The New Leaders of the Ravens Defense

**Ravenswintitle** · 03-21-2013, 08:33 AM

Originally Posted by iggyman555

http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0119111/quotes

?

SMH... he's no Ray Lewis when it comes to motivational speaking

**BigPlayReceiver** · 03-21-2013, 09:15 AM

I'm pretty sure that a FO draft criterion (though maybe not required) is team captaincy. I recall that from interviews/pressers with Ozzie and Eric over the years.
If so, that fits perfectly with how comfortable (at least publicly) the FO is with habitually letting vets go.
Upshaw and KO were captains...not too surprising. Mid-round guys (Gino and Pitta) were captains, but even low round/UDFA cats like Art Jones and McClellan were captains.

**palukaraven** · 03-21-2013, 09:55 AM

I guess every player on the defense is a "leader."

**HoustonRaven** · 03-21-2013, 09:59 AM

Defence? ;)

**Captain Silver** · 03-21-2013, 10:04 AM

Originally Posted by HoustonRaven

Defence? ;)

I think it is French...

**Strange Bru** · 03-21-2013, 10:15 AM

The only thing that worries me about Suggs, is he is a jokester. I don't know if that is someone who can rally the troops like Ray Lewis did. After listening to some of the speeches that Ray Lewis gave (Albeit after the game on video) I felt that I could take my fat assed 45 year old body out on the field and make a contribution. I think Haloti Ngata is too quiet, but who knows now with Ray gone maybe he will step up to fill that void. I would pay Ray to just show up before every game and give a speech to get the team fired up.

**Ravenous1** · 03-21-2013, 10:21 AM

Ray and Ed have put into place a tradition of great defense in Baltimore that the guys still here and guys coming in will be hearing about and trying to live up to for years to come. Their contribution to this franchise will far outlive their playing days.

I grew up in Chicago and can remember hearing Singletary are as a young linebacker talking about the Bears tradition of great D, about guys like Butkus. I also remember Urlacher talking about guys like Singletary and Butkus and trying his best to carry that mantle. Yes the talent has to be there but that element of pride is a good thing and we now have it thanks to guys like Ed and Ray.

**pickles** · 03-21-2013, 10:29 AM

I think it's really shallow to see Ray and to a lesser extent Ed's contribution to leadership as fiery speeches. That shit's a dime a dozen. Their leadership was best exemplified in the way they went about their work. Now, can Suggs and Haloti give those same speeches? Who cares? Can they show guys how to be pros in preparation and practice? That's what matters, and I think so.

**BigPlayReceiver** · 03-21-2013, 11:14 AM

Originally Posted by Captain Silver

I think it is French...

Negative. The French spell defense "r-u-n".

**Shas** · 03-21-2013, 11:24 AM

terrell suggs ‏@untouchablejay4 9m
"THE BOND BETWEEN BROTHERS IS ONLY AS STRONG AS THE SWORD THAT DEFENDS IT!"

Originally Posted by Ravenswintitle

I have no idea what that is supposed to mean. anyone enlighten me?

Suggs butchered the quote. The original line basically said that the bond between brothers is the sword that defends the empire. Implying that if they stick together as a team, even with the losses, they can continue to be great. It's the whole, next man up, we're in it together business.

That kind of attitude is certainly required. But sadly if the next man up isn't good enough, all that bonding stuff is out the window.