Baltimore Ravens Departures...What Does This Mean?

Ray Lewis has been the heart and soul of the Ravens defense from the beginning.  After the Superbowl victory, Lewis could now retire peacefully after his second championship ring. Baltimore fans were happy, the streets were flooded with Ravens fans, the city came together to celebrate (I will soon get into my how football could bring the world together in another post) and all was well in Raven World until....

Fans knew Lewis was retiring. People knew the Ravens had a bunch of contracts to either negotiate or let go.  People knew Flacco was going to get a new contract, but people were not ready for the other departures from the winning season. Many fans have voiced their outrage online, naming a bunch of reasons for why they felt players were leaving. When Anquan Boldin was sent to the 49ers a lot of Ravens fans heart's stopped. Boldin was an awesome recevier who along Smith made crucial catches in the playoffs. Many fans were heated especially since he was traded to a team that the Ravens defeated in the Superbowl. A lot of fans were trying to figure out what the organization is planning to do. One person, Ed Reed, NO ONE (except me...) believed he was not truly going to leave the team. Ed Reed is a legend. He is, if not is one of the best free safety's in the league. Fans just knew he was going to retire a Raven.  Now that he has left to play for the Texans, whats next for the Ravens Organization, Rebuild

Lewis was the glue that held the team together. He has done a good job but now that he is gone, its time to start over. Joe Flacco is the quarterback, the highest paid quarterback in the league. Its time for the highest paid quarterback to create some new stars on the offense. There is a whole new generation of young athletes ready to make a name for themselves. During the draft, a new generation of Ravens players will be born. Each new player and the other vets in the locker room have a new task, to make an impact.

Reed has been with the Ravens since 2002. Even though I feel he should have retired a Raven, people need to realize players like him and Boldin have been playing in the league for over 10 years. Its hard for some people to get over with the "old" and embrace the new. You never know what future legend the draft, a new trade will do to create the next generation Ravens. Ed Reed will be missed but it is time for a young athlete to step up and take his place...thanks for listening