Ray Lewis not taking hometown discount

[superpunk]

Ray Lewis definitely did not like the 3-4 when he played in Baltimore.

But if this article is correct he did not complain.

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/ravens/2005-06-26-lewis-46-defense_x.htm

The Ravens' defense last year restricted Lewis from running free, but he accepted his role and performed as best he could under the circumstances.

"It's tough, because you have to humble yourself and take coaching and do whatever they tell you to do," Lewis said. "Whether it takes away from your game or helps it, you just deal with it. That's what I did. It didn't alter how I prepared, it didn't alter my passion for the game. But at the same time, it alters how dominant I can be."

So that is an encouraging statement.

I don't see Lewis as a finger pointer.

But I'm not sure I see him as the solution to what ails us, especially given the numbers he's hinting at.

 

[jday]

If you want an injury prone-nontackling starting ILB then be my guest..don't come complaining when Burnett just gets lit up every other play then goes down with an injury. With the contract he's going to want, you might as well pay Ray and draft another MLB.

Injury prone non-tackling LB who was our leading tackler on Special Teams and had 38 tackles and 2 sacks this year, playing on average 1 play per defensive series in 16 games. Granted, he has had injuries, but it's not like they are the same nagging injuries. If I'm not mistaken, they have been different types of injuries. If you have read his blog, he is committed to being successful on this team. Besides this is just my opinion; at least I don't make stuff up to support by theories like somebody...not mentioning any names...

 

[SLATEmosphere]

Ray Lewis definitely did not like the 3-4 when he played in Baltimore.

But if this article is correct he did not complain.

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/ravens/2005-06-26-lewis-46-defense_x.htm



So that is an encouraging statement.

I don't see Lewis as a finger pointer.

But I'm not sure I see him as the solution to what ails us, especially given the numbers he's hinting at.

Ya I love Ray Lewis and what he's all about on that football field. He will never complain or start pointing fingers..in fact..the minute people will start pointing fingers he's all over them. You know players on the Cowboys D will respect Ray and will want to play hard for him. Bradie had his shot to become a leader on this D. We can't just ask someone to be something that they arn't.You can't just become a leader, you are born with it. There's players like Bradie...then theres Ray Lewis.

 

[jday]

Zach Thomas was barely better than Akin. in fact I'm pretty sure Akin had a better year with Miami than Zach had with Dallas. Kevin Burnett has been a constant on the injury report the last 2 seasons as a nickel linebacker. now I think KB would be a very solid linebacker but their's no way he makes it through a full season as a starter. How do you know he wouldn't provide the same leadership he provided in Baltimore?

Having better stats on a different team doesn't make you a better player. It could make you the better player on the team, but that says something different entirelly. That's like saying the one-eye king of the blind is better than the king of the all-seeing.

 

[Rampage]

well Michael Smith from espn said yesterday he could see Ray in Dallas next season now today on NFL Live he said he just doesn't see Ray leaving Baltimore. also found this blurd on Nfl rumors but still waiting for an official link

Friday, February 6
Reeves thinks that T.O.'s Dallas days are numbered

Despite spending just 48 hours with the Dallas Cowboys, Dan Reeves was a witness to some heated debate on wide receiver Terrell Owens' future with the club, according to Tim MacMahon of the Dallas Morning News' Cowboys blog.

During an appearance on the David Smoak show on KTBB, Reeves said, "I don't think you ever talk to the Cowboys without Terrell Owens coming up. I can say there are definitely some mixed feelings about T.O. Most everybody you talk to has a different opinion of him. They definitely have a decision to make as far as to what they will do about T.O., and I really don't know what that will be."

Speaking later in the day with BaD Radio on 1310 The Ticket, Reeves reiterated his point that there were mixed feelings amongst Cowboys staff on Owens, then added, "From an outsider, I certainly have an opinion. I think the more distractions that you can eliminate and get the team focused on the team and not themselves, then you've got a better chance."

If the team does get rid of T.O., that would provide some cap space to bring in Ray Lewis, who told the NFL network earlier this week, "I see Dallas as a great opportunity. It's always been America's Team. It's just a great place to play football."

 

[jday]

Zach Thomas was barely better than Akin. in fact I'm pretty sure Akin had a better year with Miami than Zach had with Dallas. Kevin Burnett has been a constant on the injury report the last 2 seasons as a nickel linebacker. now I think KB would be a very solid linebacker but their's no way he makes it through a full season as a starter. How do you know he wouldn't provide the same leadership he provided in Baltimore?

Oh, and to answer your question. I think several of the younger players might become Ray Lewis desciples, but the veteran players who have been here, won't be as open to submitting to another alpha dog, particularly a player who is new to the team. And if everyone doesn't follow him, then all you have is another divided locker room. Furthermore, Ray Lewis did say the Cowboys need a general; he didn't say he would be that player. Like I said before, I think everything he said was a stunt to tell management just what he expected out of his contract, not to attract interest from the mentioned teams.

 

[SLATEmosphere]

well Michael Smith from espn said yesterday he could see Ray in Dallas next season now today on NFL Live he said he just doesn't see Ray leaving Baltimore. also found this blurd on Nfl rumors but still waiting for an official link

Friday, February 6
Reeves thinks that T.O.'s Dallas days are numbered

Despite spending just 48 hours with the Dallas Cowboys, Dan Reeves was a witness to some heated debate on wide receiver Terrell Owens' future with the club, according to Tim MacMahon of the Dallas Morning News' Cowboys blog.

During an appearance on the David Smoak show on KTBB, Reeves said, "I don't think you ever talk to the Cowboys without Terrell Owens coming up. I can say there are definitely some mixed feelings about T.O. Most everybody you talk to has a different opinion of him. They definitely have a decision to make as far as to what they will do about T.O., and I really don't know what that will be."

Speaking later in the day with BaD Radio on 1310 The Ticket, Reeves reiterated his point that there were mixed feelings amongst Cowboys staff on Owens, then added, "From an outsider, I certainly have an opinion. I think the more distractions that you can eliminate and get the team focused on the team and not themselves, then you've got a better chance."

If the team does get rid of T.O., that would provide some cap space to bring in Ray Lewis, who told the NFL network earlier this week, "I see Dallas as a great opportunity. It's always been America's Team. It's just a great place to play football."

:dance2:

 

[jday]

well Michael Smith from espn said yesterday he could see Ray in Dallas next season now today on NFL Live he said he just doesn't see Ray leaving Baltimore. also found this blurd on Nfl rumors but still waiting for an official link

Friday, February 6
Reeves thinks that T.O.'s Dallas days are numbered

Despite spending just 48 hours with the Dallas Cowboys, Dan Reeves was a witness to some heated debate on wide receiver Terrell Owens' future with the club, according to Tim MacMahon of the Dallas Morning News' Cowboys blog.

During an appearance on the David Smoak show on KTBB, Reeves said, "I don't think you ever talk to the Cowboys without Terrell Owens coming up. I can say there are definitely some mixed feelings about T.O. Most everybody you talk to has a different opinion of him. They definitely have a decision to make as far as to what they will do about T.O., and I really don't know what that will be."

Speaking later in the day with BaD Radio on 1310 The Ticket, Reeves reiterated his point that there were mixed feelings amongst Cowboys staff on Owens, then added, "From an outsider, I certainly have an opinion. I think the more distractions that you can eliminate and get the team focused on the team and not themselves, then you've got a better chance."

If the team does get rid of T.O., that would provide some cap space to bring in Ray Lewis, who told the NFL network earlier this week, "I see Dallas as a great opportunity. It's always been America's Team. It's just a great place to play football."

Actually, no, the cutting of T.O. would not free up cap space. In fact, if I'm not mistaken, it would cost the Cowboys somewhere around 640,000 to do so. So, yeah, still don't see it happening.

 

[jday]

I keep hearing the whole "he can't be a leader here because he'd be new to the team" deal. That might be true for SOME players, but this is Ray Lewis we're talking about here. If you don't think he would instantly walk in the room and have everyone's attention the moment he signed here, you're smoking something.

I wish I were...man, do I wish I were. The wife won't let me anymore.

But, hey, who knows you might be right. I still say that unless he has everyone's respect immediately, including the aged players and they are willing to take any ***-chewing he's willing to give, then all we will have is another lockerroom that is divided.

I mean, seriously, please reference a Super Bowl winning team that picked up a Free Agent who took over the lockerroom and turned the team around. To my knowledge it has never happen. On other hand, I would not be so bold to say that because it has never happened, it could not happen. I'm just saying I seriously doubt it. But that's my opinion. If you want to annoint Ray Lewis as the Cowboy's redeemer, by all means. But don't be suprised if it doesn't happen.

 

[CF74]

When Lewis was asked about the Cowboys' dysfunctional locker room, Lewis explained that the team needed "one general," and it needs to be a player and not a coach.

I just noticed the last part of that isn't in quotes. Darn media...

 

[Rampage]

I just noticed the last part of that isn't in quotes. Darn media...

it should've been quoted cause he did say that. it's in another Ray thread with a nfl.com video.

 

[ilovejerry]

Have you not learned anything from this past season?

If we sign him, we haven't learned anything.

You dont by championships. Period. He's a leader in Baltimore because he built that defense from the ground up. He said he's not taking a paycut in Baltimore. That means he wants to get paid. That means he would be coming here to get a paycheck.

I want Ray Lewis nowhere near Dallas...and it is not because of his talent. It's because of what has transpired this past year, and what it represents if we sign him.

This team, Has no clue . they like to buy Players and build through (ahem get robbed thru) Free agency because we haven't built a team since that block buster deal with Hershel ...until we get a coach and staff not lackeys, this crap will continue.So no I don't think the team has learned anything..the beat goes on my good man the beat goes on.

 

[SLATEmosphere]

This team, Has no clue . they like to buy Players and build through (ahem get robbed thru) Free agency because we haven't built a team since that block buster deal with Hershel ...until we get a coach and staff not lackeys, this crap will continue.So no I don't think the team has learned anything..the beat goes on my good man the beat goes on.

How can you say we "buy players and build through FA"?? Our core is from drafted players. Besides Owens and Davis who else have we "bought"?. What team doesnt buy a few players from FA to fill some holes?? Get real man..get some knowledge first then come in here. Witten..Barber..Romo..Ware..T-new..Gurode..Felix..Choice..Bradie..Jenkins..Scandrick..Ratliff..Burnett..Spears

ya we are just buying guys left and right..

 

[CF74]

it should've been quoted cause he did say that. it's in another Ray thread with a nfl.com video.

Well then he just called us out.

We have it all together....

 

[ilovejerry]

How can you say we "buy players and build through FA"?? Our core is from drafted players. Besides Owens and Davis who else have we "bought"?. What team doesnt buy a few players from FA to fill some holes?? Get real man..get some knowledge first then come in here. Witten..Barber..Romo..Ware..T-new..Gurode..Felix..Choice..Bradie..Jenkins..Scandrick..Ratliff..Burnett..Spears

ya we are just buying guys left and right..

Yeah, In the last few years, are drafting is the talk of the NFL. .
real winners....That we have to make up and go to the FA and fill in the holes..please....we havent had a solid QB since Akiman. GARBAGE and you know it

 

[Rack]

You talk like the players on the Cowboy's team needs someone to teach them how to work out and play the game of football.

No, I did not. I never said they need a teacher.

The cowboys players know HOW to prepare and work hard, they just need a leader to make sure they're actually doing it.

They need a leader, not a teacher.

If you want an injury prone-nontackling starting ILB then be my guest..don't come complaining when Burnett just gets lit up every other play then goes down with an injury. With the contract he's going to want, you might as well pay Ray and draft another MLB.

This team is too fragile to add any more problems.

If they're so "Fragile" then they won't win a championship anyway. Saying they're "too fragile" doesn't back your argument one bit.


And I'd want a Ray Lewis to come in and "Unfragilize" the fragile ones. Separate the men from the boys, so to speak. The ones that can't handle it... adios.

 

[Ren]

He's just using Dallas and NY to drive up his price for the Ravens he's not going anywhere

 

[SLATEmosphere]

He's just using Dallas and NY to drive up his price for the Ravens he's not going anywhere

Ya but one little thing...he's not the only one on his team going to do that. You got a guy named Suggs that will command at least 50+ mil..Scott demanding 40+ mil..and Leonard and Landry wanting to cash in..Baltimore is strapped for cash and wouldnt be surprised if Scott and Lewis left.

 

[DuaneThomas71]

The problem is, one of the ILBs in a 3-4 defense almost always makes a great deal more tackles than the other one. It's very rare that you find a 3-4 team that has two ILBs who make a lot of plays.

So really, you're either going to put Ray Lewis in an irrelevant position, or you're going to put Bradie James there, and James is coming off a great season.

I'd rather see this team get stouter on the defensive line.

 

[McCordsville Cowboy]

He's just using Dallas and NY to drive up his price for the Ravens he's not going anywhere

He will go where the cash is at....

No way Baltimore will pay him what he wants when Suggs is going to get Ware money and Scott will get Ray Lewis in his prime value.

Ozzie is a savy GM and will do whats best for his cap.

On a side note...

I bet D-ware wont have his deal done until Suggs gets paid..