Ray Lewis suffered a triceps injury that will end his season for the Baltimore Ravens. It could also quite possibly end his NFL career at age 37.
The Ravens linebacker isn't sure yet whether he'll play in the NFL again but Ravens fans have an opinion on that. We asked SB Nation's Ravens blog, Baltimore Beatdown, a few questions about what the loss of Lewis means to the Ravens.
Is this the end for Ray Lewis?
A player of Ray's magnitude and presence seems to be one who wants to go out on his own terms, not have an injury determine his final days. I can definitely see him avoiding the question until long after the season ends. He'll have time to recover and rehab his body and then will determine his futre, which most likely will include one more season in the middle of the Ravens defense.
Which injury is more concerning -- Lardarius Webb or Lewis?
Most fans are more concerned about the loss of CB Lardarius Webb than the loss of Lewis based on the effect on the defense. While Lewis is still a force on defense, his best contribution is recognizing formations and calling out the scheme, and many times, the actual play the opposing offense may be running and is more often right than wrong.
Will the Ravens defense suffer without him?
Some parts of the Ravens defense may actually improve through his absence. He was becoming almost a liability in pass coverage and has worked closely with both Jameel McClain and Dannell Ellerbe, who should get the majority of snap in his absence. The current question is will these recent injuries speed up the urgency of getting OLB Terrell Suggs back on the field from his Achilles tendon injury.