Thanks guys, all good stuff. I do think that Lewis and Reed are significant losses from a leadership standpoint, but that doesn't mean that this team is suddenly deprived of leadership. And as far as actual field production, I don't think the those two losses hurt them at all. Ray Lewis was a complete liability. He had no business playing last year. Reed instincts kept him viable in coverage, but he's a non factor in the run.
I think the defense will be much better this year. Additions of Dumervil, Chris Canty, Daryl Smith, Matt Elam, and Arthur Brown more than make up for the defensive players that they lost.
My question with them is on offense. They just gave Flacco big cash and his number one receiver is Ray Rice.