If Ravens' Landry Leaves, Don't Expect Job To Be Handed To Zbikowski

Once this NFL labor mess gets settled, there's a pretty decent chance that the Baltimore Ravens will not be re-signing free agent strong safety Dawan Landry. If he leaves, most people think the starting job next to free safety Ed Reed, will just be handed to fourth-year veteran Tom Zbikowski. Zbi has started in place of Landry when he was injured and also subbed for Ed Reed the first six games of the 2010 season. While Tom has played well, if not solid, do not expect him to be awarded that job without a Training Camp fight, according to a story by Aaron Wilson of the Carroll County Times.

Let's clarify the word, "fight," considering the recent hobby that 'Tommy Z' sort of just temporarily retired from, in the boxing ring. When Zbikowski was drafted in 2008, they Ravens also drafted safety Haruki Nakamura. Nakamura has played regularly in specific defensive packages, as well as on Special Teams. He has made some solid plays as well and while Zbikowski might be the front runner for the job, Haruki is not far behind.

The two have been friends and roommates since their rookie seasons and perhaps one day, regardless of what happens this season, they will be on the field at the same time, side-by-side, as both strong and free safeties for the Ravens. That would not be a bad pair to have, a former boxer and judo champion starting in the secondary once Ed Reed ultimately follows Ray Lewis into retirement and shortly thereafter, the NFL Pro Football Hall of Fame.