Baltimore Ravens Inside Linebackers Grades

Oct 12, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker Daryl Smith (51) during the first quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

In an era of constant substitutions, the Baltimore Ravens were a fascinating throwback in that they played two inside linebackers at almost all times. Indeed, Daryl Smith and C.J. Mosley both played nearly every defensive snap this season.

This is even more fascinating considering the Ravens kept five inside linebackers on the roster this year.

Clearly, the Ravens had a unique situation at inside linebacker this year. Let’s take a look at how they performed.

C.J. Mosley – A-

C.J. Mosley quickly became a fan favorite thanks to his penchant for shedding blocks and making impressive tackles in the ground game. He dominated early in the season and looked like a sure-fire star.

Though his star continues to shine, some issues arose as the year went on.

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First, Mosley definitely hit the rookie wall, making fewer impact plays as the season progressed. Mosley had four double-digit tackle totals in his rookie year, all in the first half of the regular season (he also had 10 tackles in the Divisional round of the playoffs). Further, of his eight passes defended, five came in his first five games.

Second, Mosley’s coverage quickly became a problem. He was slow to react in zone coverage, making the middle of the field fertile ground for opposing passing games. In man, Mosley couldn’t keep up with the running backs and tight ends he was tasked with guarding. Per Pro Football Focus, opponents completed 80 passes for 660 yards and four touchdowns into Mosley’s coverage. Those are horrendous numbers.

Though I spent more time on the negative than the positive, there can be no doubting that Mosley became an immediate impact performer. He plays with great strength and instincts which should serve him well as he gains more experience. It was both a promising and productive first year for Mosley, so he still earned a very positive grade.

Daryl Smith – A

After a slow start to the year, Daryl Smith had arguably his best season as a pro, setting a career high in tackles and making an impact in coverage as well.

Smith led the team in passes defended and usually played the deep coverage role when the Ravens played their Tampa-2 defense.

With Mosley quickly becoming a focus of opposing blocking schemes, Smith was free to make more tackles and be more active. This served him well, as his great instincts and reliable tackling allowed him to consistently make an impact.

Smith did get beat deep a few times, but most often this was due to a poor matchup rather than any failing of Smith’s. He more than earned the extension signed last season and was a big-time performer on a very good front seven.

Albert McClellan – B+

The only Ravens inside linebacker to play any substantive role on defense aside from the starters was Albert McClellan. He only played 42 reps this year, and he was perfectly acceptable in that role. He did not make any big plays nor big mistakes.

McClellan’s biggest role was on special teams, where he was excellent. He racked up nine special teams tackles, leading the team.

Zachary Orr – B-

Orr was among the team leaders in special teams tackles with seven, but he only played four reps on defense. His three special teams penalties hurt.

Arthur Brown – Incomplete

Was there a bigger disappointment this year than Arthur Brown? Expected to play a big role in the Ravens’ nickel package, Brown was instead completely irrelevant this year, spending most of his time as a healthy inactive. Brown could follow a career path similar to Paul Kruger, breaking out late in the game. For now, though, he is a big unknown, which is a big disappointment.

Next: Baltimore Ravens Defensive Line Season Grades

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