Ravens: 3 bold optimistic predictions for Week 1 vs. Raiders
By Justin Fried
3. Ravens CB Anthony Averett records his first career INT
The loss of Marcus Peters for the season will have a major effect on the Ravens’ defense, there’s no way around that. There is no making up for Peters’ playmaking skills, despite a deep cornerback group.
That being said, one player who will be called on to take Peters’ place in the starting lineup in Week 1 is Anthony Averett.
Averett is entering his fourth NFL season and, despite earning his fair share of praise from his coaching staff, has never been given an extended opportunity to shine.
Playing behind Peters and Marlon Humphrey, Averett has seen his playing time increase in each season including when he played a career-high 33 percent of defensive snaps in 2020 despite missing six games.
But in 2021, Averett will likely be asked to play a much larger role.
Averett is expected to start opposite Humphrey on Monday with Peters and Jimmy Smith sidelined. And even when Smith returns, his age will likely prevent him from playing a large role.
It all starts this Monday for Averett. He’s entering the game without an NFL interception to his name, but we’re predicting that he will finally break through and record his first career interception as a professional.
What better way to take the place of the ballhawk of the Ravens defense himself than by picking off your first career pass.