Baltimore Ravens middle linebacker Ray Lewis is heading into his 16th NFL season. He is arguably the greatest defensive player of his era. There is no question that he is one of the greatest defensive players of all-time and a sure first ballot hall of famer. But is Ray Lewis still the best linebacker in the NFL?
NFL Network just did a recent poll of players to pick the top 100. Lewis was ranked fourth behind Adrian Peterson, Peyton Manning and Tom Brady. There was a time when this would not have been challenged.
But now one can make a case that Lewis is not the best linebacker in the NFL. Though still stout against the run, he is a liability on pass defense. It certainly helps him that nose tackle Haloti Ngata plays in front, Terrell Suggs beside and safety Ed Reed behind. All made the top 100 list.
Age has caught up with Lewis. He is still the smartest linebacker, but one could make a case that Patrick Willis of the San Francisco Forty-niners or even Suggs is better. They just don’t get as much press.
But the list is small.
And Ray Lewis is still on it.

by admin on July 19th, 2011 | RSS | trackback