Is anyone else tired of the incessant talk about the Secondary for the Baltimore Ravens?
Seemingly every preview (local and National) of the Ravens, seems to start and end with discussion about the CB’s and Safeties.
I have grown tired of it, what about you?
Sure, it is understandable at some-level. The injury to Foxworth removed a CB that started every-game last year. Both Washington and Webb are coming off knee injuries. Reed is coming off hip surgery, and might miss the first 6 weeks of the season. Carr has been battling a hamstring.
Perhaps the most devastating injury to the Secondary, was the fractured skull sustained to OLB/DE Sergio Kindle. That injury limits the chances of the Ravens having a strong pass-rush, and means the CB’s will likely have to spend more time covering.
Despite all of the injuries, and all of the questions – I think the negative talk has reached the realms of hyperbole at this point.
The news is not all negative. Here are some things to keep in-mind:
1) The much maligned Ravens Secondary finished 8th in Pass Defense in 2009.
2) Washington might not play tonight in the Preseason Opener, but he is healthy enough to do so. If the Ravens do not play him, they are simply trying to avoid risking Washington to injury in a meaningless game. That is 1 CB accounted for.
3) Every report you hear, states that Dawan Landry is having a very strong camp at Strong Safety. His back-up Haruki Nakamura is back from his own injury, and looking good. That is 1 Safety accounted for.
4) I have no illusion of Tom Zbikowski being Ed Reed, but I feel good about the third-year player, particularly after his extended experience last-year. Between Zbikowski, and Ken Hamiln the Ravens will get some positive production out of their FS, with or without Reed in the first six weeks of 2010.
5) In early August, Lardarius Webb is running and cutting at full-speed. Here on August 12th, there is no reason to believe that Webb will not be ready for the September 13th opening against the New York Jets.
6) Like Washington, Chris Carr might not play tonight against Carolina. Also like Washington, he could play. Harbaugh was quoted yesterday as saying, “It’s a matter of whether we decide to put him out there or not.” Ok, so he is dealing with a minor hamstring issue, and might miss the Pre-season Opener, so what? Again, here on August 12th, there is no reason to believe he will not be ready to help as a Nickle back when the Ravens open their 2010 season for real.
7) Lets say that Reed misses the first-six weeks. That is not a total negative. This is a team with aspirations of making a deep post-season run. Having Reed come back to the action at full-strength would help. Having Reed avoid the wear and tear of 6 additional weeks of play, might help him be even more productive in December and January.
8) The Ravens have the depth necessary to pull a trade prior to the start of the season, to get additional Secondary help.
9) The opportunity exists for players like Travis Fisher, Chris Hawkins, Prince Miller, KJ Gerard, and Doug Dutch to get a lot of playing time in camp, and in these early pre-season games. These players have the chance to prove they can help the Ravens as Nickle and Dime backs.
My point is that things are not as dire as they have been portrayed. It is going to be harder without Kindle, but the key for this defense is getting a more consistent pass-rush going. If that is accomplished, the Secondary will be fine.
Owner
Chris Stoner founded Baltimore Sports and Life in 2009. He has appeared as a radio guest with 1090 WBAL, 105.7 The Fan, CBS 1300, Q1370, WOYK 1350, WKAV 1400, and WNST 1570. He has also been interviewed by The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal, and PressBox (TV). As Owner, his responsibilities include serving as the Managing Editor, Publicist, & Sales Director.