NFL Playoffs 2013: Key Defensive Players to Watch in Each Divisional Game

January 9, 2013   ·   Joseph Zucker   ·   Jump to comments

Defenses are going to be vital in this weekend's divisional round games.
Here are four defensive players that could have a big impact and send their team to the conference finals.
 
Baltimore Ravens at Denver Broncos: Baltimore LB Ray Lewis
This is of course Ray Lewis' last NFL playoffs, as he announced he is retiring at the end of the season. Before last week's Wild Card game against the Colts, Lewis hadn't played in a game since October.
He didn't show the tiniest signs of rust, getting nine solo tackles and assisting on four others.
Lewis is one of the most inspiring players in the league. As this is likely the end of the line, you can expect every single Raven to play with the express purpose of letting Lewis go out on top.
The Baltimore defense will need to step up against Peyton Manning. If he's able to have a big performance, the Ravens won't stand a chance.
It's up to Lewis to organize the defense at the line of scrimmage and make th...

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