Ray Dance to Return This Week?

[FellsPointRaven]

According to the Sun, it's looking more and more likely http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/football/bal-sp.ravensnotes14sep14,0,2916192.story?coll=bal-sports-football

Ravens coach Brian Billick is expected to talk to the team's veterans this week about how to handle pre-game introductions for Sunday's home opener.

During the preseason, the Ravens were introduced as a team. But there has been a welling of support for individual introductions because the players feel that they create more energy inside the stadium.

If the team reverts to individual introductions, it is expected that middle linebacker Ray Lewis will resume his traditional dance.

I hope so. After last week's performance the introduction of the starting defense would likely take the roof off the stadium. If we had one. I also believe it would not adversely affect team chemistry, but rather cement it with an electric atmosphere and the whole crowd getting behind the team.

[WxKevin]

Good!!!! I never wanted the dance to stop anyway. I don't care if people think Ray is not the same player he once was. Hell, most of us adults are not better than when we were younger. He always pumped up the stadium. I am sure there will be 15-25% who don't like it but screw them. The other 50,000 people will scream for them.

[crazyraven]

Great news. We need ray out there getting the troops fired up.

Go to work General




God Bless Ray Lewis and Steve McNair :thumbup:

[BaltimoreRon]

Don't get me wrong, I'm a Ray dance fan, but I think this week should be McNair's week. Introduce the offense, and let Steve be the last person introduced. It's his first game in his new stadium, in front of his new fans, so what better time to do it? It will still pump up the crowd.

Next home game, when the team returns at 3-0 (knock on wood), and a strong defensive effort will be needed (to stop LT), let Ray do his thing.

JMHO

[camdenyard]

I'm ambivalent about the dance as long as the other players are cool with it.

I like individual intros, though. And I am looking forward the Bruce asking us to give a big Baltimore welcome to Steve McNair. That's gonna be sweet!

[RavenScallywag]

maybe we should have McNair be the first guy to come out. We're still focusing on him, because he's LEADING the team onto the field. Then we can still let Ray have the closing spot.

[crazyraven]

Come to think of it having Mcnair walk out last may be a better way to go. We need to welcome him to the Ravens Properly. Good Idea guys.


God Bless Ray Lewis and Steve McNair :thumbup:

[braven98]

Introduce the offense then Ray as defensive player of the week

[BaltimoreRon]

Introduce the offense then Ray as defensive player of the week

Even better idea! That way, on top of the huge cheer for 'The savior', Ray does his thing. The hairs are already standing up on the back of my neck.

[RavenFanatic2k6]

Hell, just intro them both. Start a few minutes earlier then usual :)

I don't like the idea of introducing the offense and then introducing just Ray. Ray was the defensive player of the week, but he didn't get the shutout alone. Unless the rest of the starting defense is 100% ok with it.

[Admin Steve]

In the chat with Aaron last night (transcript should be up presently) he indicated that the team was aware of the fans' desire to see the dance.

Aaron: I've heard everything from individual introductions to team-only variations. Personally, I prefer the team-only ones, but my understanding is the team has heard the outcry from the majority of fans who enjoyed Ray Lewis' colorful display.

So we will see.

[GreenWave52]

Come to think of it having Mcnair walk out last may be a better way to go. We need to welcome him to the Ravens Properly. Good Idea guys.


God Bless Ray Lewis and Steve McNair :thumbup:
I'm glad they are bringing back individual intros and hopefully "the dance". It is trademark Baltimore. McNair needs to be introduced and get his official regular season welcome.

[52decleetzu]

I would guess that the dance is coming back,the reason you ask?When Aaron was asked last night in the chat who was going to be introduced before the game he gave a very "Rosenhaus like" response of "next question please." Seemed a little odd to me at the time and it crossed my mind that the return of the dance is why he didnt want to answer.Im sure the Ravens want to keep it a secret and have told all media that if it gets out it wont be good.Just my 2 cents.

[F Angelos]

Don't get me wrong, I'm a Ray dance fan, but I think this week should be McNair's week. Introduce the offense, and let Steve be the last person introduced. It's his first game in his new stadium, in front of his new fans, so what better time to do it? It will still pump up the crowd.

Next home game, when the team returns at 3-0 (knock on wood), and a strong defensive effort will be needed (to stop LT), let Ray do his thing.

JMHO
This is exactly what's going to happen. I've got to believe the Ravens are smart enough to know this is what we want. The Ray dance will resume against SD.

[RavenFanatic2k6]

No, thats not "exactly whats going to happen"...if they introduce them as individuals, it will be the defense, plain and simple. The offense will get introduced against the Chargers.

And speak for yourself, that is not what I want. I want Ray. Most of the fans I've talked to want Ray. Not McNair. McNair will get his props when we are 3-0.

[Sports Steve]

I'm also a big Ray supporter. His dance is very cool. However it would be neat to announce the offense and let Steve McNair be the last one. After all the defense are already talked about a lot. Let the offense get pumped up also. Then go out and score 30 points and kick Oakland's a--.:hammer: :hammer:


:jester: :jester:


GET LOUD


GO RAVENS

[WxKevin]

[quote]Aaron: I've heard everything from individual introductions to team-only variations. Personally, I prefer the team-only ones, but my understanding is the team has heard the outcry from the majority of fans who enjoyed Ray Lewis' colorful display. [quote]

I love Aaron and he does a fantastic job of reporting what exactly is going on, but he is not a Ravens fan. Of course he prefers the team-only variation.

[52decleetzu]

Yeah my fault on above post,I got inthe chat late and I think someone asked the question twice that why he said next question.

[AZRAVEN]

What do you mean Aaron isn't a Ravens fan? He certainly seems like a Ravens fan to me.

[italianjoker]

McNair should definately get to be announced. his first true home game as the Ravens starter. it would mean more to him. the crowd will be pumped with or without Ray dancing. although, for the UK guys it would be big to see Ray dance in person.

[Admin Steve]

What do you mean Aaron isn't a Ravens fan? He certainly seems like a Ravens fan to me.

Aaron is an objective journalist. His team of choice is irrelevant.

But I know what it is ;)

[AZRAVEN]

I think I've figured it out, too.. :laugh:

[purplepoe]

With the way the D performed last week and Ray getting POTW, it seems like a no brainer to have him introduced.

Like I've maintained, the dance is just a dance. It's for the fans. It's not a huge deal one way or the other.

Seems to me a 27-0 win on the road erases alot of the pains of last season.

If Billick and the team have no issues (which I don't think they will), the dance is on.

PP

[RAVENOUS52]

:thumbup: To the dance. I would like to see the Defense introduced this week and the following homegame have McNair and the Offense introduced.
This will give Steve and his guys the opportunity to jell and put up some impressive stats over the next handfull of weeks leading up to his intro...:D

[BaltimoreRon]

Rav -- I thought you would give thumbs up to the dance. :)

[birdbrain]

Honest truth, fellas, my brother in law is an Eagles season ticket holder but he comes to some Ravens games when he can make it and he told me there is nothing....NOTHING like seeing Ray come out! It gives him chills to hear the crowd ramp up and go bullstein........just thought you might want to know out of towners love it as well.....:thumbup:

[RAVENOUS52]

Rav -- I thought you would give thumbs up to the dance. :)

Well Ron, what can I say?!!:D

Ironically, with all of the hub-bub over Ray's Dance this past summer, I have vowed to never again perform the dance at Ravens tailgates, lest my body be cast into the infinite void of the Phantom Zone by Admin Steve and Baltimore Gerg...:179421:

[ladyraven127]

What the hell is Zod?

Anyhoo . . . I prefer anything but the dance but that's because I'm still pissed at Ray and his little hissy fit at the end of the year and during the off season. I know I'm in a minority . . . that's okay. I'll deal with whatever.

:nerd:

[Tspot-D-Ravenator]

They ought to introduce the D-fence with Ray Ray's dance first, then introduce the newest member of the Ravens.....Steve McNair:taz: and the Baltimore Ravens Offense comes running out behind him.......The dance has to happen:thumbup: The crowd gets jacked when Ray does the dance:rocking: The whole offense will deserve to be announced after they prove they can git-er-done after a few games

[RAVENOUS52]

What the hell is Zod?

Zod is the undisputed ruler of the planet "Houston"...

Masterfully portrayed by the actor Terrance Stamp, I might add!:069:

[CrowMST3k]

Until this team get's a little more credibility under it's belt (The win was great, but it was one win, and we're coming off of a sub-par season), the Ravens should stick to the Team-based introductions. No sense in all this swagger-stuff until we prove that we're dominant week-in and week-out.

As far as firing the stadium up. I'm going to get fired up when any Ravens are introduced. I like the team idea, and I liked how sharp the Ravens were against the Bucs. They played as a team. Be introduced as one too.

[BertJonesMyHero]

Not all the fans like that dance. But that isn't my problem. My problem is making a decision not to, and then changing your mind before even 1 home game.

[Ravens0587]

Thats b/c we kick ass again

[BertJonesMyHero]

Well- I know my take won't be popular, but at least one or two people should say it.lol I think many people that don't like all the field dancing just keep their mouth shut. And I usually do when it comes to the dance because it is not a big deal. But again, after what went down this off season, it's the quick hook I take issue with. And dancing when you are 6-10 is just bad form.

I'd rather see a big to do made about McNair and the O personally. This is a new era. Then if you want to bring the dance back by popular demand, do it the second home game.

EDIT: If he does dance, at least the UK crew will be there to witness.

[Merlin]

Could not think of a worse idea, that will take us back to the "me first" approach of the last 2 seasons. Just when we were getting beyond that

At least start with the offense this week and ask Ray to cool the dance == there are more leaders now on the team than just Ray and if he is treated above the rest , the team chemistry will suffer.

[Purpleguy]

Wow, did their heads fit through the plane door on the way back from Tampa? Sure it was a great game, but it seems a bit soon to be going to the old "me first" Ravens. Ray shit on this organization last season, while the rest of the D continued to give 100%.

If they want to go to individual introductions, then fine, but no dancing. 31 other NFL teams seem to have no problem getting their fans and team pumped up without any dance routines. A few of those teams have even won multiple Superbowls without it.

[52decleetzu]

Casey from WNST just said that some players went to management and said they dont like the whole "team" intros.They said that they dont get the same reaction from the fans that the individuals did,and the energy wasnt there.He also said Ray will dance again,but when is the question and when he asked ray about it he gave him the old "wink and a nod"

[RAVENOUS52]

If I'm not mistaken, (and I'm not), the TEAM requested individual intros return after noticing the less-than-enthusiastic response of the fans during preseason. The TEAM is also in support of Ray's Dance because as their undisputed leader he fires them up and they draw from his energy and passion...

I've personally witnessed the effect #52 has on his teammates when I was on the Ravens sideline before, during and after an ESPN Sunday night game I attended when I was still living in St. Louis. It was awe-inspiring. The confidence and high level of accountability Ray instills in his fellow Ravens (especially his "backers") merely through his own passion and example is what sparked the BEST DEFENSE EVER for a single season. Ray had a vision, expressed it to his team before the season and told them to jump on his back and ride with him... Little has changed since then... Let's Dance!

[GreenWave52]

If I'm not mistaken, (and I'm not), the TEAM requested individual intros return after noticing the less-than-enthusiastic response of the fans during preseason. The TEAM is also in support of Ray's Dance because as their undisputed leader he fires them up and they draw from his energy and passion...

I've personally witnessed the effect #52 has on his teammates when I was on the Ravens sideline before, during and after an ESPN Sunday night game I attended when I was still living in St. Louis. It was awe-inspiring. The confidence and high level of accountability Ray instills in his fellow Ravens (especially his "backers") merely through his own passion and example is what sparked the BEST DEFENSE EVER for a single season. Ray had a vision, expressed it to his team before the season and told them to jump on his back and ride with him... Little has changed since then... Let's Dance!
I agree. The players want the indiviual intros and so do most of the people. As far as Ray dancing, I don't think he should this week simply because I think it is the offense's turn to get introduced to a standing O.

[Greg]

Could not think of a worse idea, that will take us back to the "me first" approach of the last 2 seasons. Just when we were getting beyond that
Wasn't the dance being done back in 2000? I thought so.

[WxKevin]

How are individual introductions "me-first" attitude? This is pre-game, not during the game. The individual introductions stem from a purely strategic viewpoint: The players feel they pump up the crowd more which feeds back down to the players. If introducing them individually pumps them up even more, why not do it? As long as they are one team during the game, that's all that should matter.

Introducing the team as a whole does nothing for me. It takes a whole 30 seconds and then its down. With the individual intros the crowd starts at the same level as if the whole team was introduced but the crowd crescendos with each subsequent player being announced until we are at a complete frenzy. Even if Ray is not allowe dto do his dance, i would still like to see them all introduced individually.

[RAVENOUS52]

I echo the sentiments of my main man/meteorologist, Kev!!:thumbup:

[Merlin]

I have no problem with the individual introductions -- and I love the theme to Gladiator -- its the focus on Ray at the end.

One of the problems in the 04 / 05 season was that individual players started to focus on their accomplishments (in part, I think led by Ray's example). You would see Suggs and Reed look at themselves on the video screen at the Vault and try to do things to cause attention to themselves.

In the 2000 season, the dynamics were different -- Ray was the younger player and the older players, e.g., Woodson / Sharpe supported him as a mentor.

Now that he's the older player and there are additional emerging leaders -- such as Reed and McNair -- in my opinion the focus cannot be exclusively on Ray. The dance contributes to that. I think a lot of problems with the team chemistry was that those additional leaders haven't had enough chance to emerge. Ray's got to show a little humility and lead with a different approach -- just like Billick's being asked to lead with a different approach.

You cannot just dial the clock back and assume its 2000 zbzin. You can take some elements but this is quite a different team. Its laughable already how some of the national writers are saying this is the most functional offense that the Ravens have had since 2000. This offense has the potential to be an order of magnitude better!! We all know that the 2000 offense wasn't very consistent or functional (e.g., the touchdown drought of 3 games) -- rather it had the knack of making the big play when it counted.

[Ravensarge]

Thank God the Offense was Introduced. I love Ray but lets get the team concept going. It was really neat introducing 2 TE's an:thumbup: d (I believe) 2 FB's