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2019 Baltimore Ravens: 3 goals for Earl Thomas

By Chris Schisler

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 23: Free safety Earl Thomas #29 of the Seattle Seahawks reacts during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 23, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 23: Free safety Earl Thomas #29 of the Seattle Seahawks reacts during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 23, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 26: Bobby Wagner #54 of the Seattle Seahawks celebrates with teammates after recovering a turnover against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on November 26, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 26: Bobby Wagner #54 of the Seattle Seahawks celebrates with teammates after recovering a turnover against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on November 26, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

2. Be everything Eric Weddle was and more:

The Baltimore Ravens could have chosen to keep Eric Weddle. Weddle was a leader of the defense and one of the key players in the locker room. He was hailed as a coach on the field. He was universally loved by the players, coaches and the fans. While Thomas doesn’t have to indulge in the over the top ice cream celebrations that Weddle had, he has to be more than just a great player.

The Ravens lost C.J. Mosley and Terrell Suggs in addition to Weddle. The Ravens are well equipped from a talent perspective. Their inside linebackers are underrated and their secondary is off the charts loaded. Leadership and chemistry are very important though, it’s not just about talent.

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Whatever moniker you want to give him whether it’s coach on the field or quarterback of the defense, Thomas has to be the glue that keeps it all together. That’s what Weddle was. Thomas is an upgrade from a football standpoint. He needs to be an equivalent presence among his teammates.

The Ravens releasing Weddle shows that Eric DeCosta won’t let emotions make decisions for him. Nobody wanted to say goodbye to number 32. Thomas can cover more ground more quickly. While Weddle was a strong safety who successfully transitioned to the free safety spot, Thomas is a natural free safety. Thomas was brought in to be an upgrade from a football standpoint. He has to be the same kind of leader that Weddle was. Judging by his history in Seattle, Thomas will do well in this respect.

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