run at this thing. With another Great Draft, and a few Free Agent signings, and Maybe a new OC. This team is destined for greatness next season.

Honestly the fact that Ray is coming back, just made my day. I'm not gonna lie i feel a lot better.

I also agree! If Ed says he's coming back too I'll feel even better. With our young studs at corner, Reed, Lewis, Suggs, Ngata and the rest of the D we can still be a top defense forsure. Just need a few coaching changes and possibly a good WR.

**Teavo** · 01-22-2012, 10:29 PM

I was shocked when I saw Ray Lewis trying to cover Wes Welker.

I was even more shocked when he was succeeding about 75% of the time.

Which is about 65% more than any other linebacker I've ever seen covering Welker, and I watch all the Pats games. Hat tip to Ray on this game. He was NOT an old man out there.

**BleedPurple92** · 01-22-2012, 10:33 PM

Originally Posted by Jeremiah W

I like Hightower.
Dquell Jackson as a Fa may be worth a look.

Still I don't think ilb is a huge need. The only thing I think we need is to play better vs road dogs so we host the title game next year.

I like hightower as well. He's the type of guy you want on your team. Hard worker, loves football. He comes from Nick Saban's school of Defense, which is a complicated scheme.

Burficts is high risk high reward.

Hightower is Low risk, Pretty high reward. Maybe not as high as burfict but its still really really high. He could be a perennial pro bowler, Curious to see what his 40 time is. At 6'4 260 if he runs anything under a 4.7. Wow watchout.

**Roland of Gilead** · 01-22-2012, 10:34 PM

Originally Posted by Teavo

I was shocked when I saw Ray Lewis trying to cover Wes Welker.

I was even more shocked when he was succeeding about 75% of the time.

Which is about 65% more than any other linebacker I've ever seen covering Welker, and I watch all the Pats games. Hat tip to Ray on this game. He was NOT an old man out there.

I LOLed. People get mad when they see Welker beating Ray...why would anyone expect him to be able to cover him straight up?

EDIT: He's Wes Welker. Wes goddamn Welker people!