Ravens LB Lewis earns Pro Bowl berth

[1niksder]

Ravens LB Lewis earns Pro Bowl berth

BALTIMORE (Jan. 24, 2007) -- Ray Lewis is going to the Pro Bowl, after all.

The Baltimore Ravens' middle linebacker earned an eighth trip to Hawaii, replacing injured linebacker Al Wilson of the Denver Broncos on the AFC squad. Lewis was named a first alternate last month.

Lewis led the Ravens' top-ranked defense with 164 tackles, the ninth time in his 11-year career he finished as Baltimore's leading tackler. He also had five sacks and two interceptions.

Lewis is the sixth member of the Ravens to be named to the Pro Bowl. Safety Ed Reed, offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden and outside linebacker Adalius Thomas were picked to be starters. Linebacker Terrell Suggs and cornerback Chris McAlister will head to Hawaii as reserves.

"It's always a privilege to be voted in to the Pro Bowl, especially when your peers have a voice," Lewis said in a statement. "I think this recognizes what great team defense we played this year with myself, Adalius, Chris, Terrell and Ed representing our team and our city in Hawaii."

Baltimore finished 13-3 before losing to Indianapolis in the second round of the playoffs. Some of the Ravens were stunned last month when Lewis wasn't named to the Pro Bowl.

Lewis started in 14 games during the regular season, missing two with a back injury. He was credited with 23 tackles -- 13 solo -- in the 15-6 playoff loss to the Colts.

[Deadskins]

Some of the Ravens were stunned last month when Lewis wasn't named to the Pro Bowl.

Me too. It's such a popularity contest, I would think Ray Lewis would have a permanent position on the AFC squad.