Baltimore Ravens safety Eric Weddle spoke to the media yesterday and called this team the closest he has ever been apart of. This chemistry could go a long way for what hopes to be the leagues best defense this year.
Baltimore Ravens safety Eric Weddle is entering his eleventh NFL season and has seen teammates come and go. Even after spending the majority of his career with the Chargers, he feels right at home in Baltimore.
Weddle expressed these feelings in yesterday’s press conference saying, “In my eleven years, this will be my eleventh season, this is by far the closest team I’ve ever been apart.”
The fact that he called this particular Ravens team the closest he has ever been apart of is impressive. Chemistry on all three sides of the ball, offense, defense and special teams is huge.
I like to think that this current Ravens defense has the perfect blend of seasoned veteran leadership. From players like Terrell Suggs, Eric Weddle, and Lardarius Webb to fast, hungry and young players looking to make a name for themselves.
Young players will play a huge role on the defense this year.
Some of these exciting young players are 2017 first round pick, Marlon Humphrey, 2017 second and third round picks, Tyus Bowser and Tim Williams, and second-year players like Matt Judon, Michael Pierce, and Kamalei Correa. Not to mention the young players who are already leaders on the defense such as C.J. Mosley, Brandon Williams, Jimmy Smith and Tony Jefferson. Expect some of the previous players I mentioned above to take a step into a leadership role this year as well.
Barring injuries, cornerback Marlon Humphrey has the luxury of sitting behind Jimmy Smith and Brandon Carr his first year. He may not be a huge contributor this season, but you can bet he will be in the years to come. Expect to see Tyus Bowser on the field a lot as well. He is the most complete rookie outside linebacker on the team by far. Tim Williams has the potential to be a force on the outside but will take time to adjust to the NFL. I expect Michael Pierce to dominate at the line of scrimmage and Kamalei Correa to provide a nice complement to C.J. Mosley.
None of these young guys are being thrown to the wolves in their first or second year, as there are experienced veterans at nearly every position. The Ravens are definitely counting on some of them to make this defense complete, but they are far from the only bullets in the gun.
Veteran leadership and communication will be key.
This young, promising group of outside linebackers have one of the best to learn from in potential Hall of Famer Terrell Suggs. The young secondary players looking to make an impact will also have very good role models in Pro Bowler Eric Weddle and emerging star Tony Jefferson, as well veterans Brandon Carr and Lardarius Webb. The defensive lineman can all look towards the biggest guy in the middle, Brandon Williams, when they need a reminder of what to strive for.
If there is one thing that defensive players need to get right, it is communication. Communication is key to being a successful defense in this league. Luckily, the Ravens have Terrell Suggs and Eric Weddle, who are masters at guessing the play and setting up everyone around them for success. C.J. Mosley is no slouch either at this and will only continue to get better going into his fourth year.
Next: Baltimore Ravens: 10 things we have learned so far
The Bottom Line
Having good communication and bonds with your teammates around you can elevate the play of every man on the defense. The young players have the best to learn from. The veterans have the young blood to lean on when they need a little rest. This Ravens defense could be a beautiful relationship this year.