Baltimore Ravens middle linebacker Ray Lewis is rumored to possibly be out for the rest of the season with a torn triceps. Lewis is the driving force behind what is left of this once dominant Ravens defense.

If the rumors are true and Lewis will not play again this season, I believe it will be his last. It is a horrible end to an amazing career and maybe Lewis can help this team from the sidelines for this season and beyond. This isn't the post to say all I would want to say about the loss of a legend so I'll strictly stick to what this will mean for this team in 2012.

The loss of Lewis would force Danell Ellerbe and Jameel McClain to be the starting middle linebackers. Albert McClellan may have to move back to the inside so Sergio Kindle may get some more playing time at rush end.

Over all the loss would be devastating but it's not like the Ravens defense has been shutting down anyone at anything thus far so perhaps a new strategy with fresh new blood won't be the worst thing in the world. Perhaps the team could rally behind their injured players and Ed Reed could remember how to tackle and all will be well in the end.

It is more evident now than ever that the offense will bear the load this season. Let's hope they are up for the task...