Bright Future Ahead for Ravens (Part 2: Defense)
by WestminsterRaven on Jan 27, 2012 10:00 AM EST
Email
Print
Perhaps there is no better a time to discuss how loaded the Baltimore Ravens’ defense is and will be for years to come. On the heels of breaking news concerning one-year stand out Defensive Coordinator Chuck Pagano’s acceptance of Indy’s head coaching job, Ravens fans should take comfort knowing that many Defensive Coordinators have come and gone throughout the years and yet, the Ravens continue to set the standard for hard nosed, old school, down right nasty defensive play. The Baltimore Ravens’ front office does as good a job, or better, than anyone at finding defensive gems in both the draft or free agency and this largely contributes to the defense’s and team’s overall success.
Yesterday I focused on young Ravens stand-outs on offense, so today I thought we could take a look at a few of the younger players on defense to get a taste of some of the things that we all have to look forward to. Like before, I’ll do some 2012 "projections" as well for a bit of fun.
- Lardarius Webb: The 3rd year CB out of Nicholls State has quickly sky-rocketed himself into full-on stardom. After early doubts in his career and suffering an injury his rookie season, the former 3rd round pick in the 2009 NFL Draft put together an absolutely stellar campaign this season. Webb, despite his smaller stature, is extremely versatile while excelling at man coverage, no matter the caliber of receiver he is lined up across from. He has shown a penchant for both reading and baiting QBs as evidenced by his 8 INTs this season. Not only does Webb excel in coverage, but he is also very adept at blitzing and has become one of the most solid tacklers on a team that features two future Hall of Fame caliber players in both Ray Lewis and Ed Reed. His contributions to special teams should not be over-looked either, as he also serves as the Ravens’ primary punt returner. Simply put, Lardarius Webb is a complete football player.
2011 Regular Season Stats: 54 solo tackles. 20 PDef. 5 INTs
2012 "Projected" Regular Season Stats: 60 solo tackles. 22 PDef. 7 INTs
- Jimmy Smith: Although hampered by an injury very early this season, Jimmy Smith played very solid football in this, his rookie year. Projected as a potential "shut-down corner", the Ravens drafted the 6 ft. 1 in. 210 lbs CB out of Colorado in the 1st round of the 2011 NFL Draft. Smith still has "shut-down" credentials despite looking a bit lost in coverage and missing assignments early on, but his size and natural ability were able to over come some minor problems. Cornerback is probably one of the absolute toughest positions to play in the NFL due to receivers becoming increasingly better each year along with QBs passing much, much more often. With a full off-season working on technique and perfecting the small things in his game, I expect big things from Smith who has all of the physical tools to be outstanding.
2011 Regular Season Stats: 20 solo tackles. 8 PDef. 2 INTs
2012 "Projected" Regular Season Stats: 42 solo tackles. 15 PDef. 3 INTs
- Pernell McPhee: As a 5th round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft out of Mississippi State, I don’t think many experts or fans had even a hint of the type of season this young DE would have, but boy did he sure prove himself. With very limited playing time, on a depth chart behind veterans that make up one of the best defensive fronts in the NFL today, Pernell McPhee made his presence known every time he stepped onto the field. In the time he did get on the field, it was clear that he has a great combination of size and speed with a knack for harassing offensive lineman and QBs alike. McPhee plays with a non-stop motor and an absolutely monstrous "bull rush" that simply over powers some offensive lineman. The Ravens found an absolute stud when they chose McPhee 165th overall.
2011 Regular Season Stats: 16 solo tackles. 6 sacks. 1 FF
2012 "Projected" Regular Season Stats: 30 solo tackles. 9 sacks. 2 FF
- Sergio Kindle: The Ravens’ 2nd pick in the 2nd round of the 2010 NFL draft out of Texas has yet to truly show his worth due to fracturing his skull after falling down a flight of stairs just weeks before his first training camp. When he was drafted, fans were elated as it seemed as though we had finally found an OLB to plug in opposite Terrell Suggs that could boost the Ravens’ pass rushing prowess. Unfortunately, everyone is still left waiting to see what the former college stand-out has to offer. Although Kindle is still a wild card, hopefully with another off season of training and healing he will be able to contribute next season.
2012 "Projected" Regular Season Stats: 15 solo tackles. 1 sack. 1 FF
Similar to the Ravens’ offense, the defense has a great mix of young talent and veteran savvy. Although Chuck Pagano is moving on for a head coaching job, I’m more than confident that the Ravens’ on-field defensive talent will remain just as dominant as it always has and I have all the faith in the world that the front office will find a capable, excellent replacement just as they always have.
Happy Friday everyone!
47 comments
|
1 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
The future is definitely looking bright. Jimmy and Webb will be one of the top tandems in the league. Great write ups by the way.
On Ed Reed:
"I’ve told him to his face many times, ‘You’re the greatest safety ever to play the game,’"
"We all learn from each other, but we all learn most from him."
- Troy Polamalu
No love for Paul Kruger?
Guy stepped up big time this season after many pegged him in as a bust. With JJ being up in the air about coming back, Kruger is by far the next man in line to take that OLB spot opposite Suggs.
Flacco has to trust his receivers to make catches, but shouldn’t throw towards coverage. He needs to attack deep more often, but shouldn’t hold onto the ball so long. He needs to show more awareness in the pocket and move to extend plays, but nothing good comes of him leaving the pocket. He should run with the ball if nobody’s open, but he definitely can’t run with the ball.
Flacco should have the awareness of Roethlisberger, the elusiveness of Vick, the control of the offense of Manning, the leadership of Brady, the accuracy of Brees, and the arm strength of … Flacco? - Ampallang
And I voted Jimmy by the way. He had his poor moments, but most rookies do….especially after not seeing any action whatsoever due to injury than being thrown into the fire against veterans like Malcolm Floyd and Jerome Simpson. But some of those ints he made were ALL film study and smarts. And after rewatching the Houston playoff game, man was he all over Andre Johnson.
Couldn’t vote for Webb because I really don’t see how he can improve, I cannot recall one poor play from him all season. 8 ints in 18 games from a CB? That is Charles Woodson like production from a guy only in his 3rd year.
Flacco has to trust his receivers to make catches, but shouldn’t throw towards coverage. He needs to attack deep more often, but shouldn’t hold onto the ball so long. He needs to show more awareness in the pocket and move to extend plays, but nothing good comes of him leaving the pocket. He should run with the ball if nobody’s open, but he definitely can’t run with the ball.
Flacco should have the awareness of Roethlisberger, the elusiveness of Vick, the control of the offense of Manning, the leadership of Brady, the accuracy of Brees, and the arm strength of … Flacco? - Ampallang
Yeah like you said he had a few down moments, but outside of those he really showed how dominant he can potentially be.
On Ed Reed:
"I’ve told him to his face many times, ‘You’re the greatest safety ever to play the game,’"
"We all learn from each other, but we all learn most from him."
- Troy Polamalu
I considered both Kruger and Macadoo (sp?) for posting as well, but it was about 900 words as is. I agree though. Those guys shouldn’t be overlooked.
"Don't throw it, don't throw it, don't throw it. I know y'all going to throw it, they going to throw it anyway. I wouldn't throw it. Don't do it." - Ed Reed
You say tomato, I say tomahto. You say Six, I say Sweep.
by WestminsterRaven on Jan 27, 2012 11:34 AM EST up reply actions
Dag Nabbit
and I mean that as harsh as it can possibly sound
You like Thai? Tie good. You like shirt?
Dean Pees promoted to DC also. And Cam is also officially being retained.
"Don't throw it, don't throw it, don't throw it. I know y'all going to throw it, they going to throw it anyway. I wouldn't throw it. Don't do it." - Ed Reed
You say tomato, I say tomahto. You say Six, I say Sweep.
by WestminsterRaven on Jan 27, 2012 11:39 AM EST reply actions
If Ozzie thinks that retaining Cam is what’s best for the team, then I’ll trust in his judgment. But if it doesn’t work out, I’ll be the first one with torches and pitchforks on Cameron’s front porch.
by StuckInUtah on Jan 27, 2012 12:27 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I agree. We have to trust them to do what they feel is best. They haven’t ever given me a reason to doubt their decisions. Realistically, if some of those head scratcher plays go away with better down and distance play calling, this offense could really be something special.
"Don't throw it, don't throw it, don't throw it. I know y'all going to throw it, they going to throw it anyway. I wouldn't throw it. Don't do it." - Ed Reed
You say tomato, I say tomahto. You say Six, I say Sweep.
by WestminsterRaven on Jan 27, 2012 12:33 PM EST up reply actions
I hope that we at least put an assistant coach that knows a thing or two about modern playcalling so far up Cam’s butt, that Cam’s head will have to find a new home.
Ha. Yea, a little WC hurry up action would be nice. I’m not holding my breathe though.
"Don't throw it, don't throw it, don't throw it. I know y'all going to throw it, they going to throw it anyway. I wouldn't throw it. Don't do it." - Ed Reed
You say tomato, I say tomahto. You say Six, I say Sweep.
by WestminsterRaven on Jan 27, 2012 4:16 PM EST up reply actions
I agree.
Although, for me, first thing is not the hurry up, but getting out of the huddle with 10-15 on the play clock. It should not take 17 seconds from the time the ball is spotted or 30 seconds from the end of the last play to break the huddle and get to the line. We have to figure that out.
You come at the king, you best not miss.
by organizedchaos52 on Jan 27, 2012 4:40 PM EST up reply actions
I'd like to start with that one.
That way, at least Flacco has time to read the defense, the DL can’t jump the snap count, etc. Maybe then Flacco can call a better game at the line than Cameron does.
You come at the king, you best not miss.
by organizedchaos52 on Jan 29, 2012 1:11 PM EST up reply actions
The news is disappointing on several levels to me
but mostly because it seems like a blunder after the news is leaked that his contract is not being renewed. What was that all about? Inaccurate sources are one thing, but to go suddenly from, “he’s on his way out” to “he’s our guy” just reeks of poor planning. The best I can come up with is that after Pagano takes the job in Indy Ozzie thinks that they should not have 2 new coordinators next season. But even that seems thin.
You like Thai? Tie good. You like shirt?
Oh and I agree the defense is looking good
going forward. Sorry for getting off topic there.
You like Thai? Tie good. You like shirt?
Well hopefully
Cameron gets somewhat smarter with his playcalling. I still have no faith in keeping him
by Ravens4Life on Jan 27, 2012 12:48 PM EST via mobile reply actions
To bad we don’t have the cap space to pursue V-Jax. With him, Boldin, and Torrey, Cam would have all the pieces for his Air Coryell system.
by StuckInUtah on Jan 27, 2012 12:56 PM EST via mobile reply actions
The ravens will have a chance to go after wideouts like Malcolm Flyod, Jeff Fuller, Brain Quick,
Stephen Hill, Rueben Randle, and etc in the draft that have the same size and attributes as v-jax.
I know for sure the ravens will draft a big tall physical wideout this year and once they do the ravens offense will be way better than last year
We don’t know “for sure” that they will, gotta see how the board plays out. But I would not mind Alshon Jeffrey falling to the 29th pick.
Flacco has to trust his receivers to make catches, but shouldn’t throw towards coverage. He needs to attack deep more often, but shouldn’t hold onto the ball so long. He needs to show more awareness in the pocket and move to extend plays, but nothing good comes of him leaving the pocket. He should run with the ball if nobody’s open, but he definitely can’t run with the ball.
Flacco should have the awareness of Roethlisberger, the elusiveness of Vick, the control of the offense of Manning, the leadership of Brady, the accuracy of Brees, and the arm strength of … Flacco? - Ampallang
Height isn’t everything if they think these guys can’t catch, run routes, block, etc. We just have to see. Wouldn’t mind a 6’5" WR though.
Flacco has to trust his receivers to make catches, but shouldn’t throw towards coverage. He needs to attack deep more often, but shouldn’t hold onto the ball so long. He needs to show more awareness in the pocket and move to extend plays, but nothing good comes of him leaving the pocket. He should run with the ball if nobody’s open, but he definitely can’t run with the ball.
Flacco should have the awareness of Roethlisberger, the elusiveness of Vick, the control of the offense of Manning, the leadership of Brady, the accuracy of Brees, and the arm strength of … Flacco? - Ampallang
Kindle had six sacks....wow
I loved this guy coming out of college…His injury killed it…..see Bengals Dontay Moch……
"In a battle between patience and power, patience always wins"
Kindle only played in 2 games, he had zero sacks. You were looking at Pernell McPhee’s stats.
Flacco has to trust his receivers to make catches, but shouldn’t throw towards coverage. He needs to attack deep more often, but shouldn’t hold onto the ball so long. He needs to show more awareness in the pocket and move to extend plays, but nothing good comes of him leaving the pocket. He should run with the ball if nobody’s open, but he definitely can’t run with the ball.
Flacco should have the awareness of Roethlisberger, the elusiveness of Vick, the control of the offense of Manning, the leadership of Brady, the accuracy of Brees, and the arm strength of … Flacco? - Ampallang
And don't look for Kindle on the final roster next season
That experiment went bust (then boom, then doink, donk, doink, donk, doink…)
According to @RavensInsider Ozzie and Co had always planned to retain Cam. Thought that was interesting considering early reports, like PFT, indicated that his contract would not be re done.
"Don't throw it, don't throw it, don't throw it. I know y'all going to throw it, they going to throw it anyway. I wouldn't throw it. Don't do it." - Ed Reed
You say tomato, I say tomahto. You say Six, I say Sweep.
by WestminsterRaven on Jan 27, 2012 2:22 PM EST reply actions
For some reason, we are the only team interested in Cam Cameron.
How often does a offensive coordinator in the last year of his contract take his team to the championship game, and not get a single mention of taking any vacant positions for another team across the entire league?
Pagano is the reason we kept Cam
The Ravens didn’t want to disrupt the team on both sides of the ball. That would create such havoc in the locker room. One side is bad enough… Both sides would be crazy… So sad we are keeping him though. He sucks. He really does. And yes, I’m a hater (but only of Cameron)! Go Ravens!
I agree
but I really think we’d be better off with a new OC, regardless of new coordinators on both sides of the ball. Oh well…
Webb Camp
Lardarius Webb of the Baltimore Ravens and Roy Helu of the Washington Redskins will be holding their annual, 4 day 3 night, football camp from June 29-July 2 at McDaniel College, Westminster, MD. Go to www.footballcamps.com
by SI FOOTBALL CAMPS on Jan 31, 2012 11:04 AM EST reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Baltimore Beat Down
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
SBNation.com Recent Stories
In Association With
Shutdown Corner - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
- Former high-school star Brian Banks does serious time on trumped-up charge, now hopes for an NFL shot
- Former ‘idiot kicker’ Mike Vanderjagt in trouble after accosting junior-high heckler
- Adrian Peterson blows teammates away in footraces; appears to be on the mend
- UPDATE: Charlie Sheen didn’t buy Lawrence Taylor’s Super Bowl ring
- Alex Smith gets blown up by Jon Beason over Cam Newton comments
