PLEASE NOTE: The opinions, analysis and/or speculation expressed on BaltimoreRavens.com represent those of individual authors, and unless quoted or clearly labeled as such, do not represent the opinions or policies of the Baltimore Ravens' organization, front office staff, coaches and executives. Authors' views are formulated independently from any inside knowledge and/or conversations with Ravens officials, including the coaches and scouts, unless otherwise noted.
PLEASE NOTE: The opinions, analysis and/or speculation expressed on BaltimoreRavens.com represent those of individual authors, and unless quoted or clearly labeled as such, do not represent the opinions or policies of the Baltimore Ravens’ organization, front office staff, coaches and executives. Authors’ views are formulated independently from any inside knowledge and/or conversations with Ravens officials, including the coaches and scouts, unless otherwise noted.
Who’d Tell Ray To His Face He’s Lost A Step?
Eleven-time Pro Bowler Ray Lewis is entering his 15th NFL season. And with each passing year, analysts say he isn’t the same Lewis he was in his prime.
More specifically, some say the 35-year-old has especially lost a step in pass coverage and running sideline to sideline.
But is anyone willing to tell Ray that to his face?
That’s exactly what Dan Patrick asked Lewis in an interview published by Sports Illustrated (I found this in a print magazine, sorry no link).
Patrick:Who would be the person to tell you if you’ve lost a step?
Lewis: Probably the people who have to deal with me every day.
Patrick:Do they say it to your face?
Lewis: It’s hard to say it to your face when you’re getting up from the bottom [of the pile].
Patrick:Have you lost a step?
Lewis: You only lose a step when you try to accomplish things that people make unrealistic. The game of football is the game of football. And from sideline to sideline – no disrespect to anyone in the business – but there’s nobody going to beat me from the sideline to sideline. That’s a fact.
Rex Expects Reed To Play vs. Jets
The Ravens have a big decision on their hands. And it has to be made by Saturday.
The team must determine whether to place Pro Bowl safety Ed Reed (hip) on the reserve physically-unable -to-perform list, meaning he would miss at least the first six games of the season, or to activate him to the 53-man roster.
Putting Reed on the PUP would mean a coveted roster spot could be given to a healthy safety or somebody else.
If you ask Jets Head Coach Rex Ryan, he isn’t sure Reed will be able to play in Week 4, but in Rex’s mind one thing is certain – Reed will play in the New Meadowlands Stadium on Sept. 13.
“Now he might not play the second game, third game or the fourth game, whatever, but Ed Reed is going to play this game. I think part of that is a respect thing. He knows how disappointed I would be if he didn’t play.”
Ravens brass and Reed had a very “open and honest” meeting about his status and the decision on their hands.
I’m all for Reed returning in Week 1, but only if the intent is that he also plays in Weeks 2, 3, 4, etc. As entertaining as it would be, a showdown vs. Rex isn’t worth the risk.
Murray Doesn’t See A Trade For Either Smith Or McGahee
Troy Smith is expected to start and play four quarters against St. Louis on Thursday night, according to Ravens Insider Aaron Wilson.
Some observers wonder if a strong outing on a big stage could help Smith’s trade value increase.
According to Ken Murray of The Sun, there just isn’t a market for the former Heisman Trophy Winner.
“I don’t see a team desperate enough to trade for a third-string quarterback who has great leadership qualities” Murray wrote. “The Ravens may keep him, but it makes more sense to go with two quarterbacks and let Troy finally find out what it’s like to be a free agent. I think Troy would get signed in that case, but no one is going to give up a decent pick for him. He’s an option quarterback, at the end of the day.”
And while Murray is giving out opinions on trades, now that the Ravens have gotten their cornerback help, is running back Willis McGahee safe from trade rumors?
“I tend to think he’s safe,” explained Murray. “I thought Willis would have to be the bait to get a decent corner. I guess not. ”
Boldin explained in a radio interview with 105.7 the FAN via NFL.com that he knows the relationship between the quarterback and Head Coach Ken Whisenhunt, which is why it was not a shock to him that Leinart was replaced by Derek Anderson.
“Honestly, no,” Boldin said when asked if he was surprised Leinart hadn’t secured the starting job. “That’s just because I’ve been there and witnessed the relationship between both Matt and coach (Ken) Whisenhunt. So I’m actually not surprised. I don’t really want to speak too much on that, because it’s not my problem. If it doesn’t refer to anybody in black and purple, I really could care less.”
AFC North More Or Less
ESPN Monday Night Football analysts Ron Jaworski and Jon Gruden made their predictions for the AFC North this season. Both John and Jaws believe the Ravens will notch more than 10 wins.
Quick Hits
Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger intends to ask Commissioner Roger Goodell to reduce his suspension to three games when they meet on Friday, ESPN reported. If Goodell were to grant his wish, Big Ben would be back for the Steelers matchup vs. the Ravens in Week 4.
