The Baltimore Ravens missed the playoffs for the first time during the Lamar Jackson era.
They still had a chance to clinch a postseason berth but ultimately bowed out of the race because their fate depended on other teams.
Injuries robbed the team of its capability to compete, especially on defense.
Key players like Marcus Peters, Marlon Humphrey, Tyus Bowser, and Derek Wolfe all missed games, putting Baltimore at a disadvantage.
Even if everyone on their defense gets healthy, the Ravens must still address some areas of concern.
Those loopholes prompted Hall of Famer Ray Lewis to make a comeback.
As the linebacker shared his musing on copying what Tom Brady did, wide receiver Rashod Bateman obliged him to wear pads and a helmet again.
dare you https://t.co/aF4dGfwbSY
— Rashod Bateman (@R_bateman2) March 30, 2022
No one knows if Lewis is seriously considering a comeback, but it seems like his tweet is more speculative thought.
At 46 years old, he may no longer have the strength and speed to compete with younger players.
However, his wisdom and inspiration will come in handy, especially during pressure-packed moments.
Yet Lewis has nothing left to prove because he has been one of the game’s best during his time.
More importantly, he helped established a franchise that transferred from Cleveland to Baltimore.
Lewis Is An Immortal Franchise Cornerstone
The Ravens were still in an unstable situation when the former Cleveland Browns left for Baltimore after the 1995 season.
They didn’t even have an official logo when they participated in the 1996 NFL Draft.
During that draft, missing out on their first-round picks could have meant chaos for the franchise.
However, they made the right choices by selecting Jonathan Ogden and Lewis.
There was apprehension about the linebacker from the University of Miami, especially because he was undersized.
But what he lacked in heft, he made up with his relentless drive, which secured his legacy in Canton, Ohio, forever.
Lewis was a two-time Defensive Player of the Year, seven-time First-Team All-Pro, and a two-time Super Bowl champion by the end of his career.
NEXT: Will The Ravens Miss The Playoffs This Season?