Is Ray Lewis to the Pats (1 Viewer)

[Mustang Man]

Patriots | Could be interested in Lewis

Sun, 01 Mar 2009 15:41:29 -0800

Jamison Hensley, of The Baltimore Sun, reports the New England Patriots could be interested in unrestricted free-agent LB Ray Lewis (Ravens).

What is the Pats cap space? Any Pat homers think this is for real or just bs. From the outside looking in it looks like a fit. Man if the Ravens lose Lewis Scottthat would hurt them bad.

 

[Weiner Dog]

At first glance, Lewis does not fit into the whole "no player is bigger than the team" persona of the Pats...

...but anything is possible.

 

[Big_Russel]

I think it would make more sense for them to offer Suggs a contract. They have enough 2md round picks to trade back into the first round in 2010.

 

[Boston]

Before you look at a specific player you have to look at the Pats current situation:

They run a 3-4 defense in which the LBs play a crucial role. This D has always relied on veterans as Mayo has been the only rookie to contribute in a big way at this position in the BB era. Right now only Mayo and Thomas count as sure-fire starting caliber LBs. Bruschi can help but is declining. After that you have Guyton who has a lot of upside (and could possibly grow into a starting role) and role players such as Woods, Banta-Cain and Alexander and a complete question mark in Crable (who looked good in preseason but was hurt for the regular season).

So, there is little question that this unit will be adding bodies and I can't see them all coming in the draft. BB likes his veteran LBs and I fully expect him to bring in a few.

Therefore I would not be surprised by any addition the Pats made here. I'm not saying they will add a LB like Lewis (or Peppers) but I would not be surprised one bit if a major addition is made to this unit. On the contrary I'd be very surprised if a big splash isn't made here. If this D is too be successful strengthening the LB is a must. They've proven they can win with holes in the secondary but a BB D with a weak LB unit is definetly swimming upstream.

 

[Boston]

At first glance, Lewis does not fit into the whole "no player is bigger than the team" persona of the Pats......but anything is possible.

Nether did Moss and Dillon.

 

[Sinrman]

I think he'd fit perfectly with the Pats. He would be a huge help there on that defense. But one problem -- you move players like Vrabel out, in hopes of clearing space and getting younger, and then you do something like this...?

 

[Big_Russel]

I think he'd fit perfectly with the Pats. He would be a huge help there on that defense. But one problem -- you move players like Vrabel out, in hopes of clearing space and getting younger, and then you do something like this...?

That's why it makes much more sense to sign Suggs to an offer sheet.

 

[David Yudkin]

Pats are like $16 million under the cap.

 

[Boston]

I think he'd fit perfectly with the Pats. He would be a huge help there on that defense. But one problem -- you move players like Vrabel out, in hopes of clearing space and getting younger, and then you do something like this...?

Vrabel's production declined last year...Lewis did not. On the surface I agree it looks a little odd but if BB still thinks Lewis has a lot of gas left in the tank I don't think he'd hesitate if the contract didn't break the bank. Especially since you still have five picks (and probably six with the Samuel compensation) in the first three rounds and none of those picks will have big contracts.

 

[fruity pebbles]

Ever since they let Vrabel go i thought BB had his eye on Ray. Shall see.

 

[Big_Russel]

Pats are like $16 million under the cap.

I think it's like $14.4 million after re-signing Sanders.

 

[Weiner Dog]

At first glance, Lewis does not fit into the whole "no player is bigger than the team" persona of the Pats......but anything is possible.

Nether did Moss and Dillon.

Did you watch Moss play after Brady was hurt last year?Dillon was a competitor who was stuck on the Bengals for too long. He wanted to win...he didn't want to be the team. The guy received a bad rap.

 

[Boston]

At first glance, Lewis does not fit into the whole "no player is bigger than the team" persona of the Pats......but anything is possible.

Nether did Moss and Dillon.

Did you watch Moss play after Brady was hurt last year?Dillon was a competitor who was stuck on the Bengals for too long. He wanted to win...he didn't want to be the team. The guy received a bad rap.

Sorry but Dillons rep was far worse than Ray's prior to joining the Pats. There's never been a doubt that you're getting 100% from Lewis.

 

[David Yudkin]

I read the actual article mentioned in the OP. There is nothing tying Lewis to the Pats. The articles is ust a run down by the writer evaluating possible destinations that Lewis could land based on teams that could have a need. The title of the article is:

Agent: Lewis might return, Ravens look to be star's best option

 

[Sinrman]

I think he'd fit perfectly with the Pats. He would be a huge help there on that defense. But one problem -- you move players like Vrabel out, in hopes of clearing space and getting younger, and then you do something like this...?

Vrabel's production declined last year...Lewis did not. On the surface I agree it looks a little odd but if BB still thinks Lewis has a lot of gas left in the tank I don't think he'd hesitate if the contract didn't break the bank. Especially since you still have five picks (and probably six with the Samuel compensation) in the first three rounds and none of those picks will have big contracts.

I agree, Vrabel is on a decline. Lewis' numbers may look good, but as I've seen on ESPN, I have to agree with some of the analysts there that his age is catching up to him, too. He is a tackling machine and the heart of a lion. Those two reasons alone would be enough for me to want him on my team. But his quickness is really declining and he can't seem to catch up to anyone that gets past him or jukes him. They showed several examples of this over the past week of him missing tackles on ones he would have never missed a few years ago.But that aside, I do agree that they should be looking at a younger Suggs and signing him quick. He would be sick on that team...

 

[The Ref]

Lewis has crossed my mind, but most of the talk has been a trade for Peppers.

Not saying it will happen, but that what most of the talk has been that I have heard.

 

[T Bell]

At first glance, Lewis does not fit into the whole "no player is bigger than the team" persona of the Pats......but anything is possible.

Did Seau or Dillon? Or Moss?

 

[Boston]

I think he'd fit perfectly with the Pats. He would be a huge help there on that defense. But one problem -- you move players like Vrabel out, in hopes of clearing space and getting younger, and then you do something like this...?

Vrabel's production declined last year...Lewis did not. On the surface I agree it looks a little odd but if BB still thinks Lewis has a lot of gas left in the tank I don't think he'd hesitate if the contract didn't break the bank. Especially since you still have five picks (and probably six with the Samuel compensation) in the first three rounds and none of those picks will have big contracts.

I agree, Vrabel is on a decline. Lewis' numbers may look good, but as I've seen on ESPN, I have to agree with some of the analysts there that his age is catching up to him, too. He is a tackling machine and the heart of a lion. Those two reasons alone would be enough for me to want him on my team. But his quickness is really declining and he can't seem to catch up to anyone that gets past him or jukes him. They showed several examples of this over the past week of him missing tackles on ones he would have never missed a few years ago.But that aside, I do agree that they should be looking at a younger Suggs and signing him quick. He would be sick on that team...

I think the big problem is you'd probably have to give him a pretty big contract to get him away from the Ravens. I don't see this being a situation like Rodney Harrison, Corey Dillon or Randy Moss where the Pats were able to get them at a discounted rate.

 

[munchkin]

I don't think the Patriots need Ray Lewis. Another aging, past his prime star who also needs to be THE MAN on the defensive side of the ball, not buying into that. The Patriots have a good locker room and enough of an identity that they don't need to spend the money Lewis would want; I'll pass. Peppers can keep his butt somewhere else too. Spend the money on Wilfork and Mankins.

 

[StackTheLine]

I don't think the Patriots need Ray Lewis. Another aging, past his prime star who also needs to be THE MAN on the defensive side of the ball, not buying into that. The Patriots have a good locker room and enough of an identity that they don't need to spend the money Lewis would want; I'll pass. Peppers can keep his butt somewhere else too. Spend the money on Wilfork and Mankins.

 

[T Bell]

I don't think the Patriots need Ray Lewis. Another aging, past his prime star who also needs to be THE MAN on the defensive side of the ball, not buying into that. The Patriots have a good locker room and enough of an identity that they don't need to spend the money Lewis would want; I'll pass. Peppers can keep his butt somewhere else too. Spend the money on Wilfork and Mankins.

Can't you just as easily say "another veteran LB who knows how to read offenses and where to be on every play, and how to align other players and make adjustments, just like the Patriots like"? The Patriots have never valued athleticism over intelligence and game sense at LB under Belichick, so I don't think any of your observations about Ray Lewis rule him out as a candidate for signing by the team.

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

I think he'd fit perfectly with the Pats. He would be a huge help there on that defense. But one problem -- you move players like Vrabel out, in hopes of clearing space and getting younger, and then you do something like this...?

That's why it makes much more sense to sign Suggs to an offer sheet.

+1

 

[tones]

Agree they need some $ to sign Wilfolk & Mankins. I think they will sign some lesser LBs and make a play on another CB in FA. Wih four picks in first 2 rounds and none of them breaking the bank, the can get a LB in round 1, a sold S and CB in round 2 and then something to play with. BB LOVES TE some talent there, Barwin is interesting at DE/LB seems to be a BB OLB, trade for a pick next year or trade up in 1st to get someone they REALLY like. Should be fun...

 

[munchkin]

I don't think the Patriots need Ray Lewis. Another aging, past his prime star who also needs to be THE MAN on the defensive side of the ball, not buying into that. The Patriots have a good locker room and enough of an identity that they don't need to spend the money Lewis would want; I'll pass. Peppers can keep his butt somewhere else too. Spend the money on Wilfork and Mankins.

Can't you just as easily say "another veteran LB who knows how to read offenses and where to be on every play, and how to align other players and make adjustments, just like the Patriots like"? The Patriots have never valued athleticism over intelligence and game sense at LB under Belichick, so I don't think any of your observations about Ray Lewis rule him out as a candidate for signing by the team.

They have Bruschi for a lot less money. I am not questioning Lewis's ability or resume but I don't think they need his "enthusiasm" in the locker room. They have enough veterans and stability on the defensive side of the ball. That plus the $$$ he would want makes it a non-starter in my opinion.

 

[Kit Fisto]

At first glance, Lewis does not fit into the whole "no player is bigger than the team" persona of the Pats......but anything is possible.

Nether did Moss and Dillon.

Don't forget Brian Cox either.

 

[mmmWaffles]

It'd be a good match, Ray Lewis already knows the Pats system; They've both gotten away with murder.