dhamz

Ray Lewis on the 3-4 defense:

http://www.geocities.com/epark/raide...4-defense.html

"We're in the 46 defense now, and finally, finally again, I get to play football," said Lewis. "My job is not to take on offensive linemen, but to make running backs not want to play against me"



The Pats weren't willing to pay Willie, an aging but still productive LB a 7 figure retirment present signing bonus even though he is a perfect fit for their system, has been a cornerstone of their franchise for over a decade, and was a huge part of 3 SB teams here.

Why would they sign up to be the one who gives Ray Lewis a big wet 8 figure good bye kiss? Lewis is an aging LB whose production is in severe decline and is a terrible fit for their system.

The Pats don't get misty eyed with their own great players when they start to get old and decline. Not a chance they do it with Ray Lewis who was once the best (maybe ever) but is no longer anywhere close to a great LB.

MrTibbs

Yeah 46 last season but the 2-3 seasons before they were a 3-4 team. Coach Nolan who coaches the 49ERS was the DC there. He runs the 3-4 in San Fran and ran it Baltimore before he got the HC position there.

In those seasons he had 161 tackles and 6 picks 1.5 sacks then posted 146 tackles 1 sack no picks. No disrespect to Teddy Bruschi but he can only dream of numbers like that. If you consider that not being able to play in a 3-4 defense then I don't know what the heck is.

dryheat44

And if you actually watched him play, he got his ass kicked on every running play that the offense got a blocker on him. Guards, fullbacks, tight ends all neutralized him. Quoting those tackle stats mean nothing, because it is common knowledge that hometown scorers in Baltimore and Chicago give Lewis and Urlacher credit for a tackle when they jump on a pile.

I can't say this strongly enough, Lewis absolutely SUCKS in the 3-4 in the present. He can't get off a block to save his life, Kevin Faulk blocks him on the blitz 9 times out of 10, His coverage skills, while once above-average, are poor now. Bruschi is the much better player in the Patriot defense.

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arrellbee

dryheat44 - thanks for interesting and informative insights !!

MrTibbs

Ummmm OK

Box_O_Rocks

What heat said.

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PatsChick87

Not to mention that Lewis was thrilled last year that they were going back to more of the 4-3. He was quoted as saying how much he didn't like playing the 3-4!

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