If you need Ray Lewis on the field Sunday to be able to beat the Buffalo Bills at home, you are not a legitimate contender.

What is the upside in him playing? The upside in him not playing is that in-conjunction with the bye, the 15 year veteran could be as rested as possible for the stretch run.

The above argument for resting Lewis applies to other veterans as well.

After getting crushed by Brandon Meriweather last Sunday, Todd Heap has been dealing with pain this week. Why not give him that extra-week of rest and allow Dickson and Pitta to receive some additional playing time?

The next-time Kelly Gregg makes a play, it will be his first of the season. The Ravens spent a 2nd round pick on Terrence Cody. The Ravens should want to see what Cody can do anyway, but they should be excited by the opportunity to give Gregg some additional rest.

Derrick Mason will be 37 years-old in January. You do not need him to win this weekend. Take a seat, rest-up and we will see you against Miami. This would also allow the Ravens to find a few additional balls for Houshmandzadeh before the bye, which would probably help him mentally.

How about an extra-week off for Matt Birk? You could slide Chester over to Center, and get Cousins some time at Guard.

Someone somewhere is reading this and believes I am crazy. What I believe is that by the Ravens own admission the only way this season can end positively is by winning it all. If the Ravens are going to advance to Dallas, and win their 2nd Lombardi Trophy the above veterans will each be needed to contribute. A little additional rest now might allow them to contribute more later. At a minimum, it will help have those backups better prepared to help if called upon later this season.

Chris Stoner
Chris Stoner

Owner

Chris Stoner founded Baltimore Sports and Life in 2009. He has appeared as a radio guest with 1090 WBAL, 105.7 The Fan, CBS 1300, Q1370, WOYK 1350, WKAV 1400, and WNST 1570. He has also been interviewed by The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal, and PressBox (TV). As Owner, his responsibilities include serving as the Managing Editor, Publicist, & Sales Director.

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