Why Our Defense Will Dominate In 2009

[flynismo]

We hear the pundits all throughout the media who predict a defensive collapse for the Ravens after the losses of Bart Scott and Rex Ryan.

Let's take a look at our roster, and see if there is anything to their criticism.
[u]

Defensive Line[/u]

It all starts in the trenches, and we have Haloti Ngata anchoring an experienced and talented defensive line. Ngata came into his own last year and established himself as one of the game's most dominant linemen. He is one of the rare gamebreakers that teams have to account for every single play.
The return of Kelly Gregg will be tremendous. Gregg is an overlooked player by many outside of Baltimore. Those of us in and around Charm City know that he has been one of the key players to our defense's success over the years. Combined with Ngata, these two players collapse pockets and shut down running lanes like few other duo's in the league.
Trevor Pryce rounds up the DL, and is still capable of eating up all but the elite offensive tackles.
This defensive line is massive, experienced and seriously talented.

[b]Grade: A-[/b]


[u]Linebackers[/u]

Ray Lewis needs no introduction. One of the game's all time greats, and still playing at a Pro Bowl level. I'll spare us all the Ray Ray stroking session, and just say that he has been known to impact games.
Terrell Suggs just keeps getting better year after year. In 2008, he took the leap into the elite category, and proved once and for all that he is no longer a one trick pony. He is arguably the most complete linebacker in the league, combining fearsome pass rushing skills with the ability to bring down anyone in his vicinity, as well as much improved coverage skills.
The other two LB spots, at least as of right now, appears that they will be filled by Jarrett Johnson and Tavares Gooden.
Johnson is a competent player who played well last season. While not elite by a long shot, he is an assett to any team due to his versatility and solid run support. A third-tier type player who could start for many teams at both LB and DE, Johnson also provides us with a contingency plan against injuries among the front seven.
The fourth LB slot is going to be interesting to see how it unfolds. Gooden seemed to be making inroads to taking over Bart Scott's former role as an ILB, or perhaps playing on the edge with Johnson moving inside. Gooden is very similiar in playing style to the departed Scott, only a bit faster. However, after selecting Kruger in the second round of this year's draft, Gooden is no lock to assume a starting spot. Kruger is also similiar to one of his fellow Ravens in what he brings to the table. Much like Johnson, he is massive for a LB, but slightly undersized as a DE. And like Johnson, he will likely see time all over the field as part of a rotation to keep players fresh and to bring new looks to our scheme.
Overall, a great infusion of experience and youth, this LB corps should once again wreak havoc every Sunday. Bump the grade up to an A if either Gooden or Kruger breaks out.
[b]
Grade: B+[/b]


[u]Defensive Backs[/u]

What a difference a year makes! After years of injury problems decimating the secondary, Baltimore's depth in the back four is embarrasing. The only question is, can any of these guys other than Reed step up and dominate? Foxworth, Washington and Rolle will fight it out for the two starting jobs at CB; Rolle is 32 and winding down a terrific career, but durability and age is a concern. Foxworth put together a strong performance last year in Atlanta, but despite four years in the league, has yet to truly make his mark. Washington was lights out in coverage, but is still rough around the edges and is a big liability in run support, which traditionally Baltimore stresses from it's CBs. We have three excellent #2 CBs. But unless either Washingtom or Foxworth takes the next step, we may not have a true #1 and again struggle against elite WRs.
The return of Landry at SS is good news; until his injury last season, he has seemed to improve almost every week and is another unheralded player on a star studded roster.
Tremendous depth, and a lot of talented, if not spectacular, players (Reed aside).
[b]
Grade: B+[/b]
[u]

Summary[/u]

Featuring two future Hall Of Famers (Lewis and Reed), and two other players well on their way to Hall Of Fame careers if they continue playing at their current levels (Suggs and Ngata), it is easy to overlook the lesser known players who are crucial to the effectiveness of our defense (where would we have been without Fabian last year??).
And not to mention the obvious, which is having four potential HOF players on the same defense speaks volumes about why we are able to let players like Scott walk without missing a beat.

Let the pundits pun, or whatever it is they do. Baltimore defenses are always greater than the sum of its parts, and it will be no different this year. In fact, what is scary to consider is that after the return of Gregg and Landry, and the addition of Kruger and several DB's, last years second ranked defense may be even better in 2009.

So, let them talk. We cant succeed without Ryan, Scott and Leohnard (lol!!, Leohnard!)? Really? Havent we heard this song and dance before? I'm pretty sure we have, and they were wrong about us then too.

Here's to a trophy in 2009!

[tweety]

In my review of the Defensive Backs, I would give the group a solid A. 3 of our CB could start was majority teams. Frank Walker could be a solid #2 on most squads.

Very confident in our Defense best it has been since AD left.

[Pääjärvi]

Our defense is way better than last year. We added depth at the cornerback position, our young safeties have more experience now and Gregg is back. Leonhard ? that's silly , he was a favourite of mine but let's not overreact.He was a product of our system..and with the departure of Scott we got the infuse of young blood in our LB corps..alongside with Lewis and Suggs,any young LB from this team will be able to thrive.

[tweety]

Personally I will miss Leonard over Scott. I just can't get over his poor open field tackling. Maybe I'm being to harsh on Bart.

[52Kia Kaha92]

no bart vouldnt tackle in he open field, I remember that Titans game, Johnson ran right at Bart and he missed him

Dont get me wrong, bart did his job well and is a great linebacker just cant make open field tackles

Great read BTW, I would bump the defensive line to an A+
Teams doubles Pryce last year and he was held constantly, he is force against the pass and run and if singled will get a pressure or sack. And with Ngata's dominance in the playoffs especially last year teams will ahve to double both him and pryce on passing plays. Gregg is the man in the middle. Clogs up running lanes and does the dirty work. We also have an amazing rotation with guys like Bannan, McKinney, Divens and Edwards

This line is scary

Good linebacker rating. Although after the season it will be A after T-good shows the world he is a beast

on the secondary, good ananylsis. We have #2's just not number 1's. Hopefully Foxworth can emerge as that. We have the best safety duo in the league and great depth so i think B+ is a good rating

Well done on a great write as it was a great read

[edreedfromtheu]

Half of the secondary is solid. And that half is the safety positions. You have quality starters in Reed and Landry, and you have some highly touted backups in Zbikowski and Nakamura.

The other half of the secondary, the cornerbacks, has potential at best. I don't think ANYONE has seen Foxworth play enough on the NFL level to say he's a legitemate starting corner yet. I will admit, I saw him play at Maryland but I have not seen much from him in the NFL and I did watch quite a few Falcons games on Sunday Ticket last year(his first year as a starter). Samari Rolle is still the best corner the Ravens have at open field tackling, and coming up to support the run. The rest are horrible at it! Fabian is great in coverage, but if the ball gets into someone's hands, we have to hope their momentum carries them out of bounds or that someone else is there to make the tackle. Frank Walker has the exact same tackling problems as Washington, but he can't cover anyone and I can't believe he is still on the roster.

I'm not giving out grades, as they are pretty arbitrary. But I just don't feel confident in the corner position. Hopefully our pass rush and blitzes are a lot better this year and make the corners look really good so you guys can come on here and say "I told you so!" Haha.

[Skaught]

[quote name='edreedfromtheu' date='16 July 2009 - 07:47 AM' timestamp='1247744825' post='207626']
Frank Walker has the exact same tackling problems as Washington, but he can't cover anyone and I can't believe he is still on the roster.
[/quote]


I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks that Frank Walker's spot on the roster should be filled by someone else. I've never considered him to even be a worthwhile backup.

[GrizzleX]

Great write up there. Agree with most everything. But I do agree with the last couple posters that I'm surprised that Walker didn't get cut. Just not impressed with him at all. And in the LBs, let's not forget Jamell McClain. The man blocked a punt and scored a safety using only his face. That's versatility there. :-p

[lowrider]

I think Kelly Gregg is underrated as much as any other Ravens fan, but let's think about this. He is aging and he just had a severe knee surgery. Now i've heard he feeling and performing very well, but to think that he is going to perform like the old Kelly Gregg is hopeful thinking. I'm just saying, don't expect the best season out of Kelly Gregg. I don't think he is going to be that much of an improvement from Justin Bannan. But that is just my opinion.

[berad]

[quote name='lowrider' date='16 July 2009 - 10:33 AM' timestamp='1247754780' post='207644']
I think Kelly Gregg is underrated as much as any other Ravens fan, but let's think about this. He is aging and he just had a severe knee surgery. Now i've heard he feeling and performing very well, but to think that he is going to perform like the old Kelly Gregg is hopeful thinking. I'm just saying, don't expect the best season out of Kelly Gregg. I don't think he is going to be that much of an improvement from Justin Bannan. But that is just my opinion.
[/quote]

Justin Bannan was excellent last year; if the coaches are smart, they'll cycle the interior DL with Ngata, Gregg, Bannan, and the other guys. And you might be right about Gregg but we won't know until we see him perform.

[TheRavenouseD2008]

[quote name='lowrider' date='16 July 2009 - 10:33 AM' timestamp='1247754780' post='207644']
I think Kelly Gregg is underrated as much as any other Ravens fan, but let's think about this. He is aging and he just had a severe knee surgery. Now i've heard he feeling and performing very well, but to think that he is going to perform like the old Kelly Gregg is hopeful thinking. I'm just saying, don't expect the best season out of Kelly Gregg. I don't think he is going to be that much of an improvement from Justin Bannan. But that is just my opinion.
[/quote]
keep in mind gregg was training mma style this year , mma is more rigourouse and the training is on stamina speed and strength so he may be better

[ravensfan160]

Our secondary can't help but get better. Although we technically lost McAlister he didn't do squat last year and we were still solid.

The key to me is Johnson, McClain, Barnes, and/or Kruger. One of them needs to step up and be a consistent force opposite Suggs as a pass rusher. Johnson is more of a run stuffer and the others are situational players but still. Pass rush and sacks is the one area of concern for me. QB's have too much time back there and consistently managed to avoid our rushers (I'm looking at you Roethlisberger). Sometimes our guys just looked bad out there wiffing so much. Getting Gregg back to team with Ngata will help. Teams won't be able to double Ngata as much so hopefully he can reak havok from the middle and collapse the pocket.

[lowrider]

[quote name='TheRavenouseD2008' date='16 July 2009 - 10:36 AM' timestamp='1247754980' post='207646']
keep in mind gregg was training mma style this year , mma is more rigourouse and the training is on stamina speed and strength so he may be better
[/quote]
The problem with knee injuries is that you lose so much muscle in your lower body since of the immobility after the surgery and it is hard to get it back for a long time. Which is why running backs with torn ACL are expected to be back to 100% after one full season after their surgery (which is why I really like Ronnie Brown for fantasy football for the record). Plus the mental aspect of trying to trust your knee. Stamina, strength, and speed are all things he is probably still trying to get back this year. And the fact that he will be a little rusty and it will take a little getting used to the speed of games again. I'm not expecting him to be back to his regular self no matter how much or how hard he trains. I just don't see it happening. But i still think he will be a solid player and it will be good to have him back. I just don't have high expectations for him, but knee injuries aren't something you come back from and be back to normal.

[Ed_Reed_Pick_Six]

Our defense will be as good as or better than last year. More secondary depth has been acquired and I believe the likes of Gooden and McClain will fill Scott's role very well.

Scott missed started missing some vital tackles down the stretch last season, I think his loss has been overrated by the media.

[Corvus]

Keep in mind with Foxworth, he has never played real defense on a good defensive team before the opportunity he has now. Denver and Atlanta? Please. I even read during his first practice, the coaching staff had to correct him and get rid of his pre-set notion of how to be a crappy cornerback for Denver, because that's how Denver's coaches trained him. He fixed it right away and coach Pagano and coach Carrier have been impressed ever since. I think he takes the #1 corner spot right at the onset of training camp (that's what we paid him for anyway) and doesn't look back. Barring injuries, Foxworth should have pro bowl potential as early as this season. The coaching systems DO make a difference.

[tweety]

Last year we were on our 4th and 5th Cornerback in the Playoffs with Walker and Osglesby playing against the Steelers we looked like a legitimate defense.

Two years against the Steelers in MNF same situation much different results. So much blown coverage that game it was embarrassing it wasn't the same Ravens we were used to.

I think our depth has improved, and think our fans our downplaying Walkers skills at the Corner position. You may not think we have a Ravens #1 but we definite have a NFL #1 Cornerback, a couple of them.

[flynismo]

[quote name='GrizzleX' date='16 July 2009 - 09:25 AM' timestamp='1247750744' post='207635']
Great write up there. Agree with most everything. But I do agree with the last couple posters that I'm surprised that Walker didn't get cut. Just not impressed with him at all. And in the LBs, let's not forget Jamell McClain. The man blocked a punt and scored a safety using only his face. That's versatility there. :-p
[/quote]


Agreed, I cannot wait to see Walker hit the road.

And our LB depth is amazing. In addition to McClain, there is also Barnes, who looks like he can be a stud as a pass rushing specialist.

I just cannot stress enough how outstanding the depth is from top to bottom on this defense. All we need at this point is for a couple of the young bucks to emerge. If either Foxworth or Washington steps up and becomes a true #1, and if Gooden and Kruger are as good as many of us think they are, this defense is going to be absolutely dominant.

[SupaBwandin]

Am I the only one who was suprised that Walker even made the team last year?

[Alexir]

[quote name='SupaBwandin' date='16 July 2009 - 06:48 PM' timestamp='1247784510' post='207742']
Am I the only one who was suprised that Walker even made the team last year?
[/quote]

Walker was not that bad especially in the Playoffs. If it wasn't for him and Ed Reed giving Chris Johnson the Baltimore Bend, we would have most likely lost that game and never made it to the AFC Championship game where Frank broke up a TD pass.

I am more surprised that Corey Ivy has made our team all these years, good riddance to him

[kash96ravenstotalfan]

[quote name='lowrider' date='16 July 2009 - 10:33 AM' timestamp='1247754780' post='207644']
I think Kelly Gregg is underrated as much as any other Ravens fan, but let's think about this. He is aging and he just had a severe knee surgery. Now i've heard he feeling and performing very well, but to think that he is going to perform like the old Kelly Gregg is hopeful thinking. I'm just saying, don't expect the best season out of Kelly Gregg. I don't think he is going to be that much of an improvement from Justin Bannan. But that is just my opinion.
[/quote]
I think Buddy Lee will have a stellar season. He is sooo psyched to be back in the game. Also, Landry returns and I'm thankful for that.

[TheRavenouseD2008]

[quote name='Alexir' date='16 July 2009 - 06:52 PM' timestamp='1247784741' post='207743']
Walker was not that bad especially in the Playoffs. If it wasn't for him and Ed Reed giving Chris Johnson the Baltimore Bend, we would have most likely lost that game and never made it to the AFC Championship game where Frank broke up a TD pass.

I am more surprised that Corey Ivy has made our team all these years, good riddance to him
[/quote]
sorry guys but Ivy was decent till his major injury , incase you dont remember his ruptured spleen. he hasnt been right since

[Slim]

I wish Derrick Martin could be the 3rd CB even if it will stay a dream, coz that guy imo has what it takes to be a good nickel, physical body plus he already earned (tough times) a lot of experience by starting a few times to fill the injuries of McAlister and Rolle back in 07 08 ! i like that guy, he never gave even after those hard games he went through in 07 ! i really think he can be a lot of help... i mean i know he's not a great covering guy even if i'm sure he worked a lot on that, but he is physical, and it's cool to have a physical nickel, Martin is around 200lbs, that's not bad... and he's younger than Lardarius Webb !

[JEEPercreepermd]

No way, Martin was a nightmare in the 07 season

[nextgen_RavensFan]

Our defense will rule thats for sure. I hope our offense gives the defense some time to rest and then we will be unstoppable. Can you imagine a well rested defense in the 4th quarter. It is a great feeling to know that this is finally possible with the offense we have.

[ryan23945]

ray lewis

[darklight1216]

[quote name='Alexir' date='16 July 2009 - 06:52 PM' timestamp='1247784741' post='207743']
Walker was not that bad especially in the Playoffs. If it wasn't for him and Ed Reed giving Chris Johnson the Baltimore Bend, we would have most likely lost that game and never made it to the AFC Championship game where Frank broke up a TD pass.

I am more surprised that Corey Ivy has made our team all these years, good riddance to him
[/quote]
Wasn't it also Frank Walker who blocked the extra point in the Dolphins playoff game?

Lol, to the Browns, Corey Ivy is probably a good player.

[flynismo]

[quote name='52Kia Kaha92' date='16 July 2009 - 05:34 AM' timestamp='1247736859' post='207621']
no bart vouldnt tackle in he open field, I remember that Titans game, Johnson ran right at Bart and he missed him

Dont get me wrong, bart did his job well and is a great linebacker just cant make open field tackles

Great read BTW, I would bump the defensive line to an A+
Teams doubles Pryce last year and he was held constantly, he is force against the pass and run and if singled will get a pressure or sack. And with Ngata's dominance in the playoffs especially last year teams will ahve to double both him and pryce on passing plays. Gregg is the man in the middle. Clogs up running lanes and does the dirty work. We also have an amazing rotation with guys like Bannan, McKinney, Divens and Edwards

This line is scary

Good linebacker rating. Although after the season it will be A after T-good shows the world he is a beast

on the secondary, good ananylsis. We have #2's just not number 1's. Hopefully Foxworth can emerge as that. We have the best safety duo in the league and great depth so i think B+ is a good rating

Well done on a great write as it was a great read
[/quote]



Agreed....I'm not overly concerned about losing Bart, but I loved the guy's personality and fire.
Our DL will be monstorous. Looking back to a couple years ago when Pryce, Ngata and Gregg were all healthy and playing together, it led to massive amounts of turnovers and sacks. Expect more of the same this year, especially if Krueger can come in and play well.

And with a hopefully more consistent offense, we should be able to really pin our ears back and let loose on the defensive side of the ball.

Should be an interesting year.

[slugz1]

[quote name='flynismo' date='16 July 2009 - 02:40 PM' timestamp='1247769612' post='207705']
Agreed, I cannot wait to see Walker hit the road.

And our LB depth is amazing. In addition to McClain, there is also Barnes, who looks like he can be a stud as a pass rushing specialist.

I just cannot stress enough how outstanding the depth is from top to bottom on this defense. All we need at this point is for a couple of the young bucks to emerge. If either Foxworth or Washington steps up and becomes a true #1, and if Gooden and Kruger are as good as many of us think they are, this defense is going to be absolutely dominant.
[/quote]

i wanna ask this if washington hasnt set himself apart why wasnt rolle playing the #1 spot last year?

[slugz1]

[quote name='TheRavenouseD2008' date='16 July 2009 - 07:03 PM' timestamp='1247785436' post='207746']
sorry guys but Ivy was decent till his major injury , incase you dont remember his ruptured spleen. he hasnt been right since
[/quote]
before the injury could he cover better?

[20ravens52]

[quote name='ryan23945' date='16 July 2009 - 08:19 PM' timestamp='1247789981' post='207766']
ray lewis
[/quote]


Ray Lewis
Ed Reed
Terrell Suggs
Haloti Ngata


The 4 Raven elites on D. Not trying to take anything away from our other stellar defensive players on this unit but those 4 our the key pieces to this D.