Lewis & Reed

[12thMan]

I think Ray Lewis is a great linebacker who is the most intense player to ever play at that position, but not the most dominant. If there was ever a defensive player that epitomized warrior and raw emotion, it's most definitely Ray Lewis.

As far as Reed goes, besides Lawrence Taylor, he's the most dominant player in NFL history. I know some will disagree with that statement, especially given the position Reed plays. But I've pretty much followed the guy, like most here, since the U and he consistently comes up with either game winning or game changing plays; week after week, year after year. Ed Reed is undoubtedly the best saftey to ever play in the National Football League. Yes, Ronnie Lott included. Another thing Reed rarely get's credit for is his football IQ. I guess that's because he's so athletic and versatile, but he's probably one of the most intelligent if not the most intelligent defensive player in the game today.

What made Ronnie Lott unique to me is that he played like a linebacker in a safety's body. He absolutely had no regard for his physical well being or that of his opponent. If Ronnie Lott played in this era, he'd get hit with fines every other week. People forget that he started out playing corner and moved to safety later in his career. Great player though.