Ray Lewis, Ed Reed star on built-to-last Ravens defense

Ray Lewis and Ed Reed have spent 11 seasons together with the Baltimore Ravens, making one big play after another for a defense that is always among the best in the NFL.

Although it's difficult to imagine the Ravens without Lewis in the middle of the field and Reed as the last line of defense, the unit has plenty of young players eager to make an imprint after these two perennial Pro Bowl stars retire.

Baltimore's defense, which ranked third in the NFL this season, is the main reason why the Ravens (13-4) are in the AFC championship game and stand a decent chance of beating high-powered New England (14-3) to advance to the Super Bowl.

Linebacker Jarret Johnson says, "We've got veteran experience ... and young, raw talent."


(sfgate.com)