Ravens Linebacker Ray Lewis

What good would Baltimore Ravens Media Day be without a juicy story about their star linebacker Ray Lewis? Today, amidst all the hype about his retirement and “last dance”, came the Sports Illustrated story that Lewis used performance enhancing drugs as part of his recovery from a torn triceps injury. According the SI article, Lewis used deer antler spray containing IGF-1, a substance banned by the National Football League (NFL).

The story said that a phone conversation allegedly took place between S.W.A.T. (Sports with Alternatives to Steroids) owner Mitch Ross and Lewis. Ross said that Lewis asked him to prescribe treatments to help him recover from his triceps injury.

During his Q&A, Lewis dismissed the allegations and shrugged off Ross:

“Two years ago that was the same report,” Lewis said during Tuesday’s media day. “I wouldn’t give that report or him any of my press. He’s not worthy of that. Next question.”

Ravens Vice President of Communications Kevin Byrne told ESPN that the team is standing behind Lewis:

“He denied using the substance discussed in the article, and we believe him,” Bryne said. “Ray has been randomly tested for banned substances and has never failed a test. We have never been notified of a failed test. He has never been notified of a failed test.”

NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport said that the League is not commenting on the situation, adding that it was no surprise to anyone that the story came out on Media Day.

I am chalking this up to a bunch of bunk. Ross has tried to mess with Lewis before, it didn’t work then and it won’t work now. After 17 seasons in the NFL, Lewis knows how to handle the media and he did an excellent job of answering their questions about this story, then moving on.

Lewis has never failed a drug test and he would never be stupid enough to do anything that would jeopardize his future Hall of Fame career.

Now let’s move on from this and focus on more important things like the Ravens returning to the practice field on Wednesday…

Baltimore Ravens defeat Indianapolis Colts in AFC Wild-Card Game

Baltimore Ravens’ Pro Bowl middle linebacker Ray Lewis wrapped up his 17 year career in Baltimore with a win when the Ravens defeated the Indianapolis Colts 24-9 in the wild-card game on Sunday.

The game was emotional with several intriguing story lines. It was Ray Lewis’ last home game since announcing he will retire after this season.

It was the first time former Ravens’ defensive coordinator and now Colts’ head coach Chuck Pagano, returned to Baltimore after leaving last season. He underwent treatment for Leukemia in the fall and remained close to many of his former players in Baltimore.

It was also the first time Ravens’ offensive coordinator Jim Caldwell faced his former team. Caldwell was the head coach of the Colts from 2009-2011.

The Ravens were pumped up in front of the home crowd. They capitalized on the high of Lewis’ last home stand and played an intense game.

Quarterback Joe Flacco was 12 for 23 for 232 yards with two touchdowns. The offensive line did a job protecting him.

The Ravens relieved on their running game. Ray Rice had 15 carries for 70 yards and two fumbles. The excitement of Lewis’ last game likely got to him and shouldn’t be a cause for concern, Rice only had one fumble in the 2012 regular season. The Colts did not convert the turnovers into scores.

Backup running back Bernard Pierce had 13 carries for 103 yards.

Wide receiver Anquan Boldin set a franchise record with 145 yards on five receptions and one touchdown.

The rested Ravens’ defense stepped up the challenge of stopping Colts’ quarterback Andrew Luck. Luck had 388 yards with one interception and no touchdowns.

Lewis had 13 tackles and linebacker Paul Kruger was a rock star with 2.5 sacks on the day.

Two Ravens’ linebackers were injured during the game; Dannell Ellerbe left the game with an ankle sprain and Terrell Suggs said he tweaked his surgically repaired Achilles tendon, but the pain wasn’t enough to leave the game. Both are expected back Saturday.

The Ravens will head to Denver to face Peyton Manning and Broncos on Saturday in the divisional round.

I was fortunate to be this game and it lived up to the hype. I could feel the love the city of Baltimore had for Ray Lewis, the fans were loud and they constantly cheered on their beloved 52.

It was awesome witnessing Lewis’ dance one last time; it was always my favorite part of the game (aside from the Ravens winning) and it is something I will sorely miss.

My Ravens made me proud for overcoming so many injuries this season and I’m happy I got to see them win a playoff game.

I will miss Ray Lewis, but I will always have the memories. I can only hope that the Ravens continue their season a bit longer so that I don’t have to say good-bye to Lewis just yet…

Baltimore Ravens’ LB Ray Lewis Announces Retirement Plans

Everything has a beginning and an end. Baltimore Ravens’ middle linebacker Ray Lewis’ NFL career began 17 years ago; now it is time for him to say good bye to the game he loves.

On Wednesday he announced that he will retire at the end of the season. While the announcement wasn’t shocking, the timing was surprising.

The Ravens regular season ended Sunday with a loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. This week they will host the Indianapolis Colts in the wild-card game. It will be Lewis’ last game at M&T Bank Stadium and the last time he will do the “Ray Ray” dance when he comes out of the tunnel.

In 1996 the Cleveland Browns’ former owner Art Modell moved the team to Baltimore where they became the Ravens.  Lewis was Ravens’ second draft pick (26^th overall) from the University of Miami. He is considered by many to be the greatest middle linebacker of all time.

Some of his accomplishments include two-time AFC Defensive Player of the Year, 12 Pro Bowl appearances and 10 All-Pro Selections.

Lewis suffered a triceps injury in the week six game against the Dallas Cowboys. He underwent surgery and was placed on the special injured reserve. He was eligible to return in late November and was added to the active roster in week 17. The team said that he would return to the field in the playoffs.

This is a tough pill for me to swallow. Lewis is my favorite Raven of all time. I only have one Ravens’ jersey and it has a 52 on it.

Before the announcement I was on the fence about going to the playoff game on Sunday, but as soon as I heard the news, I jumped on Stub Hub and snatched a ticket. I wouldn’t miss this game for the world.

Lewis will not only be remembered for what he did on the field but for his motivational speeches and charitable contributions. I’m thankful he played for my hometown team and I am fortunate to have followed him throughout his entire career.

While I hope Sunday isn’t the end of Lewis’ season, I wish him the best in his retirement. I know he wants to spend more time with his family, but I have a suspicion we haven’t seen the last of him, he would make an excellent NFL reporter…

Baltimore Ravens’ LB Ray Lewis Returned to Practice Wednesday

Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis is super human. He returned to practice today after tearing his triceps muscle on October 14. He had surgery to repair the tear and was placed on the special injured reserve designated to return list.

At 37 years old and in his 17^th season in the NFL, Lewis defied all odds by coming back. He is eligible to play December 16 when the Ravens face the Denver Broncos; his exact return date has yet to be determined.

“I don’t know that he’s ready to play in a game [right now],” Head Coach John Harbaugh said. “This will be part of his rehab and we’ll see how he does. When the time comes and if we think Ray can play, we’ll let you know.”

The Ravens released this statement from Ray Lewis:

“I’m making progress and will practice some today,” Lewis said. “But the story shouldn’t be about me right now. We’re playing the Redskins Sunday, and I am not eligible to play. If I can help prepare my team in some way for that game, I will. When I know I will play in a game, or when I play in game, I will say more then.

The Ravens also confirmed that linebacker Terrell Suggs tore his biceps muscle during Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said of Suggs’ injury:

He basically has a bicep, a very serious strain, it could be called a tear, it’s something he could possibly play with,” Harbaugh said. “He’s figuring out now with the trainers and the doctors.”

Suggs is a game-time decision for next week’s game against the Washington Redskins. He practiced Wednesday and vowed to return this season.

“If you can breathe, you can play.” Said Suggs. “I really believe that if everything fares out, how I’m feeling, and we do a good job throughout the week, then I will be lining up, if not, then I miss the Washington game and hopefully I can be back for the Denver one [next week].”

This was Suggs’ second injury this year. He tore his Achilles tendon in the spring and had surgery to repair the tear. He defied all odds by returning to the field in October.

I’m still amazed that Ray Lewis practiced today. He is a medical marvel. While I want him to play again, I still maintain that it may be time to determine an exit strategy. 17 seasons as a Pro Bowl linebacker has taken its toll on him.

I hope Suggs is able to play Sunday. The Ravens’ defense needs all the help it can get when they face Redskins’ quarterback RG3. Suggs has a high threshold for pain, hopefully he can withstand it enough to suit up, we need him.

Baltimore Ravens LB Ray Lewis

During the October 14 Baltimore Ravens game, Pro Bowl linebacker Ray Lewis tore his triceps. He had surgery to repair the tear and was added to the injured reserve-designated to return list.

This week the Ravens announced that Lewis is eligible to return to practice Thursday.

Head coach John Harbaugh also hinted that Lewis might be back on the field before the end of the season:

“We’re going to want him to test it to see if it can hold up,” Harbaugh said. “I really don’t know where it’s at right now. Ray has been in rehab mode. He hasn’t been here from a football standpoint in terms of us seeing any of that yet. Just talking to Ray, it sounds like things have gone well. There have been no setbacks. So there’s a possibility.”

During Lewis’ absence, the Ravens used linebackers Jameel McClain and Dannell Ellerbe. Both players stepped up; Ellerbe is second in tackles with 81 and McClain is third with 66.

Without Lewis, the Ravens’ defense struggled to find their stride, but after making some tweaks, they found it and have given up the fewest points per game in the NFL (14.5).

With Lewis the defense allowed 19.6 points per game and 396.6 yards per game.

Without Lewis they allowed 20.2 points per game and 344.6 total yards.

Lewis’ pending return to the field has created a buzz about whether or not he will help or hurt the team.

Former Raven and CSNBaltimore.com contributor Brad Jackson thinks that if given the chance Lewis should come back.

Jackson said “…having him on your team can only make you better…bodes well for the Baltimore Ravens and bad for their opposing teams…”

BaltimoreSun.com’s Peter Schmuck thinks that Lewis should take it slow and the Ravens should modify his role:

“When he comes back, however, it may be time for the coaching staff to consider subtly modifying his role to keep him healthy and create the most effective chemistry with [Jameel] McClain, [Dannell] Ellerbe and the rest of the linebacking corps. That’s a sensitive subject and any attempt to limit Lewis’s playing time will likely meet with resistance, but this would seem like the logical time to broach the subject.”

This is a tough subject for me. While Lewis is my favorite Raven of all time, numbers don’t lie; the Ravens are better off without him.

I want to see him on the field again, but I also know that the end of his career is near and the Ravens have to prepare for their future without him.

This is the second consecutive season he’s missed multiple games due to an injury. He’s not getting any younger and there is no guarantee that he won’t get hurt again.

I like Schmuck’s idea of modifying Lewis’ role; I think that would be best for everyone. Lewis would get to play, but he would also create the foundation for the day when 52 is no longer on the field.

Baltimore Ravens beat Dallas Cowboys on 10/14/12

The Baltimore Ravens’ narrow 31-29 victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday was overshadowed by devastating injuries to their star defensive players.

Pro Bowl middle linebacker Ray Lewis was injured in the final two minutes of the game while making a tackle on Cowboys’ running back Phillip Tanner. On Monday an MRI confirmed that he suffered a complete tear to his right triceps and will be out for the rest of the season.

Lewis has led the Ravens in tackling every year with 2,643 career tackles.

While Lewis did not speak to the media after the game, he did speak with head coach John Harbaugh:

“He said some things about his faith,” Harbaugh said. “And he said some things that I’ll never forget. When you look at his situation and what he’s accomplished and what he was hoping to accomplish this year, he’s going to have to accomplish those things in different ways because that’s the way it’s gone.”

At 37 years old and in his 17^th season in the NFL, some question if this is a career-ending injury. No one knows for sure, but those who know Lewis best believe he will be back to end his career on his own terms.

While Lewis is out, the Ravens will use Jameel McClain, Dannell Ellerbe and Albert McCellan. They are the same combination of players used while Lewis was out last season with a toe injury.

Things went from bad to worse when the team later confirmed that cornerback Lardarius Webb tore his ACL and will also miss the rest of the season.

This is the second time Webb has torn his ACL, his tore it four years ago during his rookie season with the Ravens.

Webb is a bigger loss for the Ravens, this season he’s made 25 tackles, one interception and one fumble recovery. During the offseason he signed a six-year contract extension worth approximately $50 million. He was on his way to having a Pro Bowl caliber season.

“Lardarius had become one of the premier corners in the league,” Harbaugh said. “I’m biased. I’d say he’s the best. Maybe some people would question that, but I don’t question that. I see him every day.”

They will turn to Jimmy Smith while Webb is out.

Defensive tackle Haloti Ngata was also injured on Sunday. He suffered a minor MCL sprain to his right knee. He is expected to be back at practice this week.

Sunday will be a tough test when the Ravens head to Houston to take on the Texans who also have a 5-1 record. The game could potentially determine who will host the AFC title game, assuming both teams stay in the fight.

I wish Webb and Lewis the best in their recoveries. While the team feels confident that Webb will return next season it is anyone’s guess about Lewis’ future. I am fortunate that I was at the game on Sunday and got to see the “Ray Ray” dance. I hope it wasn’t the last time Lewis performed his famous dance.

Ray Lewis is my all-time favorite Raven and this injury makes me realize that the end of his career may be closer than I think. I still can’t imagine what the Ravens will be like without him, but now I don’t have a choice, I will witness it the rest of this season.

Baltimore Ravens’ LB Ray Lewis

When a trimmer Ray Lewis showed up to Baltimore Ravens’ training camp in July he said it was due to the changing evolution on offense. He started the season on a defensive terror, but now some question if a lighter Lewis is hurting his game.

At 37 years old and in his 17^th season as a starting linebacker for the Ravens, he trimmed down from his highest playing weight of 260lbs. to his current weight of 235lbs. Lewis said he played heavy in the past to protect against the monster fullbacks.

Last Sunday the Ravens squeaked out a 9-6 win over the Kansas City Chiefs. They allowed Chiefs’ running back Jamaal Charles to rack up 125 yards in the first half. Prior to that game, the Ravens hadn’t given up 100 rushing yards in the first half of a game since December 2008.

Some believe that Lewis’ weight loss is affecting his game. ProFootballFocus.com rated Lewis as the worst defender in Sunday’s game and said he had trouble against the run.

According to SI.com’s Peter King “Ray Lewis, who really got pushed around by the Chiefs. That weight loss looks like it’s hurting him a lot. He just isn’t a factor against the run the way he used to be.”

Ravens’ defensive coordinator Deen Pees disagrees and says that his weight is not a factor in his performance. He watched the film and didn’t see a problem with Lewis.

“If you watch the film, I wouldn’t put a lot of that on No. 52 [Lewis],” Pees said Thursday. “It has nothing to do [with that],” Pees said. “Absolutely nothing to do with his weight. Nothing.”

Pees said that three things happened to allow the yards in the first half of the game:

1. The defense thought that Chiefs’ quarterback Matt Cassel would pass more than he did so the pressure against him didn’t work.
2. The Ravens had “good knowledge” on the Chiefs’ running game, but it was “overplayed” and abused.
3. The Ravens’ adjustments didn’t help and hurt the linebackers including Lewis.

Unless he is injured, Lewis will always be on the field and he knows the defense better than anyone else on the Ravens. I like the new look Lewis; I don’t believe it is hurting his performance. While he may have slowed down a bit, he hasn’t lost his stride; he’s still a lean, mean fighting machine.

Dreams can come true. It happened to Baltimore Ravens top draft pick Courtney Upshaw. First he was drafted by the team in April and last week he met Ravens veteran linebacker Ray Lewis during mandatory minicamp.

He was all struck when he met Lewis. “At first it was like, ‘Wow, this is Ray Lewis,’” said Upshaw.

So far, Upshaw is the favorite to win one of two positions; the strong side or rush linebacker. He would replace injured linebacker, Terrell Suggs, who will miss most of the season after tearing his Achilles tendon in May. His return date has yet to be determined.

The Ravens drafted Upshaw before Suggs’ injury, now he is likely to start this season. While Suggs wasn’t able to participate in the team practice, he attended all practice meetings and watched film on Upshaw.

Lewis and Suggs were impressed with what they saw of Upshaw.

“I just love his motor,” Lewis said. “He’s a kid that just loves football.” said Lewis.

And Suggs said, “He’s ahead of where I was when I came in my rookie year.”

After practicing alongside Lewis, Upshaw is over the “wow factor” and has faced the reality that Lewis is his teammate.

I like what I’m hearing about Upshaw. The coaches and players are very impressed by him and they are optimistic about his future with the team.  I hope that he follows in Suggs’ footsteps and steps up to the challenge of becoming an elite Ravens linebacker. The future is in his hands and right now it looks bright.

Good luck Upshaw! I’m excited to see you on the field; I will be pulling for you.

Baltimore Ravens mandatory minicamp started Tuesday and safety Ed Reed was noticeably absent.  Reed was expected to attend and no reason was given for his absence causing further speculation about his future with the team.

It was only a month ago when Reed was interviewed on Sirius XM Radio and hinted about his retirement. He is in the last year of a six-year, $44.4 million contract.

Under the new CBA agreement, players are expected to attend mandatory minicamps; skipping camp can result in fines up to $60,000 for missing all three days.

Reed was not the only veteran player to miss minicamp, but the others such as Bryant McKinnie missed because of conditioning and Matt Birk recently had surgery on varicose veins (they were allowed to miss minicamp). Unlike Reed, they participated in the team’s offseason workout program.

Ravens head coach, John Harbaugh said of Reed:

“I have not communicated with Ed, so I’m not sure what the situation is on that,” Head Coach John Harbaugh said after practice.

Reed’s absence started a buzz of questions about his return this season. Will he show up for any minicamp? Does he plan to play this season?

Teammate Ray Lewis thinks too much is being made of Reed’s absence.

I shouldn’t be surprised that Reed missed minicamp after he said that he’s not 100% committed to playing this season, but I am disappointed. Reed is a fan favorite, but now he’s starting to piss people off including me.

This attitude of it being all about him is getting old. I don’t want a selfish player on my team. Either you want to play or you don’t. If not, there are many others who would kill for your roster spot.

Maybe I’m missing something, but I don’t understand how you can skip minicamp without telling anyone or giving a reason why you won’t be there. You are part of a team; you need to be held accountable for your actions.

You are an elite safety in the National Football League and will likely be in the Hall of Fame someday, but you aren’t playing “nice” right now, you owe it to your coaches and teammates to practice with them and be a fully integrated part of this team.

So please Ed Reed, man up and get your ass to minicamp.

What do you think? Is it a big deal for Reed to be a no show or should he be held accountable for his absence?

And with their sixth round pick, the Baltimore Ravens selected wide receiver Tommy Streeter from the University of Miami. He reported to rookie camp last weekend and made an impression on Ravens personnel including head coach John Harbaugh.

Many teams passed over Streeter because his skills are still raw; he only had one big year in college catching 46 passes for 811 yards and eight touchdowns.

The Ravens probably viewed him as a hidden gem. Late round picks can be break out players, just look at Patriots QB Tom Brady…

Coach Harbaugh said of Streeter:

“First impression: he is really tall. Second impression: he is really fast,” Head Coach John Harbaugh said. “I’d say third impression: he is going to be a good player. He is a young guy, but a talented guy, and we’re excited to work with him.”

Streeter is part of the Ravens “U Crew” including LB Ray Lewis and S Ed Reed. Lewis called Streeter shortly after he was drafted and offered to work with him this offseason and teach him what it is like to play in the NFL.

The Ravens are loaded with young receivers; most notable is starting receiver Torrey Smith, who is entering his sophomore season. Streeter will complete with the other cast of young receivers including LaQuan Williams, Tandon Doss and David Reed.  Streeter’s size and speed set him apart from the rest of the pack and he is likely to be an asset the red zone (six-foot-five, ran the 40 yard dash in 4.3 seconds).

Unfortunately Streeter had a stomach virus during rookie camp, but he did make a nice first impression and showed good hands and nice catches in drills. He will continue to work with Lewis this offseason.

Fans should keep an eye out for Streeter who has been dubbed “Touchdown Tommy”. It sounds like he has the skills and the ability to be a break out player; he just needs the right opportunity to shine. Disappointed that he was not drafted in the second or third rounds, he wants to show that the Ravens made the right decision to pick him.

“I’m ready for whoever lines up in front of me,” he said. “I was looking to go second, third round, but God had a different purpose for me and things unfolded the way they did and I can’t do anything but be thankful for the position I’m in now.”