When the Baltimore Ravens began to develop a reputation for defensive excellence, Ray Lewis was the piston that propelled combustion for Marvin Lewis’ defense. While Ray was doing his thing, making highlight reel, bone-jarring tackles and building what would be a Hall of Fame career, his supporting cast assumed the dirty work. Players like Tony Siragusa, Sam Adams, Kelly Gregg and Haloti Ngata took on blockers to keep Ray clean so he could do his thing.
The dirty work is unheralded but just as critical to defensive success as the player putting the finishing touch on a successful play.