By Mark Curnutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Ray Lewis is one of Marvin Lewis' favorite players, and it's not just because of how the Ravens linebacker can control a game.

The coach's liking for the player also has to do with the way Ray Lewis controlled and continues to control the Baltimore locker room as its unquestioned team leader.

"Generally, it's guys who are responsible, who act as a pro and help the young guys to see the way," Marvin Lewis said of the importance of leadership in the NFL.

Marvin was the Ravens defensive coordinator for six seasons, corresponding with Ray's first six years in the NFL.

On Sunday, Marvin, as rookie Bengals head coach, will face Ray and the Ravens for the first time. They won the Super Bowl together after the 2000 season, and Marvin didn't face the Ravens in his one year as Redskins defensive coordinator in 2002.

Now Marvin is trying to build a winner in Cincinnati, and a part of the process has been to cultivate and acquire locker-room leaders.

Marvin mentioned free-agent linebacker Kevin Hardy and veteran cornerback Jeff Burris this week when asked to name some leaders in the Bengals locker room.

But whether discussing leadership or his years in Baltimore, Marvin clearly reserves a special place for Ray, who wears No. 52.

"Fifty-two, from the day he walked in that building, he's led them," Marvin said when asked this week why the Ravens defense is so tough. "If you're not up to his standards, you better get out of the way. He makes them a better person (and) a better player in every way, shape (and) form."

Ray was the Ravens' second pick in the first round in 1996, Marvin's first year as coordinator. Offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden was the first pick after the franchise's move from Cleveland.

Marvin built his defense around Ray, and the success each would know would be connected.

"I don't know much about the inner-workings," said Bengals punter Kyle Richardson, who spent four seasons with Marvin and Ray in Baltimore. "On the field, whatever Marvin, as a defensive coach, was trying to get across about playing fast and getting to the ball, that's what Ray is all about."

Ravens coach Brian Billick arrived in 1999. Marvin, the only assistant retained from Ted Marchiborda's staff, already had worked with Ray for three years. Billick said he knew not to try to force himself into the mix.

"It was a good, solid relationship. And I'm sure it still exists today because both were a key part of each other's development," he said.

Billick's restraint paid off.

Ray had a career year in 2000 as NFL Defensive Player of the Year and Super Bowl MVP. Marvin's defense set 16-game season records for allowing fewest points (165) and rushing yards (970).

Ray said this week that Marvin taught him how to study film and see the game as a coach.

"You learn down and distance," Ray said. "You learn formations. You learn how, when, why and where. So when I did that with him, it was like a blessing just saying, 'I am going to give you all this.'"

Marvin built the defense around Ray. The overwhelming success of the Baltimore defense made Marvin one of the NFL's highest paid assistants in 2002 and one of its top head-coaching candidates.

He saw film of the 2003 Ravens defense the other night and said he almost had tears in his eyes because it was "fun to watch."

"The guys mean a lot to me," Marvin said. "Not that the offensive players don't, but when you're in the room with those guys as much as you are for so long - the six years with Ray and five years with Pete (Boulware) - and all the young guys we drafted, to see what they're doing now, it's fun. But now it's time to go to work and beat them."

Even though they'll be opponents, the respect and the shared accomplishments remain.

"Some 1-4 teams you look at and say, 'They are just sorry,' " Ray said. "There are some 1-4 teams that you look at and say, 'Wow, these guys are a bounce away from being (3-2). Marvin has their spirits up now."

Ray is only one of three defensive starters remaining from Marvin's group, along with cornerback Chris McAlister and Boulware.

"But the one thing that's been a constant is (No.) 52," Marvin said. "As long as 52 is there, you've got to tow the line in every way."

E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com