CBs And Pass Defense

[hawkprey]

[font=lucida sans unicode,lucida grande,sans-serif]There have been a few threads about our corners this year, but this late in the season I think this group has deserved a real round of applause as a whole. In case you haven't been sold on the passing defense and corners yet, you should be. Our pass D ranked in the bottom half of the league last year, and we LOST our #1 corner Josh Wilson to free agency. Right now we're ranked 3rd by a few mere yards per game. Here's the improbable story:[/font]

[b]Cary Williams[/b] - previously a special-team only guy, only had one start in his career. He's our #1.
[b]Lardarius Webb[/b] - 2 years removed from a season-ending ACL injury and has less than 2 years of starter experience.
[b]Danny Gorrer[/b] - Activated from the practice squad this year to line up opposite Cary in a few of our games.
[b]Chris Carr [/b]- after being cut by the Titans, he's been good, but he's been out most of the season.
[b]Jimmy Smith[/b] - #1 draft pick. Had one snap at CB.
[b]Chykie Brown[/b] - pretty much vanished off the face of the Earth. Did you know he's #23 now? I didn't.

This might be the most rag-tag bunch of corners ever. But when we bring the house up front, where last year's D would have given up the quick route for a 1st down, this year's group is leaving quarterbacks nowhere to throw. The result is the second-most sacks in the league.

[color=#0000cd]Now for a quick stat breakdown. The Ravens pass D has given up the third-fewest yards per passing attempt (not including sack yards), the second-lowest QB rating, the second-worst completion percentage, and the second-fewest touchdowns through the air (don't worry, it's not all to the same team).[/color]

But what will probably surprise you is that since the little "field day" the Titans gave us, the Ravens have had an incredible 5-game stretch.
[color=#a52a2a]Passing yards/game given up: 123 per game[/color]
[color=#a52a2a]Passing yards/game of offense by opponents (not including us): 213.5[/color]
[color=#a52a2a]Percent of passing yards Ravens allow (compared to other teams our opponents have played): 57.3%[/color]

The 57% shows you that even though the Ravens have played some low-caliber passing teams, they've been dominant. Plus, most of our opponents have played the Steelers who would be incorporated in that 213 number.
I looked at the average team's success this year. By that, I mean I looked halfway through the passing yards chart and took a round number:
[color=#a52a2a]Estimated median passing yards/game (2011): 245[/color]
[color=#a52a2a]Estimated median passing yards/game (2001-2010): 217[/color]
[color=#a52a2a]Passing yards the Ravens should be giving up at the pace of last 5 games (given average schedule): 140[/color]
[color=#a52a2a]Passing yards the Ravens would be giving up in an average year last decade: 124.3[/color]

Of course, no one has ever come close to the 124.3 mark in today's passing NFL. Right now the Ravens are at 174.1. Not bad considering the passing nature of this year and the first two games (including all Big Ben's yards in garbage time). But those were Pagano's first games at coordinator, and if the Ravens can keep pace with their last 5 game streak they would have a record year. S[b]tats are stats, and they could change in an instant, but as Ravens fans we should all be appreciative of the unbelievable job our guys have done covering all over the field and causing quarterback confusion.[/b] Like I said, not bad. Not bad for a team who's been missing two of their best corners the entire season and put one on IR.

[berad]

Jimmy Smith has definitely taken more than one snap on D.

That aside, I'm much more confident in our CBs than years past. The entire D, in general, really... It's amazing what pressure can do.

[RavensAllTheWay]

On top of all that, I think these guys match up well with the Steelers WRs. Webb has generally done well against Wallace because he's a speedster just like Mike. Cary Williams would be a great fit against Hines Ward, Emmanuel Sanders or Antonio Brown, and if not, a healthy Carr (who played last week against ARZ) has been a good match up against Ward the last few years if memory serves me right. Danny Gorrer and Jimmy Smith are the wildcards, and both have either done well early or have great upside. Heath Miller scares me the most this week though. He had a seasonal breakout game last week, so we'll have to watch out. I don't think Gorrer would be a good matchup on Heath, but perhaps Carr or Jimmy. This CB corps has great depth right now.

[hawkprey]

[quote name='RavensAllTheWay' timestamp='1320200074' post='849843']
On top of all that, I think these guys match up well with the Steelers WRs. Webb has generally done well against Wallace because he's a speedster just like Mike. Cary Williams would be a great fit against Hines Ward, Emmanuel Sanders or Antonio Brown, and if not, a healthy Carr (who played last week against ARZ) has been a good match up against Ward the last few years if memory serves me right. Danny Gorrer and Jimmy Smith are the wildcards, and both have either done well early or have great upside. Heath Miller scares me the most this week though. He had a seasonal breakout game last week, so we'll have to watch out. I don't think Gorrer would be a good matchup on Heath, but perhaps Carr or Jimmy. This CB corps has great depth right now.
[/quote]
Miller doesn't scare me. I can't even remember the last time a tight end did anything against us (and also our ILBs have been covering better this year).

Gorrer is the #5 guy now so I don't think he'll be in the game much, but I trust Jimmy and Carr to hold down their slot guys (unless Webb moves inside).

[Radinho84]

the credit for our pass defense goes all to the pass rush. if they couldn´t bring up the pressure like they are doing our pass defens wouldn´t look as good!!

[Twistidfunk]

[quote name='Radinho84' timestamp='1320233892' post='849975']
the credit for our pass defense goes all to the pass rush. if they couldn´t bring up the pressure like they are doing our pass defens wouldn´t look as good!!
[/quote]


this.

Last season compared to this season is clear as day.

Just think what might have happened last season if we would have rushed like we did this season. damn

[H8R]

Jimmy Smith has played more then 1 snap.... I honestly compare our corners to Green Bay from last season.

[jdynamite]

The positive about the secondary this season is their Tackling Ability. Although the secondary does give up many short passes they usually do a great job of securing a quick tackle for a short game ( exception being the Titan game and Fitzgerald big gain. ).

However, I do feel that the secondary even with Ed Reed have not made enough plays in terms of INTs , Pass Break-Ups, tipped balls. ( with the added pressure this year from Pagano schemes and teams avoiding a Healthy Ed Reed ) I feel like the other secondary members should have plenty of opportunities to make game changing plays.....

Example would be like last yr ( Josh Wilson became a fan favorite because he broke up plenty of passes made solid tackles, he had chances for INTs but didn't come down with them )

[CapoRocky]

This is the first time in years that I don't feel like the opponent can score on our secondary at will What scares me most is our inability to cover on kickoffs and punt returns on a consistent basis.

[JEEPercreepermd]

these guys have definitely stepped it up in a big way,

Webb- He's starting to show the potential that many of us thought he had

williams- wow what a surprise! He stuck with Larry Fitzgerald the whole game last week

Carr- Carr has been nothing but reliable, he's not the fastest or most physical but he plays fundamentally sound and smart football.

Smith- the fact that people only recognize one snap with him is a good sign, when he's on the field receivers aren't getting open. I think he'll be the outright #3 by season's end.

These guys have been helped tremendously by the Raven's FINALLY getting pressure on qb's in Pagano's defense. I think in years past, Mattison's scheme forced them to have to cover way too long and to be on their heels constantly instead of attacking like a ravens defense should

[hawkprey]

[quote name='JEEPercreepermd' timestamp='1320250998' post='850190']
These guys have been helped tremendously by the Raven's FINALLY getting pressure on qb's in Pagano's defense. I think in years past, Mattison's scheme forced them to have to cover way too long and to be on their heels constantly instead of attacking like a ravens defense should
[/quote]

As I mentioned in the OP, last year we blitzed about 50% of the time, and we DID manage to get pressure, but QBs could always find someone to complete the ball to. Part of the reason we're getting pressure is because of the cornerback play. So it's not just the front seven masking the problems in the secondary, it's the secondary masking problems in the front seven ("problems" used loosely).

[FootballMasta20]

Webb is definitely been the most consistent. Cary has been good but has been beaten a few times. When Carr has played he has been pretty solid. Gorrer has looked solid. I cant wait for Jimmy to breakout. I hope he gets a huge interception vs Pitt this week.

[ed_reed_can_cover_oceans]

Where has Jimmy Smith been? I figured with the first pick in the draft, they saw something special in him. He's only participated in select plays, like being a nickel corner or something. I'm not knocking Williams or Webb, but I guess I just assumed a first round pick, (who should get paid decent money), would get more starts than he has. Are Williams/Webb just more talented or does Jimmy need more time to get acclimated to the nfl?

[The Raven]

[quote name='ed_reed_can_cover_oceans' timestamp='1321059647' post='864248']
Where has Jimmy Smith been? I figured with the first pick in the draft, they saw something special in him. He's only participated in select plays, like being a nickel corner or something. I'm not knocking Williams or Webb, but I guess I just assumed a first round pick, (who should get paid decent money), would get more starts than he has. Are Williams/Webb just more talented or does Jimmy need more time to get acclimated to the nfl?
[/quote]

Well Williams and Webb are doing a good job, and if it ain't broke don't fix it. Jimmy will get more time eventually, but I can wait. Our DBs have been great.

[jaege]

The CBs as a unit, have been doing a bang-up job against some tough opposition. Congratulations to them. We might not have any Reevis islands, but as a unit these guys are stellar.

[codizzle]

Webb is a monster easily our best corner right now and one of the main reasons our d is so stout

[chesapeakeaviator]

Webb & Williams have been fantastic. The corner position was the one we were all holding our breath on. Now, we can line them up in straight-up man coverage and have them mostly shut down good receivers. That--coupled with the pressure we've been bringing this year--has been a winning formula. We just need to avoid injuries because depth is still going to be a big, big problem.

[nextgen_RavensFan]

Having such a group of corners keeps them all hungry for playing time as no one is labeled i guess. So when you get a chance to play you try to make that impact play. I do not know why but Webb still scares me at corner.

Off topic a bit but ex- corner CMac was on msn in an article of athletes who are broke and lost millions. Such a talent was wasted by temper and bad judgement.

[scrock]

[quote name='CapoRocky' timestamp='1320246135' post='850098']
This is the first time in years that I don't feel like the opponent can score on our secondary at will [b]What scares me most is our inability to cover on kickoffs and punt returns on a consistent basis.[/b]
[/quote]

that makes me nervous too, i wish the special teams was better.....this week we have to face Leon Washington returning kicks...dude is dangerous

[CapoRocky]

Field position is important in close games. I'm just glad that we didn't give up a big return after we scored on the Steelers. Our worst nightmare would have been a last second, game-tying FG.

[rlh445]

[quote name='jaege' timestamp='1321106600' post='864439']
The CBs as a unit, have been doing a bang-up job against some tough opposition. Congratulations to them. We might not have any Reevis islands, but as a unit these guys are stellar.
[/quote]

Just goes to show that with well thought out schemes and hard work, you don't necessarily need a Revis-esque type guy on the field to be a successful defense. Although with that said, I'd love for Jimmy Smith to magically transform into Aso 2.0 and start shutting dudes down left and right

[CapoRocky]

After seeing the Eagles struggle this year, I'm really not impressed with their signing of Aso. That's too much money not to translate into wins on the field. As for the Ravens, we will give up a few more big plays, but we are challenging receivers unlike recent, previous seasons.

[Blex64]

[quote name='CapoRocky' timestamp='1321120123' post='864615']
After seeing the Eagles struggle this year, I'm really not impressed with their signing of Aso. That's too much money not to translate into wins on the field. As for the Ravens, we will give up a few more big plays, but we are challenging receivers unlike recent, previous seasons.
[/quote]

To be fair, its not really Aso's fault.

[scrock]

[quote name='CapoRocky' timestamp='1321120123' post='864615']
After seeing the Eagles struggle this year, I'm really not impressed with their signing of Aso. That's too much money not to translate into wins on the field. As for the Ravens, we will give up a few more big plays, but we are challenging receivers unlike recent, previous seasons.
[/quote]

I forget which player said it but he said something like it doesn't matter how many star players you sign if when game time comes around and you have 11 individuals playing the game, instead of playing as 1 unit as a team...which is another way of saying, team chemistry is important

[CapoRocky]

I'd much rather have 11 overachievers than 1 overachiever and 10 underachievers.

[scrock]

[quote name='CapoRocky' timestamp='1321120824' post='864631']
I'd much rather have 11 overachievers than 1 overachiever and 10 underachievers.
[/quote]

we were talking about the Eagles...im sure they would take 11 overachievers...they still dont have team chemistry

[codizzle]

[quote name='CapoRocky' timestamp='1321120123' post='864615']
After seeing the Eagles struggle this year, I'm really not impressed with their signing of Aso. That's too much money not to translate into wins on the field. As for the Ravens, we will give up a few more big plays, but we are challenging receivers unlike recent, previous seasons.
[/quote]
game is won in the trenches and the eagles have no big men and no linebackers

[Guest ArmyRaven52]

[quote name='CapoRocky' timestamp='1321120123' post='864615']
After seeing the Eagles struggle this year, I'm really not impressed with their signing of Aso. That's too much money not to translate into wins on the field. As for the Ravens, we will give up a few more big plays, but we are challenging receivers unlike recent, previous seasons.
[/quote]

Thats because they have arguably the best press corner in the last decade playing more zone than press. That whole team has a combined IQ of about 5. I dont know how you have that much talent and are complete garbage, just another reason to laugh at the eagles I guess.

[ravens rule]

[quote name='scrock' timestamp='1321117027' post='864569']

that makes me nervous too, i wish the special teams was better.....this week we have to face Leon Washington returning kicks...dude is dangerous
[/quote]
Dang, I almost forgot he was on their team. I can see him running kicks back for TDs please lets not let that happen.

[Crabcakes&Football]

[quote name='CapoRocky' timestamp='1320246135' post='850098']This is the first time in years that I don't feel like the opponent can score on our secondary at will What scares me most is our inability to cover on kickoffs and punt returns on a consistent basis.[/quote]

True, we didn't give up one all of last year if I ain't mistaken. In their defense though I will say that it came at the hands of really good return guys who been doing it to other teams.