[News] Byrne Identity: Observations From Hot And Sunny OTA Practice

[BR News]

The Castle is buzzing! Several players, including rookies, newly signed free agents and returning veterans, are making strong first impressions. Kevin Byrne gives a glimpse into the first week of OTAs.

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[fusuymada]

If Correa pans out at inside linebacker, and someone bursts into the lead in the CB competition and steals the corner opposite Jimmy Smith, I am starting to feel pretty good about our defense. Defense will make a vast improvement this year even though all eyes will be on the offense and the unbelievable talent we have. I believe we will have WR's, TE's and RB's who will get cut who could and will start on other teams.

[stixfix69]

Proud of the Team, and very proud of my son who serves in the Military....

[The Mom Gene]

2 hours ago, fusuymada said:

If Correa pans out at inside linebacker, and someone bursts into the lead in the CB competition and steals the corner opposite Jimmy Smith, I am starting to feel pretty good about our defense. Defense will make a vast improvement this year even though all eyes will be on the offense and the unbelievable talent we have. I believe we will have WR's, TE's and RB's who will get cut who could and will start on other teams.

I actually think Shareece Wright may make a surge this year.  He knows he has competition....  and he and Jimmy have such a history together.  We'll have to see where this year takes us.  But I'm really excited about this year.  I love the  guys we've added.

 

[boconnor]

As a veteran (U.S. Navy) instead of Soldiers if you don't to acknowledge each branch (soldiers is Army) its better to say all those servicemen & women who gave their lives for our country and freedom. Sorry to Knit pick but the truth is the truth

[Grapple Raven]

Great read Kevin, thanks for the insight!

[ravenwildman]

I know it is early and a lot can change before the start of the season. There are a lot of competitive questions at many (if not all) positions, but the HUGE question mark to me going into this year is; who is going to hold down the spot next to C.J. Mosley? Are Orr and Brown ready for this? I hope so! GO RAVENS! 25

[TheConquerorWorm]

I know it is early and a lot can change before the start of the season. There are a lot of competitive questions at many (if not all) positions, but the HUGE question mark to me going into this year is; who is going to hold down the spot next to C.J. Mosley? Are Orr and Brown ready for this? I hope so! GO RAVENS! 25

Starting positions are overrated anyway. All teams use sub-packages based on down & distance. The old way of defensive starters (especially at LB & DL) playing most snaps is gone. The Ravens will use some combo at that spot - a safety (probably Elam/Lewis) will line-up there in the Big nickel package during obvious pass downs, a run stopper (probably Brown) will start on obvious run downs, a coverage LB (probably Orr) will start against 2 TE sets and a blitzing LB (probably Correa) will play in zone blitz or Nickle 40 packages...

[ellicottraven]

I only hope by the time we set our 53 man roster, it is really geared towards positional depth and not necessarily chock full of special team contributors who aren't really great depth players at their positions. We need to rethink this entire roster. I admit special teams is critically important but we can't drive our positional player quality and depth by just how good they're at special teams. We need to focus on quality positional depth this year. Last couple of years while we were great at special teams, we didn't quite do as well in W column.

[Ravens Raver]

Wow, this made my heart beat faster. I hope all these guys stay healthy!