Why Our Defense Will Dominate In 2009

[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]


It's always interesting to look back and see if our team measured up to our expectations.

As you can see, I had high hopes coming into the year, and felt that we just needed one or two of the young guns to step up to be our usual "vaunted Ravens defense". Truth told, I expected a big time year from our rookie Kruger, and that would have made a huge impact.

All in all, I'm satisfied with a #3 overall ranking. It was a big statement to all those who predicted a defensive meltdown.

Now, lets get this draft over with and reclaim our #1 spot.