[News] Eric Weddle Transforming Ravens Defense With Infectious Energy And Deceptive Play

[BR News]

With teammates and coaches singing his praises, the three-time Pro Bowler is already fitting in ‘perfectly’ with the Ravens. Weddle’s high energy and ability to strike fear into opposing offenses could be the answer the defense has been searching for.

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[ellicottraven]

I think we've found our QB of the secondary and a really good one finally. After Ed, we had become so used to stellar play by him, that he made up for deficiencies around him. While Weddle is not quite Ed Reed an all time great, he's the next best thing - a pro bowl caliber safety!

[n#7]

I think we've found our QB of the secondary and a really good one finally. After Ed, we had become so used to stellar play by him, that he made up for deficiencies around him. While Weddle is not quite Ed Reed an all time great, he's the next best thing - a pro bowl caliber safety!

And he's still young enough to actually produce some results. Let's keep that injury bug in check this year.

[FLBoyRaven]

Him and Webb together mixing things up will be a perfect match. Both intelligent players clean off the field and are perfect examples for our other young safties. The more depth the better, I think Elam and Brooks are going to grow a lot this yr wether they play special teams only or in rotation which I believe they will. Our secondry is sured up now. I hope we are able to get pressure this yr. We will be relying on younger guys this yr more then ever. Suggs won't be rushed back. Expect to see a different kind of Ravens D this yr.

[The Greek]

take note elam so we do not have to draft another safety in a few years

[ALSKAN RAVEN FAN]

Webb gave Weddle the best advice ever "Just be yourself".... is basically what he said.

[GENE2407]

Weddle was an A-plus addition. A safety can only do so much cleaning up and communicating...............I still have no faith in our corners.

[Ravenous_Ravens]

So long as the last line of defense holds pat this season, consider secondary improved where it matters most. The single biggest indicator of playoff bound teams is the +/- diff of plays over 20 yrds. It is not 100% accurate, but is generally tells you who the front runners are to make the dance. Last season the Ravens agave up way to many 20 yd + plays, and did not make enough.

Excited to see the difference a veteran safety like Weedle can add to this young secondary.

[trevorsteadman]

I know fans were upset with this signing. But I knew right away this guy was going to be the best signing. This reminds me of the Steve Smith situation in Carolina 2 years ago. Panthers didn't want him. Chargers didn't want Weddle. Both from University of Utah. Both are not the ideal size for their position but make up for it with big plays, hard work, and being leaders in the locker room.

[dirtybird66]

thats so good about WEDDLE coming in and feeling comfortable,playing like a RAVEN,smart,tricky and oppertunistic.

[OriolesMagicPlease]

I love this guy. Can't wait to see the difference he makes.

[cobrajet]

This article has gotten me pumped up!!!!

[757RavensFan]

6 hours ago, trevorsteadman said:

I know fans were upset with this signing. But I knew right away this guy was going to be the best signing. This reminds me of the Steve Smith situation in Carolina 2 years ago. Panthers didn't want him. Chargers didn't want Weddle. Both from University of Utah. Both are not the ideal size for their position but make up for it with big plays, hard work, and being leaders in the locker room.

Maybe I missed it, but I don't recall reading about fans upset w/ the Weddle signing.  

[thegooddoc456]

  7 hours ago, trevorsteadman said:

I know fans were upset with this signing. But I knew right away this guy was going to be the best signing. This reminds me of the Steve Smith situation in Carolina 2 years ago. Panthers didn't want him. Chargers didn't want Weddle. Both from University of Utah. Both are not the ideal size for their position but make up for it with big plays, hard work, and being leaders in the locker room.

Maybe I missed it, but I don't recall reading about fans upset w/ the Weddle signing.  

You're right. I don't know where that's coming from...everyone was excited to get some secondary help.

[thegooddoc456]

Harbaugh would soon sap all that emotion and excitement out of him with his phoney vibes.

[EdTheMythicalOne]

I wasn't upset with the signing, I was just wondering if we were getting a guy on the downside of his career and perhaps lost a step. So far it seems like his lack of production was most likely the injury and perhaps a bit of dwindling passion in San Diego as they seemed to sour on him. We won't really know until we see him flying around the field.

But, as for a personality fit he's great. He's just what this team needed. You can't have any consistency or have a leader develop when you have a merry go round going on at any position. I think that has honestly been a huge problem is that our secondary just doesn't know what they are supposed to do. So many broken plays where guys are wide open 30-40 yards down the field and nobody within 10 yards of him. I am sure that's not supposed to happen. We needed a leader on defense if not in the secondary alone.

Think about it, the main leaders before were Lewis and Reed. They're both gone. Suggs was never really a leader like those guys as far as I know. One that could tell everyone else where they were supposed to line up and call audibles. That feel on Daryl Smith and now he's gone too, we've got relatively inexperienced guys to rely upon.

Just hope to heck Weddle can stay healthy because I think he really improves this defense.

[hen826957]

Weddle and Webb as starting safties this guys might be pro-bowlers along with Jimmy Smith and Jerraud Powers as outside corners and l really like Tavon Young as a slot corner for us because when l look at his highlights on YouTube he's aggressive l would give him a chance to start. He looks like a feisty slot corner that will pick off a lot of balls and Will Davis can share. On paper, the secondary does look improve. ?

Edited June 2, 2016 by hen826957

[gekaap]

  8 hours ago, trevorsteadman said:

I know fans were upset with this signing. But I knew right away this guy was going to be the best signing. This reminds me of the Steve Smith situation in Carolina 2 years ago. Panthers didn't want him. Chargers didn't want Weddle. Both from University of Utah. Both are not the ideal size for their position but make up for it with big plays, hard work, and being leaders in the locker room.

Maybe I missed it, but I don't recall reading about fans upset w/ the Weddle signing.  

Oh, I remember it happening. I'd bet it was mostly the same malcontents who were whining all throughout the draft.

[Kinda_Dante]

I can't wait to see Weddle Roaming the secondary, I think he instantly makes whichever safety plays next to him instantly better.

[thegooddoc456]

Weddle and Webb as starting safties this guys might be pro-bowlers along with Jimmy Smith and Jerraud Powers as outside corners and l really like Tavon Young as a slot corner for us because when l look at his highlights on YouTube he's aggressive l would give him a chance to start. He looks like a feisty slot corner that will pick off a lot of balls and Will Davis can share.

I'm adopting a wait and see approach. Last I saw of Webbie he wasn't doing much at corner, even when moved to the slot. How well he transitions to safety is yet to be seen, but I'm not getting my hopes up. I don't know if he's physical enough at this point in his career to be a solid safety. Jimmy Smith wasn't worth anything last season, one can only hope that he bounces back to the form of two seasons ago.
Besides, none of them would be anywhere near the pro-bowl if we don't generate a better pass rush.