Baltimore Ravens will get big season out of Tony Jefferson

The addition of Earl Thomas benefits one player the most, Tony Jefferson. Jefferson is about to have a big season in Baltimore:

The Baltimore Ravens have one of the most talented secondary units in the entire NFL and Tony Jefferson could play a huge role in it’s success. Jefferson is a physical and aggressive safety. Last season he was playing alongside Eric Weddle. Weddle, who is a legendary player, has lost a step at this point in his career. Earl Thomas has the speed the Ravens need at the free safety position and it will boost what the Ravens get out of Jefferson.

Jefferson has cover skills but he is best when he is playing more as a box safety. Thomas is a true middle of the field safety who has the ability to reach more in the secondary. Thomas was a key part in the “Legion of Boom” for the Seattle Seahawks. Jefferson can be a Kam Chancellor like player and with the Ravens stacked cornerback group, Baltimore’s secondary is going to need it’s own nickname.

Last season, Jefferson had 74 tackles a sack and an interception. This season those numbers could go up. Don Martindale has more options with Jefferson than he did last year. Martindale also has creativity that Dean Pees never had. With shutdown corners and a ball hawk in Thomas, Jefferson can be moved around more.

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He could be used similar to the way the Pittsburgh Steelers used Troy Polamalu; on every play Jefferson’s whereabouts would have to be noted by the opponent because he could be blitzing or dropping into coverage.

Jefferson is all of the sudden in his perfect fit of a defense. It may have been a big reason the Ravens have built the secondary the way they have. Remember, Jefferson has been in Baltimore for two seasons. The Ravens have always valued him. While he’s been a very strong starter for the defense, this could be the year they get an elevated performance from Jefferson.

Jefferson is a dynamic defensive back who has the right pieces around him. This could be an interesting x-factor for the defense. Martindale earned a big vote of confidence last year as the defensive coordinator. It will be exciting to see what he does with Jefferson in the 2019 NFL season.

While Weddle and Jefferson were a good combination, this could be an even better one. Thomas and Jefferson are going to make a big impact working in tandem.