Why Our Defense Will Dominate In 2009

[ravensgurl]

[quote name='flynismo' date='16 July 2009 - 02:34 AM' timestamp='1247726072' post='207610']
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!
[/quote]


very good article!

i pretty much agree with what you said and believe our defense is even better than last year.

[Wacko4JoeFlacco]

[quote name='TheRavenouseD2008' date='16 July 2009 - 07:36 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]

I hope so, that training is hella intense.

[Ed_Reed_Pick_Six]

I must say I'm compelled by Jameel McClain; its great having such depth at MLB! Who do you guys think should start? By the way, great initial article - a very interesting read.

[Steelers#1]

I agree you guys will have a great defense this year 2nd to only one team. The Steelers. I love our matchups with you guys you always challenge us the most. I look forward to some great games this season. See you out there and good luck you're gonna need it.

[BuckWilds]

[quote name='Steelers#1' date='27 August 2009 - 08:15 AM' timestamp='1251375324' post='225362']
I agree you guys will have a great defense this year 2nd to only one team. The Steelers. I love our matchups with you guys you always challenge us the most. I look forward to some great games this season. See you out there and good luck you're gonna need it.
[/quote]


Aww, how cute, a troll. Somebody pet it.

[Steelers#1]

[quote name='Zhamtao' date='27 August 2009 - 09:18 AM' timestamp='1251379116' post='225382']
Aww, how cute, a troll. Somebody pet it.
[/quote]


I'm not trolling. I'm giving respect where it is due and the Ravens deserve it. However, I also like a little healthy smack talk. It's all in good fun. Sorry if I offended you. that is not my intention.

[darklight1216]

[quote name='Zhamtao' date='27 August 2009 - 09:18 AM' timestamp='1251379116' post='225382']
Aww, how cute, a troll. Somebody pet it.
[/quote]
He or she doesn't seem to be any more of a troll than Prophet or Warden.

[Steelers#1]

[quote name='darklight1216' date='27 August 2009 - 09:27 AM' timestamp='1251379627' post='225387']
He or she doesn't seem to be any more of a troll than Prophet or Warden.
[/quote]

thank you DarkLight

[steeliam]

I agree your D is tough. As good as or maybe slightly better than ours. Your running game is better because of your better offensive line. But I look for a split in our 2 games and we possibly take both games and the division because of our superior wide receivers. Flacco was good as a rook and may be even better this year. But doesnt compare to Big Ben and yeah Ben does have better receivers. Both games will be must see games for anyone the loves real football. Good luck this year except when you play us. PS I see us playing 3 games again this year!

[BuckWilds]

[quote name='darklight1216' date='27 August 2009 - 09:27 AM' timestamp='1251379627' post='225387']
He or she doesn't seem to be any more of a troll than Prophet or Warden.
[/quote]

I think there's a difference between Warden and Prophet, honestly. They're both Steelers fans (ew), but Warden has the highest level of logic and football knowledge mixed in with his homerism. Prophet descends into the abyss of illogical Steelers ranting a bit - allowing his love of the gold and black to dominate reality, and Steelers #1 seems to lurk even further down the rabbit hole - just my opinion based on his need to drop a "Steelers rock, we crush you" style comment in many of his posts.

Meh. Maybe I'm being too hard on the guy. I'm just a little bored with 'Steelers Nation' and the need for the front runners to drop the 'We own you' comments on this board. It's nothing personal, to be sure. I just barf a little in my mouth when the 'rah, rah' Steelers fans get going, especially when they won't be here offering apologies when we beat them twice this year.

[Steelerkillers]

If we can tighten up on our run defense just a little, We will be #1. Once Suggs lines up, the evidence will manifest. The games that hurt our #1 ranking last year was the losses to Giant and Colts. Our D definitely looks better this year!

[Wacco4Flacco]

Well heres my thoughts. I think you cant run against our D Line or pass those linebackers. You cant pass though the middle. But QBs are gonna advoid throwing Near Ed Reed. That could be a problem if Reed isnt there to return it

[Steelerkillers]

[quote name='Wacco4Flacco' date='30 August 2009 - 12:09 AM' timestamp='1251605360' post='226935']
Well heres my thoughts. I think you cant run against our D Line or pass those linebackers. You cant pass though the middle. But QBs are gonna advoid throwing Near Ed Reed. That could be a problem if Reed isnt there to return it
[/quote]
I agree with you! But so far in the preseason, Backs have been successful against our D-line and Linebackers. They didnt rack up 100+ yards, But 35+ rushings yards from one Back is alot in preseason. Tonight against the Panthers, We definitely executed.

[SackinU]

PreSeason rushing against us is essentially meaningless, The Defense is in to play but not as they are in the regular season, they are in the game for one of three reasons....

A. Getting some good hitting in to help with the transition from no hitting to game speed collisions.

B. Testing different schemes that are being evaluated for rgular season implementation.

C. Talent evaluation of players trying to make th squad.

Alot of what we have seen over the three games will either not be, or will only be minor parts of the collective whole.

Sackin U

[Steelerkillers]

[quote name='Steelers#1' date='27 August 2009 - 08:15 AM' timestamp='1251375324' post='225362']
I agree you guys will have a great defense this year 2nd to only one team. The Steelers. I love our matchups with you guys you always challenge us the most. I look forward to some great games this season. See you out there and good luck you're gonna need it.
[/quote]
And how many more games do you think Ben will keep you guys from losing? Those come from behind victories was the only reason yall made it that far. The chances of that happening again are veeerrrrry slim bro!! dont get cocky over miracles! those kind of victories dont happen every year!!! back to the real world!!

[Steelerkillers]

[quote name='steeliam' date='27 August 2009 - 04:21 PM' timestamp='1251404500' post='225542']
I agree your D is tough. As good as or maybe slightly better than ours. Your running game is better because of your better offensive line. But I look for a split in our 2 games and we possibly take both games and the division because of our superior wide receivers. Flacco was good as a rook and may be even better this year. But doesnt compare to Big Ben and yeah Ben does have better receivers. Both games will be must see games for anyone the loves real football. Good luck this year except when you play us. PS I see us playing 3 games again this year!
[/quote]
and which receiver on your team besides Ward,is as reliable and good as derrick Mason? please answer this one!!!
I agree that yall have a more seasoned Qb. Yalls D is more consistant than ours in terms of closing games. But the debate about receivers, you're right about everyone except D-Mason. Oh, Todd Heap Is Back!! Hopefully, that receiver from the Patriots will stay consistant. If we can keep this O-line order, you guys may get swept this year! Our running game is ridiculous this year and our Offensive scoring capabilities have increased. Watch out!!!!!

[darklight1216]

[quote name='Steelerkillers' date='01 September 2009 - 12:14 AM' timestamp='1251778485' post='227613']
and which receiver on your team besides Ward,is as reliable and good as derrick Mason? please answer this one!!!
[/quote]
It's not like we have anyone else besides Derrick who is also consistent.
[quote name='Steelerkillers' date='01 September 2009 - 12:09 AM' timestamp='1251778198' post='227612']
And how many more games do you think Ben will keep you guys from losing? Those come from behind victories was the only reason yall made it that far. The chances of that happening again are veeerrrrry slim bro!! dont get cocky over miracles! those kind of victories dont happen every year!!! back to the real world!!
[/quote]
Idk, it seems like come from behind victories are pretty much the only kind he has. He seems to forget about the other three quarters in the game, but that's fine by me...

[Steelerkillers]

[quote name='darklight1216' date='01 September 2009 - 12:21 AM' timestamp='1251778884' post='227615']
It's not like we have anyone else besides Derrick who is also consistent.

Idk, it seems like come from behind victories are pretty much the only kind he has. He seems to forget about the other three quarters in the game, but that's fine by me...
[/quote]
if theres another reliable receiver, i sure would like to know his name! everyone else has been sometimey! If im wrong, i will apologize!! given tha fact that they so-called have a better Qb and receivers but beat us by the skin of their teeth proves whos better! they will be the same steelers in '09', We will be (Sup'd-Up) or upgraded!! But, debating with them wont make them believers even if we have facts in their faces. We'll just have to prove that we gave those games away last year!! and we Will!!

[Ed_Reed_Pick_Six]

Back to defense, Suggs is back at practise. Good news!

[darklight1216]

[quote name='Ed_Reed_Pick_Six' date='01 September 2009 - 12:46 AM' timestamp='1251780418' post='227631']
Back to defense, Suggs is back at practise. Good news!
[/quote]
I have to admit, it was fun watching Kruger play. I'm glad he's back though, and even happier that Ray's elbow turned out to be nothing.

[Ed_Reed_Pick_Six]

[quote name='darklight1216' date='01 September 2009 - 05:52 PM' timestamp='1251780724' post='227634']
I have to admit, it was fun watching Kruger play. I'm glad he's back though, and even happier that Ray's elbow turned out to be nothing.
[/quote]
It was. I didn't even hear about the scare until I signed on just before, lucky I hadn't early or I would have been very stressed out lol.

[flynismo]

[quote name='flynismo' date='16 July 2009 - 02:34 AM' timestamp='1247726072' post='207610']
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!
[/quote]


Woops.

[raven46]

[quote name='flynismo' date='12 October 2009 - 09:18 PM' timestamp='1255400324' post='255769']
Woops.
[/quote]

[BMOREHAWAII]

Dont forget that Samari Rolle is back after we play the Vikings so maybe Carr can see more bench time, and hopefully we get to see more of L. Webb. Suggs should go to where he is dominant, which is DE. Move Pryce inside near K.Gregg and let Kruger improve with game experience because if we need players to really step up, it will be in November and December..

[XxSizzleXx]

Correct me if I'm wrong but I believe Samari is done for the year because he had to get yet another procedure.

[52Kia Kaha92]

yea i get the feeling Samari is done, period.
I love the guy and hope that he can come back and play for us by its less than a 1% chance right now in my mind at the moment. i think he is done although i hope im wrong. we need him this season. Im mean last year it was rolle and washington at cornerback and we where 2nd against the pass. That shows how great a pickup foxworth was lol

[Ed_Reed_Pick_Six]

Lets sign Usain Bolt, trade him to the Raiders for Nnamdi Asomugha. I'm sure Al Davis would go for that.

[ravensfolife]

[quote name='52Kia Kaha92' date='13 October 2009 - 01:15 AM' timestamp='1255410959' post='255904']
yea i get the feeling Samari is done, period.
I love the guy and hope that he can come back and play for us by its less than a 1% chance right now in my mind at the moment. i think he is done although i hope im wrong. we need him this season. Im mean last year it was rolle and washington at cornerback and we where 2nd against the pass. That shows how great a pickup foxworth was lol
[/quote]
Yea foxworth hasnt tweeted in two weeks... He was all over it after the browns game acting like the second coming of deion sanders

[Ed_Reed_Pick_Six]

Yeah, Fabian hasn't been on much lately either. I saw some folks giving him hell after the Patriots loss, so I don't blame him.

[PuRock]

[quote name='BMOREHAWAII' date='13 October 2009 - 12:42 AM' timestamp='1255408928' post='255892']
Dont forget that Samari Rolle is back after we play the Vikings so maybe Carr can see more bench time, and hopefully we get to see more of L. Webb. Suggs should go to where he is dominant, which is DE. Move Pryce inside near K.Gregg and let Kruger improve with game experience because if we need players to really step up, it will be in November and December..
[/quote]


[quote name='XxSizzleXx' date='13 October 2009 - 12:49 AM' timestamp='1255409364' post='255894']
Correct me if I'm wrong but I believe Samari is done for the year because he had to get yet another procedure.
[/quote]

Just because he's coming off the PUP list doesn't mean he's a go. He just had his second neck surgery a few weeks ago.

He's not official done. Harbs is still hopeful he'll make it back to the field. If he does I doubt it's for a while. My thoughts are that he's done for. When he gets off the PUP list he will go right onto IR.