Brandon Carr is the best Ravens ‘newcomer’, though there is competition

The Ravens were desperate for a healthy, solid, number two cornerback to pair with Jimmy Smith. The Ravens couldn’t go into 2017 without one, and they couldn’t go into the season without cornerback depth, either. Brandon Carr has provided both.

Within his first start in Baltimore, Carr let it be known that he is here to play, to win, and to make plays. He intercepted an errant Andy Dalton pass in Week 1. DeShone Kizer was his Week 2 victim, as he hauled in another pick. Brandon’s addition has paid dividends.

No longer is it noticeable that the Ravens have a CB2 liability; Shareece Wright could never put it all together, nor Kyle Arrington or Jerraud Powers. But Carr, someway, somehow, has been a defensiveback addition where Baltimore can lean on either Jimmy or Brandon, and not fear a disaster.

Brandon hasn’t been the only great pickup of the season, as tight end Benjamin Watson has done his part. Though he was signed last year, he suffered a torn Achilles on the first offensive snap of the first preseason game. Now he’s back, and absolutely key to the offensive success.

Without Watson, the offense would somehow look less productive. Due to his dual capabilities of blocking and pass-catching, he’s tough to play against. Defenders are getting pushed out of his way on runs and getting burnt on routes in the air. His brilliance in Week 2 is a large part of the Ravens victory over the Cleveland Browns.