Ebony Bird
FanSided

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 3
Next
GLENDALE, AZ – OCTOBER 23: Free safety Earl Thomas #29 of the Seattle Seahawks on the sidelines 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 on the sidelines 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) /

3. Get his first career sack

Thomas has done just about everything in the National Football League. The one thing he has never done is sack the quarterback. This isn’t a high goal of most middle of the field safeties. It just feels like this should be on his NFL career bucket list. In Baltimore the pass rush can come from anywhere and everywhere. Thomas wasn’t going to get the opportunity to rush the passer in Seattle. In Baltimore, Don Martindale may send him on a blitz or two just to show the opposing offense another pressure look.

Thomas isn’t going to get pegged into doing just one thing. He’s not here just to play the center deep third of the defense. It’s what he does best, yet it won’t be the only thing asked of him. The Ravens could play some games with how they line Thomas and fellow safety Tony Jefferson. Jefferson’s versatility allows the Ravens to experiment with this from time to time. The Ravens defense prides itself on pressuring quarterbacks. Thomas is never going to be a quarterback sack artist but he could get a taste of rushing the passer.

Next. 3 goals for Patrick Onwuasor in 2019. dark

Thomas has to continue being one of the best defensive backs in the NFL. He has to have the career high marks that were stolen from him by a broken leg last year. He has to be a leader that follows the example that Weddle put into place. The third goal isn’t as important. Getting his first sack would be gravy as long as he accomplishes the first two objectives.

Home/Ravens News