Who will field the most motivated unit in the entire NFL this season?

Jul/20/08 03:32 PM Filed in: Ray Lewis
RayLewis
Within the collective heart of the three-man Baltimore linebacking corps beats just one mantra this year: Show me the money. Ray Lewis might say he bleeds purple, but he's entering a contract year and he's desperate for his career's last big splash of green. The Ravens wisely didn't give into his entreaties for a new deal this offseason, and hope to get a monster year out of a player whose reputation has surpassed his production of late.

Baltimore's Bart Scott likewise is in the final season of his contract, and needs a bounce-back performance if he's going to remain in the Ravens' plans. And then there's Terrell Suggs, who the team franchised this offseason at $8.5 million, but failed to come to a long-term agreement with. An extension must now wait until after the season, when Baltimore figures to make him its leading priority in terms of potential free agency.

The linebackers' dash for the cash should make things interesting for Baltimore's veteran-laden defense this season. The Ravens, one would think, will benefit from the chase. At least before Lewis, Scott or Suggs do.

(cnnsi.com)