Ed Reed should retrire if he doesn't want to play tackle football. Right now he's one-dimensional player, and he's actually hurting the team. Ozzie should have addressed this issue in the offseason.

I thought the same watching the game yesterday. He seemed to through himself at players with his arm down using only his shoulder. no attempt to wrap them up.
This is a very troubeling sign for our one proud defense.

why is landry wearing the defensive green dot on his helmet instead of either lewis or reed?

Mike-
I posted this yesterday in Valkenberg's section of "5 Things We Learned From The Game". I don't know why he didnt allow my comment to be posted, but EVERYONE deserves to know this!! I was out Sat. night in Cincy. It was 10:00, the table next to me was being rowy so I looked over and guess who it was...WILLIS MCGAHEE taking shots of patron with some other players I did not recognize!!!!! I swear on everything that is holy that it was 100% him. They scurried off around 10:50 cause I guess check-in was round 11. HOW DO THE RAVENS ALLOW THIS BULL TO HAPPEN!?!?!?!??!?!??! It was GAME NIGHT. People deserve to know.

It is refreshing to FINALLY hear someone question Ed Reed's skills. Yes, he is great with the ball in his hands. That's it. He stinks as a tackler and is only known around the league becasue of those fumbles he picks up even though he didn't cause any of them. He is the most overrated player in the NFL by a wide margin. Just watch the tape of Snatonio Holmes' touchdown last year in the AFC Championship. Watch Reed for the entire play. Thats all I have to say.

Reed with one arm is still better than most guys with 2 but it is a concern. How quickly some of you have forgotten the hit on Moreno that caused the fumble or the pick 6 in the first Cincy Game. To say he should have retired is just frustration speaking. Mr. Preston is probably right. There is probably an issue there requiring surgery. If so, my guess is he doesn't come back. Lord knows he has nothing left to prove. I'll miss him greatly.

Mike,you are 100% correct about ed reed. Ed reed was one of the best safties to ever play the game, but since his injury he won't tackle the way you are suppose to. That is the trouble with both of our safties, they won't come up and support the run the way they are suppose to. Ed reed should retire.And as far as that argument goes 60% of a great player is better then a healthy player that is a bunch of bull crap. They need to start playing guys that are willing to tackle and play hard.Mike i like you alot because you aren't afraid to tell it like it is. But 2 weeks ago on the bruce cunniham show i stated the same thing that you just said in your blog and you argued with me. IS IT THAT YOU CHANGED YOUR MIND SINCE THEN OR IS IT THAT YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE THAT THINKS THEY KNOW THE GAME> WHICH IS IT???

What can the Ravens do to get more draft pick's??? Seriously the defense is old and broken down. Its time for some new blood.

Yes, it is disconcerting to see a great player like Reed get himself in a position to make a play but obviously not physically able to perform.

At least he gets in the postion to make a play. In Foxworth and Washington's situation, they are finding it very difficult to tackle from a prone position and having left a key piece of undergarment on the ground.

Ed Reed has always been one of my favorite Ravens. But it is clear he has no interest in tackling anyone. Yes, he has had a few physical plays but for the most part he is avoiding contact as if he were afraid to hit someone. Yesterday our whole defense seemed to be apathetic and had no interest in pursuing the ball-carrier full throttle or finish plays. Very dissapointing!

So since Reed has some problems it is time for him to retire? This is probably coming from the same people that want Mattison gone half way through the season...that would be more of a disaster then keeping him.

Ok Ed isnt playing as well as he can, but I dont remember him needing to tackle this much in previous seasons. I blame this on the way he is being utilized. I dont think he is allowed to roam like he once used to, and forced into doing things he isn’t great at. (Yea yea let me hear it, since he is sooo great he should be able to do it all, he should be able to but his strengths are covering receivers and making plays). He isnt the biggest guy in the world and should be able to take down guys when needed to. With that said he shouldnt be asked to tackle as much as Landry should be.

Also how quickly we all forget about his second half of the season run last year. If I remember right, wasn’t he intercepting a pass a game during that stretch? There may be something wrong with him, but it shouldn’t be viewed as he is garbage and needs to retire. A couple of off games doesn’t mean he is too old to play.

I think the Ravens know they're aging on defense, so they picked up Kruger (2nd) and Webb (3rd) in the last draft. Given the deficiencies displayed on defense this season, those picks look good: a pass-rushing end and a play-making cornerback. They drafted Tavares Gooden (3rd) at linebacker and Zbikowski (3rd) at safety in 2008. And given the aging of Lewis and Reed, those seem like smart picks as well. But it takes time for these guys to develop.

They could have taken more defensive players during the last two drafts, but who can argue with picking up Flacco (1st) and Rice (2nd) in 2008? Oher (1st) in 2009 looks like he's going to be a nice tackle for years to come. So, I have a hard time faulting the most recent drafts. There is new blood on the team, we just need to give these guys a chance to develop.

Give me break. So Reed is not playing up to his typical standards. Although, I seem to remember a crushing hit last week that caused a fumble and I seem to recall as bad as the team played yesterday it was his tackle and strip of Ocho that almost gave us a shot. If the Ravens Kicker, "I can't make a kick when it counts", makes that 38 yarder, the Ravens had the ball with about 4 minutes to go to tie the game before Flaco ended up throwing another int. Look things aren't excatly going the Ravens way. Other than yesterday this team had a chance to win against the Pats, Cinn, and Minn and the Ravens are basically 3 plays short of being 7 and 1. A kick, one defensive stop, and drop pass on a 4th down. Look luck is not on the Ravens side this year and good teams find a way to win unfortuntly the Ravens have been on the short end of the stick this year.

Mike I asked you this question 4 or 5 weeks ago. Why is the media protecting Ed Reed? Ed's been very exciting all these years with the Ravens, but he's also been a big time gambler. Good Q-B's know how to play gambling Ed. Palmer is a master at playing the Ravens defense. Before Palmer's injury he had the Ravens number as he does now. The league's on to Ed Reed. The Ravens decline certainally is not all his fault, injury and all. The Ravens decline co-insided with Coach Harbaugh's show with his brothers and father saying how wonderful and great coaches they all are. Hey I like them all. But he (they) should have kept it to themselves.

Ed Reed is not the problem with the secondary. Leonard and Reed complimented each other perfectly, why we kept Landry is beyond me and Carr has proven to be ineffective for the most part. Can't believe they let him go. I'm fine with Scott gone but Leonard was a mistake.

Gooden is weak on defense and for the most part seems to be out of position on key plays. Suggs misses a key tackle on 3rd down and it goes on an on. I'm not giving up on the team at this point but yesterday was the first time in years I left the game to go out do yard work and play with the kids after 1 quarter. Beautiful day enjoyed rather than watching a terrible performance by the Ravens.

Ed Reed is not the problem with the secondary. Leonard and Reed complimented each other perfectly, why we kept Landry is beyond me and Carr has proven to be ineffective for the most part. Can't believe they let him go. I'm fine with Scott gone but Leonard was a mistake.

Gooden is weak on defense and for the most part seems to be out of position on key plays. Suggs misses a key tackle on 3rd down and it goes on an on. I'm not giving up on the team at this point but yesterday was the first time in years I left the game to go out do yard work and play with the kids after 1 quarter. Beautiful day enjoyed rather than watching a terrible performance by the Ravens.

Lastly, the little things are starting to cost the Ravens and that can be blamed DIRECTLY on Coaching. Not to mention the decision to go with Hauschka over stover still blows my mind. Why the need to carry that extra spot when we never see half the guys active on the field anyway? His miss yesterday killed what still was a very realistic comeback and it's obvious his failure in Minny didn't do his part to help us win. If anyone has confidence in him to make a kick that matters they haven't been watching this season.

If you've played even high school football, you know that the key to solo tackling (especially in the open field) is getting your head in front of the forward motion. Sadly, Ed Reed's neck injuries prevent him from doing this effectively. As a human being - who can blame him? As a Ravens fan, it hurts to watch. Proof of his greatness - he still finds a way to contribute. . If he never played another snap, the strip of Ocho Stinko ending in OF COURSE a lateral, and the forced fumble hit on Moreno, wouldn't be shabby as finales
I shudder to think of what an NFL offense not game planning for Ed Reed could do to our secondary.

Unfortunately, Ed Reed is hurt. He simply can't make the big hits anymore, probably out of fear of serious injury. Some of you may point to his big play against Moreno, but he didn't really deliver a big blow. He came in chest to chest. I'm not saying I blame him. He's made a ton of money and is still a very young man. Why risk it? I don't see him playing much longer. Regardless, he's my favorite Raven of all time.

I think the ravens coaches should take a good look at the qb position. There is no explosive offense plays and the quarterback is not good at all. He throws to many ints and the defense has to play the entire game. Cam has to get the receivers involve early but the qb can't complete passes over the middle of the field. Stop complaining about the defense just check the stats it will tell you alot about a weak qb play.

This town cannot let go of players, once great. Ed Reed, in an interview after week 2, said he is playing with "one arm". He's not what he was, folks. It happens. Most of us seem to get it, but some of you chuckleheads don't. It's not "slamming" a guy if you say he's not what he once was, he said it himself!!!

It's bad enough Ed Reed isn't making any tackles any more. But he's not defending passes very well either. He makes the occasional interception or fumble recovery but he doesn't cover well down to down any more . We never see him downfield breaking up some long pass play. Just trying to strip the ball or chase down a receiver after a catch.

LIke I said after the first game where KC threw on us like we were a high school defense the Ravens won't make the playoffs. In fact I'll also say this too. That until they put people like Ray L. and both CB's on the side and get better people who can run with 23 year olds we won't be back in th playoffs. Ray L is good for rub stopping up the middle he can't get to the outside or cover deep with a tight ends any more. Face it, he should be a linbacker coach not a play, 14 years as middle LB is enogh try some one else

Finally!!!!! Someone in Baltimore Sports said it. Ray L has lost a step!!!!! On Monday Morning QB this AM on Masen they said what I have been saying for two years Ray L and some other are living on their reputation, they're slow and it shows. We need faster backs on defense. They lay off the receivers 2 or 3 yards and after the back catches the ball they tackle them. Watch the backfield they are 3 yards off the player!! You can't and won't stop anyone that way. Why? BECAUSE THEY CAN"T COVER!!!!! 9-7 maybe if we are lucky. Playoffs!! hehehehehehehehe

Its obvious and has been for awhile that something big is wrong with ED.

I think he must have aggravated that neck injury and is playing hurt and maybe even a little scared. Think what would happen if they benched him, no one can direct the other guys and get them where they belong. Even though it isn't happening anyway.

Now that our playoff changes are just about gone we should consider benching him so he can be well for next year. He's still a young guy and retirement slurs are stupid.

To the idiot's saying he's overrated - well never mind you don't argue with stupid.

I agree 1/2 of Ed Reed is better then all the rest. Get him some help, some rest, or some kind of a break....

Ed Reed should do the same thing Samari Rolle did with a similar injury: retire. Why take a chance of winding up in a wheelchair the rest of your life? It is after all just a game.

Ed reed is the best defensive player we have he has a produced a turnover in half of the games they have played can any other ravens player ever say that. Ravens fans need to realize what he continues to do each and every week. He was the hero against cinc the first time with a forced fumble and a int and last week against denver.

All of Landry's hits (the only ones he has made this year) have just about finished Reed off. He is only one injury away from a permanent disability from that neck problem. He needs to retire after this season to save himself from a lifetime of pain - he should talk to Robert Smith, the ex-Viking.

What game are you watching Mike Preston? Reed singlehandedly caused the fumble that put the Raven's in a position to come back in this game. Yes you can see he's hurt, playing one-armed, but he's trying so hard to make up for two bad corners it's ridiculous. Past the linebackers he's the only guy playing football.

First off Mitch your an idiot. Ed reed is not famous for fumbles he didnt cause. That happened maybe once. He is famous for being the only guy who has returned a blocked punt, punt return, interception, and fumble for a touchdown. Not to mention breaking the record for longest interception twice. What Ed Reed is for is making those plays. Qbs don't throw his way. To the guy that said Palmer figured him out, didn't Ed Reed have a pick six. Notice long passes yesterday weren't at his side. Ed has never even come close to leading the team in tackles. Usually between 40-50. The problem is he used to be able to blow running plays up in the backfield with blitzes but because of the impingement in his neck he can't do it. And i believe everyone can agree that running backs didn't used to get into the secondary regularly, so he didn't have to step up. We knew for three years that Ed has to be careful how he tackles. I saw the arm tackles yesterday, all two or three missed one. And the one bad one he had a terrible angle. The person that said Leonard and Reed complimented eachother was dead on. Everyone we lost this year hurts, its obvious now. But to single out Ed Reed for his tackling when tackling is at an all time low in the league is unfair. I remember the same talk last year when Ed was asked to make up for our secondary last year early on and everybody kept asking "where is Ed?" Then look at the year he had. Hey Preston, I remember a game last year where Ed had no picks or fumbles and you said it was the best game you have seen him play because he protected the secondary. Thats what Ed does now, he used to do everything but an injury that would end his career if operated on prevents him from being the human missle he was the first couple of years. How quickly everyone forgets. We Baltimore sports fans are developing a defeatist mentality. After every tough game we want to clean house. We lose a few tough games and all of the sudden all our guys are bums and the coaches forgot how to coach after every game. Maybe they need to work on their motivation but with the exception of Carr, I think we have a great team. The penalties are a bit concerning but a good portion of those called this year are either complete crap or ticky-tack calls. You take those calls out and we are about average as far as penalties. The season isn't over yet so either get on the train or go follow the Eagles. You people would fit right in with those fans. Ed Reed is still great, and I know he will prove it before the end of the year. The communication isnt there yet in the secondary but when it is and Ed does what he does, all you people will be back to complaining when Ed is third in voting for DMVP again. Make up your minds.

Referring to Dan's post im a regular in the bar scene im out alot i actually work at a strip club also i see many ravens out alot almost every night of the week granted they are humans just like me and you and should be able to go out and have fun but in the same regard they are in the spotlight and are professionals who people look up yo you would think the coach would set some sort of curfew

Ed Reed being overrated is laughable to me. Yes his tackling skills has declined but I don't remember him being the best tackler to begin with. If Ronnie Lott says a guy is great then who are we, regular folks who armchair QB on Sundays, to call him a liar?

I hope Reed does what's best for him, and if that means retires then so be it. But Some of y'all are making this the "dump on Ed Reed" happy hour and I saw a whole bunch of crap on that field yesterday that had nothing to do with Ed Reed. Like the fact that Fabian Washington can't catch a cold or the fact that it must've been 30 below and raining the night before because every defender slipped and slid around the field when a WR ran their route. IMO Ed Reed is the least of this defense's problems. How about starting with the fact that we can't a 4 man rush to put pressure on a QB, with or w/out Ngata. Y'all are funny on here!

(sigh) father time catches up with all of us, and it appears to have caught up with the great Ed Reed. he looks haggard when he's on the sidelines, and i think this injury - and the surgery that is needed to repair it - will be what forces him to retire. sadly though, he's a warrior and will probably press on for ANOTHER 2 or 3 seasons before suffering a catastrophic hit that finally puts him on IR for good. it will be a shame to see him come in like a lion and go out like a lamb...

on a related note, Tavares Gooden should be given a simple choice: either lose 20 lbs and switch to strong safety, or play for a different team. Landry is CLEARLY not the same player he was 2 years ago, and Gooden is enough of a wack-job (and a pure athlete) to fill in for Landry and be an adequate SS. it's either that or Zbikowski, and - while i like him as a guy - i think he simply lacks the ability to be a playmaker in the NFL. and Nakamura? he's 185 lbs, 5'9" tall, and has average speed, and seems to let his emotions get the best of him at times.

our D is old and getting older each day. i only hope we can build a D that will complement our O before our chance for another Super Bowl victory dwindles away to nothing...

We obviously need to fix lots of things in our secondary!
Reed is getting old and seems to be really bothered by injury... Nakamura was a beast in college, very good instict and a solid tackler!
Landry is completely lost, he bust assignement, miss tackles, he had'nt recovered for his scary injury yet... Zibowsky is a fast hard hitter!
and to replace carr and washington, we have webb! the kid is tough, has a knack for the ball, and he know what mean the word TACKLE!
in Defensive line: we need fresh meat: mckinney!!! dwan edwards!!! kruger!!!
Come one! we have depth, it's time to makes gutty decision and unleash the kids!
I bleed purple but if we don't fix this hemmoragy, i'm going to die...GO RAVENS GO!!!

"why is landry wearing the defensive green dot on his helmet instead of either lewis or reed?"

Last year when they started giving defenders the one way radio, at first they put it in Ray's helmet because he's clearly the leader of the defense, but it kept breaking from Ray hitting so much that it became too much trouble. Next they gave it to Reed, but Reed didn't like having the coordinator jabbing in his ear the whole game, so they finally gave it to Jim Leonard.

Two words: Zbikowski Nakamura

Atleast two of the four missed tackles were strip attempts. Clearly over the last couple of years Ed has been playing the strip whenever he can, so I'm not so sure Ed is having a problem with his tackling; he just might need to start actually attempting the tackle as opposed to going for the strip.

Atleast two of the four missed tackles were strip attempts. Clearly over the last couple of years Ed has been playing the strip whenever he can, so I'm not so sure Ed is having a problem with his tackling; he just might need to start actually attempting the tackle as opposed to going for the strip.

Here's a followup on the post by OnTheHalfShell:

I live behind Willis McGahee and we notice that he has a party every Friday night at his house before a game. Usually it's a home game but there was one last Friday night - as you know then they traveled to Cincinnati. This bothers me that he was out again Saturday night. I'm OK if the parties are during the off season but these guys are making big bucks to represent our community and win football games. And who is indirectly paying his big salary and everyone else's - it's fans like you and me.

I still have to believe that a hurt Ed Reed is better than half the safeties in the NFL. Remember, he isn't tackling because he can't right now. Most other safeties don't tackle because they don't want to or are scared to.

AEH, ur lunchin dude, 7-1???? thats hilarious!!! they're playin like crap n i for one am not that surprized. i wish ray-ray left in the offseason, hes totally overrated at this point in his career, bringing him back was a piss poor business decision. am i confused or did ed reed have a neck stinger last season that he never fully recovered from. if i was risking paralysis, i sure as hell wouldnt be tryin to play w reckless abondon either

This game was an ugly sight for Ed Reed, aside from that fumble. The guy made some monstrous hits in the past, but that has changed drastically since his injury. He was timid to make those kind of hits last year and the same thing on Sunday. The strange thing is though that hit on Moreno in the Broncos game, which yes did cause a FUMBLE, was a crushing hit and I was surprised he was able to do that.

As for surgery, Reed even said before the 08 season that if he had surgery on his neck it would be career-ending. I'd love to see Reed play for us a few more years but if he's gonna struggle to make a tackle than he may need to do what's best for him and think about retirement. If it can be fixed than please stay but if not do what you gotta do.

Ed,playing hurt,let's the adrenaline and passion for winning get the best of him in the games. I concurr that Zibs should be getting more game field experience asap; you never know when Ed has to leave the field for good this year.That's sad to think but the Ravens are up against the brick wall and guys like Ed have a lot of pride and don't like to lose,probably especially the ways they've done it this year.Arm tackling will get you nowhere in the NFL AND I give Ed all the credit in this world for trying.

Mitch,
That crack you sit on is not meant to be used as ear-warmers, so stand up, pull your head out of there and clean your eyes so you can read this clearly. You have obviously missed some plays. Why, just last week most of the media highlights, for the Ravens' previous game, led with the Denver RB (Moreno) getting blasted so hard, not only did he fumble the ball, but probably felt like he was back in the thin air of Mile High. No, Reed didn't recover the fumble, and according to what you've posted, it's probably because it was caused by him and not someone else (just waiting for a team mate to clean up his mess, I guess...and how inconsiderate of him?).
I point this out because you were probably still watching the Santonio Holmes play from last year, so I'm sure you missed it, and a "few" before last year and after. But know this: Ed Reed has made his reputation on being the complete player. Not only is he "great with the ball in his hands", but he causes the ball to BE in his hands. Ask any OC and/or QB in the league who they have to account for? And that's what's REALLY it!
Furthermore, to sour your "refreshing" moment, the article was about Reed possibly compensating for an injury...not a question of his "rep" or well evaluated and proven skills. So you, Mitch, need to keep your head out of that pre-mentioned orifice, because your post really stunk it up, here. And "thats all I have to say"!

To the bloggers who like to snitch on Ravens football players- get a life! or don't you have one you can covet? It's no wonder some of these guys prefer to become very private or walk away from the media after games. Back in the old days your comments might bring some unfortunate memories back your way(idiots) so what's your guys deal?Next time you enjoy a couple beers I hope the wives come around and put an end to all your rowdy behavior.Grow up,dudes!

ALL OF U ARE IDIOTS!!!

how can u honestly sit there and question Reed's skills and say he is not(or no longer good). If we didn't have Ed Reed the Ravens would get a touchdown pass thrown on them every single play. He is literally the ONLY good player we have back there. This neck injury is a sad thing, the thought of number 20 retiring cause of it is something I don't even want to imagine (without a ring none the less). If you guys can honestly say Reed is not a factor, or an all pro player, just because of three missed tackles (he still had 5 good ones and a forced fumble) than you must have a negative football IQ. I want Ed Reed to retire here, he is one of the best safeties ever to play the game.