[News] Za'Darius Smith Is Ravens' New Top Edge Rusher

[BR News]

The rookie will have to grow up quickly as DC Dean Pees tries to manufacture different pressures.

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[fusuymada]

I think we should throw Arthur Brown out on the edge see what he can get done. We have tried everything else and if he's in the doghouse still and can't even get a sniff of playing time, let him go so he can at least get a shot somewhere else. I have seen far worse play this year from our linebackers than I saw from Brown in preseason. Maybe he doesn't practice great, but some players don't. Give him a real shot, with multiple reps in a real game. At this point what is it going to hurt and who knows, you may actually have something there you have been overlooking.

[stixfix69]

i have been saying since the off-season to move AB outside, since his speed is his biggest asset...Nothing to lose by getting him reps out there....

[BigUgly]

Brown is too small to set the edge in a 4-3. I do agree, though, that they ought to find a way to use his speedometer to be Disruptive. Not seeing the kind of creativity on defense we had wonder Rex, when "athletes" like Adagios Thomas were put into position to leverage their strengths, and there really was no consistent label for the defensive scheme other than attack, dominate, and intimidate.

[FloridalovesRavens]

I think everyone will get their chance until we find the right combination. Fans should be prepared to wait for some positive results. It's not going to happen over night. These injuries have taken a proud and fierce opponent into a shadow of its self. What these players must be feeling right now is sad. Hopefully the fans will get behind them when they return home. Go Ravens!

[blindbat]

A big test this week for our front 7 with 49ers mobile qb I believe if we stop kap from scrambling we win this game flacco should have a nice against a 49ers secondary that's pretty bad. Go Ravens!!!!!

[Dorota]

Za'Darius is a bit raw, but a draft gem and a player that will develop and improve over time. His upside apart from speed and good hands is that he doesn't give up or play half-assed. Where he's lacking are things he will improve over time with experience, training and film study. He'll be a good replacement for Pernell McPhee, but it'll take him a little while before he fully grows into the role. It's unlikely that Courtney Upshaw will develop into a pass rusher. He's a decent player, but he's good exactly in the role that he played last year and he's not good at filling pass rusher shoes. He'll get the occasional sack, but that's it.

[Dorota]

A big test this week for our front 7 with 49ers mobile qb I believe if we stop kap from scrambling we win this game flacco should have a nice against a 49ers secondary that's pretty bad. Go Ravens!!!!!

He did alright with Michael Vick, who is still really fast and managed to tackle LeVeon Bell in open space, so I have faith that he's well adapted to mobile QBs. It's the quick release, big arm, pinpoint QBs I'd be more worried about at this point.

[Purple Dawg 96]

This is why I felt the Ravens should of kept it in house when tryin to replace Sizzle and Babin was just swimming out there with no technique! I'm sorry but Big "Z" reminds me of P. Mack! Miss that guy!

[Bandit666]

Time to grow up and step up. One good note, he's better than Babin.

[Ravensfolyfe]

Come on big man its time to shine on em'!

[CaliRavenFan]

I wish we could get Lawerence Okoye from the Cardinals practice squad 6'6 304 lbs of solid muscle, he was a discus star so he has great feet and probably a great spin move also. Yeah he is Raw but teaming him up with Za'Darius for the future is a great idea. Sign him to the active roster and have him slowly work into the system. We have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

[Orange_Peanut]

Z>>>Bud just like CJ>>>Shazier

[Zeus]

Who here trust Pees?

[axisofeeble]

Injuries happen,so good coaches are schemers that use smoke and mirrors to try to survive the set backs,great coaches scheme for Belichik and they just keep winning. Pees&Trestman are very average so good luck in 2017.

[Fastynart]

Seriously? Top edge rusher? For whom? What rusher? The defense gives up 457 yards passing to a second rate quarterback like McCown and the idiots in the Baltimore press write about top edge rushers? Our so called rushers got to McCown nada, nil, zilch. He had time to smoke a cigaratte and still complete passes. If he had a newspaper, he could have read it. What a bunch of crap.

[thecommish]

Z looks good-he needs more reps and more time to grow and develop

[purpledown]

from SB contenders to rebuilding the team, all in the same year.

[hugostiglitz]

he also wears the same # p. mcphee did

[hugostiglitz]

no one thought babin was going to replace suggs

[RavensNation3478]

Yea we'll develop him and sign him only to trade him for a 5th or 6th round draft pick when it comes time to pay out the big money of his back loaded contract. Seems to be or MO lately.