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3 Big Things: Baltimore Ravens Transform Secondary

By Chris Schisler

Aug 27, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Detroit Lions running back Theo Roddick (25) avoids a tackle by Baltimore Ravens safety Eric Weddle (32) at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 27, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Detroit Lions running back Theo Roddick (25) avoids a tackle by Baltimore Ravens safety Eric Weddle (32) at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 12, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Terrell Suggs (55) on the sideline during the second quarter against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 12, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Terrell Suggs (55) on the sideline during the second quarter against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Dean Pees Can Be More Aggressive:

The Ravens have the perfect combination at the safety positions. Eric Weddle and Tony Jefferson are both play-makers. They will prevent big plays for the opposition and they will make life easier for the Ravens cornerbacks. The Ravens defense under Pees has been more of a bend but don’t break style. The secondary has always been an excuse for this mindset. Now that the Ravens have two great safeties and corners who can hold their own, Pees has less excuse for a conservative defense.

The Ravens certainly have a need for pass rushers, but now they can be more creative. They can blitz more, they can play tighter coverage. Having Weddle and Jefferson has to give Pees some confidence. With a better secondary the Ravens simply have better options in terms of mixing things up.

The Ravens lost their Christmas showdown with the Steelers because they played a prevent defense in the waning moments of the game. Pees may have felt like he had no choice but to be conservative. Now he has the option not to be. He can make something happen instead of letting something happen.

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