The Baltimore Ravens have turned over every stone possible to ensure that their defense wouldn’t continue to plummet in 2026. The most notable move was the hiring of Jesse Minter, and almost every key addition that followed has prioritized the defense. A much-needed shift is coming.
That shift should be drastic. It felt like there was little energy on defense last year, and with all the new faces, there should be a different tone that they’ll be playing with. However, perhaps more important than anything are the returning names.
Along with Minter, Anthony Weaver, who played a role on the dominant 2023 unit, comes back to be the defensive coordinator. Another reunion is that with Calais Campbell. The 18-year veteran played under Weaver from 2021 to 2022. He knows more than anyone how important the 45-year-old coach’s impact is, and he made that clear during Tuesday’s minicamp outing.
Baltimore Ravens’ defender brings even more hype to key coaching staff addition
Calais Campbell’s review of Anthony Weaver was simply glowing. He mentioned that the defensive coordinator is probably the favorite coach he’s had across his long NFL career, and he was the main reason that he returned to Charm City. More importantly, though, is the reasoning behind that.
“The reason [he’s my favorite coach] is he’s really good at connecting with the guys,” Campbell said. “He’s the first one to say he just wants to win, he just wants to be part of something great.”
That’s exciting. The defense desperately needed that sort of leader—a guy that can get his group to play with their hair on fire and a relentless demeanor for 60 minutes straight. That’s why Weaver’s the perfect man for the job, and as a result, there should be plenty of success coming under his tutelage.
Yes, Jesse Minter will be calling the plays on defense in 2026, but Weaver will, of course, remain a huge part of the game-planning process. But the biggest effect he may have? Lighting a fire under the defense.
Weaver’s energy is undeniable. It’s infectious. It was on display during his time as Baltimore’s defensive line coach from 2021 to 2023, and he took no time at all to remind everybody what he’s all about when it was announced that he was hired to be the defensive coordinator.
The mindset he’s bringing to the Ravens in 2026 says it all. He’s mentioned that he wants his guys to be out there hunting like a pack of wolves, and that once the game’s finished, the opposition will depart feeling like they left a fight. That's what Baltimore defense is all about. It felt like they shied away from that philosophy over the past two seasons, but Weaver is here to reinforce it. With the way he’s able to command a room, he should have no problem doing that.
The return of the Campbell and Weaver partnership will be really fun to watch. There’s no debating that. We know Campbell can still get it done at 39 years old, and Weaver is clearly one of the best up-and-coming coaches that the NFL has to offer. Between the two, the Ravens now have themselves a fearless and vocal leader both on and off the field.
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