Here are three reasons why the Ravens bringing Williams back is a big deal. We start with the number one reason, he’s the anchor of the defense.
You’ve probably heard Williams be called the anchor of the defense in the past few seasons, but it’s important to know what it means. Williams is the nose guard of the defense. He plays right up the middle, often over the center. Behind Williams C.J. Mosley and a player to be named later roam. In the 3-4 defense the nose guard is more important.
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The guards usually have nobody lined up directly across from them when the Ravens use a 3-4 odd front. If Williams doesn’t eat up space the inside linebackers have a tougher battle. Secondly, Williams bounces so many runs outside. This helps the Ravens linebackers string out the run game. Everything in the NFL starts up front. Williams is as tough as any player in the trenches.
Williams makes an impact that his personal stats really does not measure. He isn’t a pass rusher. He is a space eater that demands a double team, if you want to run the football against the Ravens. While he is not a great sack artist, he does push the pocket back and he is good at getting his hands up and tipping passes. If you take Williams off this team, I know a group of people who will notice right away, and that’s the Ravens linebackers.