There’s no denying that Ray Lewis has been the poster child of the Ravens seemingly since the team’s inception.  He’s been the Ravens heart and soul.  He exerted his will to win upon his teammates and much like Michael Jordan with the Chicago Bulls, he elevated their play through leadership, preparation and excellence between the lines.

When Ray made bold assertions, we believed him.  We believed him because he delivered the ultimate prize during the 2000 season.  When he fell to injury in 2002, he said that he would return with a vengeance.  He said that Tampa Bay’s Derrick Brooks had just borrowed his award in 2002 – the Defensive Player of the Year.  And in 2003, he reclaimed that distinction. 

Last season wasn’t quite the same for Ray.  Opposing teams with strong offensive lines figured out how to put hats on Ray and his effectiveness fell far short of that in 2003.  Frustration set in.  He lashed out at Mike Nolan and complained openly about the defensive play calling.

When Mike Nolan moved on, Ray embraced new defensive coordinator Rex Ryan and the promise of the “46” Defense.  Ryan championed Ray’s cause – to blow up running backs.  The new approach would reinvigorate Ray and it inspired another bold proclamation from him -- that he would not just wrestle the title of Defensive Player of the Year away from teammate Ed Reed, he would be the NFL MVP.

We bought in again and with good reason.  Ray always delivered.

But not in 2005.  Not even close.

Ray has only completed 5 football games in 2005 and even in the games he played, he was no more of a factor than he was in 2004, perhaps even less.  The  respectable number of tackles was still there but they took place downfield and rarely at or behind the line of scrimmage.  The acclaimed “46” was never adopted as the team’s base defense.  The Ravens morphed in and out of different defensive looks none of which seemed to free Ray the way Rex Ryan and Ray had hoped.  Few if any running backs were "blown up."

Even before Ray’s injury, disturbing signs reared their ugly heads.  Ray didn’t seem to capture the attention of his teammates the way he once did.  He was seen alone on the bench – hardly the picture of the inspirational figure he once was.

What happened? 

Why wasn’t Ray reaching his mates?  Why didn’t they buy into his message anymore?  Did he simply tire of being the inspirational leader?  Was he weary of leading a defense that was forced to carry an inept offense year in and year out?

There’s been much talk on radio airwaves of Brian Billick’s message falling upon deaf ears of his veteran players.  Might the same be true of Ray and his veteran mates?  Are the dogs no longer in the house?

Something isn’t right with Ray and it has nothing to do with the most mysterious hamstring injury in Baltimore sports history.  No, there’s more.  There’s much more.

When Ray was sidelined in 2002 with an injury he assumed the role of coach/cheerleader.  When he couldn’t contribute on the field, he did all that he could to help while he stood outside the lines.  He engaged the team.

Today, Ray is in Florida preparing to rehabilitate a surgically repaired hamstring, or so we’re told.  Might he return to the sidelines for the Ravens next 3 games to root, root, root for the home team?  Possibly, but don’t hold your breath.  During a time when the Ravens are in dire need of leadership, Ray heads for the hills, or should I say a South Florida beach.  When his head coach could use a little reinforcement, you know the same head coach that had Ray’s back when a ravenous media wanted to roast him heading into Super Bowl XXXV, Ray bails out with barely a whisper.

Unless of course your media creds read SI or ESPN or ABC or Shannon Sharpe.  Then Ray might talk.

Is Ray’s absence a sign that he has bailed on Brian Billick?  And if so, is the damage reparable?  And if not reparable, who will go, Ray or Billick?

Entering the 2005 season, it would seem almost unconscionable that just 4 ½ months later, we would not only question the will of Ray Lewis, but also question his future with the team.  The infallible Ray Lewis -- the face of the Ravens has lost some of its luster here in The Land of Pleasant Living.

The dogs are no longer in the house and neither is Ray.  The question is will he ever be again?