
Last year Baltimore’s best hope of a healthy secondary was to pray for a dominant rush. Check out the best bookmakers for betting on the NFL!
The Ravens have quietly created a workforce of capable defensive backs, which has made this a different team.
Clifton Brown spoke out about the changes in the Ravens’ defensive backfield.
“The Ravens saw a glimpse at their new secondary during OTAs and are already in love with the possibilities. The Ravens defense has adopted the term “versatility” as a catchphrase. It features athletic players who can play multiple positions.
By signing Marcus Williams and drafting Kyle Hamilton, two additional safeties have been added to the defense, including the brainy and experienced Chuck Clark. Damarion Williams and Jalyn Armour Davis, both rookies, have added depth to Marlon Humphrey’s cornerback group.
It’s evident that Mike Macdonald, the new defensive coordinator, has an aggressive secondary who can display multiple looks even without Peters or recently signed cornerback Kyle Fuller. Macdonald’s loves versatility and wants to make sure they have it.
Macdonald stated that it could provide a significant advantage. We’ll begin to narrow it down as we get closer and closer to kickoff so that we can play. “The more we keep the offenses guessing, and the more we put our best players out there that can play fast, the better… this is the year to test those things.”
Baltimore gave up a record 4,742 passing yards last season, the highest in NFL history. Although injuries to Peters and Humphrey were crucial in Baltimore’s demise defensively, Humphrey admitted that the secondary didn’t perform to the standards he expected.
Humphrey stated that “I think there definitely were some letdowns last season in the secondary.” “So we are reorganizing, getting some men back to health, and adding a few pieces. “I’m very excited about the draft picks and free agency guys we took.” Check out the top new sportsbooks for betting on the NFL!
Macdonald is a creative player. As Michigan’s defensive coach, his one-season stint saw No. 2-overall pick Aiden Hutchinson, Detroit Lions, blossom into an intimidating pass rusher. Ravens second-round draft David Ojabo became one of the best outside linebackers in the country. At the same time, Dax Hill (Bengals) was a cornerback/safety who was also a first-round pick.
Although Macdonald doesn’t want to take all of the credit for Michigan’s success, it’s clear that he is open to suggestions for adapting his system to his players’ strengths.
Macdonald stated that “Hutch” [Hutchinson] is a rugged player who was fantastic. We tweaked his position, and he played well. It ended up being a significant change for him.” “With ‘Jabo” [Ojabo], we hadn’t seen him play as much, so we just saw someone who could fly and a 6-4, 6-5 guy that could run. And it worked out well for us.
Williams’ safety range should make Baltimore less likely to give up big plays and allow others to play aggressively below. Williams and Fuller have combined for 35 interceptions in their careers. Peters has had 31 interceptions since joining the NFL in 2015. They are playmakers. After the Ravens finished 29th in the NFL last season with only 15 takeaways, forcing more turnovers will be a primary focus for next season.
Williams has had the opportunity to evaluate his abilities and can now see Macdonald’s plan.
Williams stated, “He teaches us a good defense, and he puts it so that it’s easy to learn it. We can practice it and then put it together.” It’s all about learning how to dissect the defense and understanding what you need to do. We can play every position, not just one.
The Ravens valued adding players to their secondary team who could play multiple positions when they began their offseason brainstorming. Humphrey can play both inside and out, while Brandon Stephens can switch between safety and corner. They now have Hamilton, a rare safety with the size and speed needed to compete with tight ends, wide receivers or running backs. He can line up in the slot, centerfield, or in the box. Baltimore couldn’t pass up Hamilton, even after Williams was signed.
“Kyle is the kind of guy you can literally throw on WILL ‘backer,” Director of Player Personnel Joe Hortiz stated. It’s easy to see on film that he can cover slot receivers and tight ends. You can also use him to cover slots. Our DBs are versatile.
The Ravens are still months away from Week 1, and they will continue to experiment with different secondary looks. The Ravens will use their secondary versatility to their advantage when they face Josh Allen, Joe Burrow and Tom Brady.
John Harbaugh, Head Coach, stated that while it is impossible to predict the future, for now, he feels good about his team. “I mean, really great, personnel-wise, about the secondary.”
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