[News] Why Ravens Are Special On Special Teams

[BR News]

There’s a strong argument that Baltimore has the best unit in the NFL, and it starts at the top.

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[trevorsteadman]

Because John Harbaugh used to be a great special teams coach now our head coach and Jerry Rosburg has done a great job over the last few years. These are guys we need to hold on to.

[ibleedpurpleandblack]

@trevorsteadman - that's exactly it man - Harbs was a Special Teams Coach!!!

[AsianRice]

Wherever John goes, Jerry goes with him, just like Gary Kubiak and Rick Dennison.....

[edthehead]

Harb is and was a special team coach, although I do prefer a HC with an offensive or defensive background , then we would maintain an emphasis on off and def, and maybe just maybe we would not use starting or certain players on our ST. the new mantra here is can the players we draft play ST. So yes our ST play is appreciated but it should be expectant.

[edthehead]

so the question should be, Do the fans of the Ravens prefer a great ST or a great off or def?

[ellicottraven]

I agree that our special team units are doing great. However, the reason for that is also why we aren't winning too many games perhaps. Harbaugh's involvement with the draft has hurt us in that the Ravens are only selecting players with emphasis on special team's prowess or love for a player regardless if there is a better defensive or offensive player available that may not have that perceived special teams love. Now, you do that 8 yrs running, we'll be left with a great special teams unit and sub-par offensive and defensive units... just a thought.

[raveninct]

What struck me about this article is that Rosburg has been around since '08. Didn't realize that. I wish our other assistant oaches would stay that long. The fact that the OC and DC positions have been a merry-go-round over the years has really hurt us (and has made our successful record that much more impressive). I was always jealous that teams like the Steelers and Pats keep their OC/DC for much longer, it seems. Perfect example is Dick LeBeau. I assume Trestman won't go anywhere next yr, but what happens if we have a great offensive season in 2016? We may be in the same place again. Not sure what the answer is.

[steelcityraven]

Success brings a number of problems... teams will look to us to grab our FA... teams will look to steal our coaches... the mark of the best coaches in the NFL is the Coaching Tree that they produce around the NFL. Harbs has had success and we can see that when we look at how many assistants he has throughout the league. Glad that Rosburg has been a hidden commodity but I hope we continue to groom someone to learn from him while he is here. In the meantime... his ST unit has been one of the bright sport of the season for us! od to have him!

[vinnystp]

The conception that we draft for ST is absurd. We draft best player available. Those players play on Offense and Defense. The players whom fill in the holes on Offense and Defense, but do not fill in the starting roles, are Special Teams contributors. When presented with opportunities to play on Offense or Defense, can earn their snaps by making plays during practice, and in game. If you think we draft players to be great on ST over Offense or Defense, you have not been paying attention. We just have really great ST coaches...bottom line, Harbaugh and Rosburg are the best in the business.

[mearzunkies]

The Ravens are a rare bird, A REAL Team. Too many of the I's and ME's and what not in the game today. I am proud to be a Ravens fan.

[ozrave]

Appreciate the insight into Jerry Rosburg. I had no idea how much goes into a ST play. Seems all the interviews I've heard of him - speakly softly - shows just one of two personalities.

[Maryland]

I mean, Harbs puts so much emphasis on guys being able to play ST that it has to show through. He leaves guys inactive or off the team completely if they can't play ST, even if they may be good prospects. They had better be a damn-good unit if we're cutting guys like John Simon and leaving Arthur Brown inactive every game because they can't contribute on ST.