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The best at diagnosing plays
Sporting News, The, Oct 11, 2004
Ray Lewis is not only a big, fast, tough, ferocious hitter, he's also one of the most prepared and instinctive players in the game. Lewis quickly dissects plays, which is why he's so often the first defender to greet a ballcarrier. A look at Lewis, and the rest of the league's best at diagnosing plays, as compiled by TSN correspondents.
Lewis' preparation begins at 9 a.m. each Monday, when he starts watching video of the next opponent. His assessments are as much a part of the scouting report as coordinator Mike Nolan's. Lewis is one of the few players in the league who has as much impact in game planning as he does on the field.
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"There is no difference to what Peyton Manning does on the football field and what I do on the field," Lewis says. "If I'm not comfortable with the situation or the game flow, then I can check out of a defense, put us in the right defense. I have that flexibility because I understand our defense the way my coach understands it."
Lewis' preparation is obvious during games. He rarely hesitates, and his first two steps always are explosive. Opposing teams have all but stopped trying to run screens against him because he beats most offensive linemen to the area.
COPYRIGHT 2004 Sporting News Publishing Co.
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning
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