The Baltimore Ravens have had their fair share of struggles in the secondary. It seems like a yearly conversation about a never ending problem. Well the discussion will change this season:
The key here for the Baltimore Ravens is that they have two of the best safeties in the NFL. Tony Jefferson and Eric Weddle are the perfect pair. Both players can play the free and strong safety roles because they’re physical players with range. The Seattle Seahawks built one of the most powerful defenses in football with the combination of Eric Thomas and Kam Chancellor in the back end of their defense. Baltimore is building their own legion of boom.
Jimmy Smith is a good cornerback, whether you want to admit it or not. Yes, he is injury prone, but when he’s on the field he is a star. Smith is one of the few players in the NFL that actually wants to go toe to toe with Antonio Brown. Brandon Carr and Marlon Humphrey add some extra security at the cornerback position. Carr is a reliable veteran and Humphrey is a promising rookie.
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The Ravens have play-makers
The most exciting part of the Ravens secondary though, is having Brandon Boykin covering the slot receiver. This is where Boykin has had his most success. He’s not the greatest cornerback on the outside, but he’s a play-maker at the nickel position. Don’t be surprised to see Boykin wind up with some interceptions, being pesky to slot receivers.
The Ravens are good enough at cornerback to be successful. With two great safeties, the cornerbacks have a lot less pressure on them.
The Ravens secondary has always had trouble stopping the tight end. Jefferson will solve this problem. Jefferson has the athletic ability to cover tight ends and to be an enforcer in the middle of the field. The Ravens have what they need in the back-end of their defense and they’re going to win games because of it.
The Bottom Line:
A truly elite secondary limits big plays and shuts down an elite opponent for much of the game. The Ravens are used to facing the Pittsburgh Steelers incredible passing attack. This season the Ravens will actually be equipped to stop it. Baltimore almost beat Pittsburgh without Jimmy Smith. Imagine what they can do with their top cornerback and a ton of new help around him.
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The Ravens defense now has a great pass rush and a great secondary. The Ravens will win games because of both improved aspects in their team. Baltimore has not had this good of a secondary since Ed Reed roamed the field. Having two great safeties, with a surprisingly productive Boykin at the nickel will give the Ravens a ton of success in the secondary.