Baltimore Ravens: 3 takeaways from OTAs press conference
By Joe Schiller
1. Wink will let the defense play
With a heavy focus on the offense, the Ravens are quietly undergoing a major change on the defensive side of the ball. Don “Wink” Martindale takes on the role as defensive coordinator after spending the previous six seasons working with the linebackers. In his first real opportunity to work with the entire defense, there’s a different mentality among the players.
Brandon Williams spoke on Martindale as a defensive coordinator saying, “He’s going to correct you but at the same time he’s not gonna put the chains on you and try to make you a robot.”
As solid as Dean Pee’s defensive units were, they couldn’t close out games when the Ravens needed it the most. Whether it was against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2016 or the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 17 last season, the defense faltered. That’s the difference between two trips to the postseason and sitting at home.
Martindale been widely regarded as a player’s coach and has received nothing but praise from the defensive personnel. The ability to make in-game adjustments and changes on the fly will be crucial this season. If a player like Eric Weddle or C.J. Mosley needs to make a defensive change during a play, the freedom of Martindale’s coaching style allows just that.
Next: Baltimore Ravens: Which young cornerback will step up?
Many of us are expecting big things from the defense this season and that will hopefully be evident with a new coordinator.