Baltimore Ravens Need Big Year From Lardarius Webb

Aug 22, 2013; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens cornerback Lardarius Webb (21) runs onto the field prior to the game against the Carolina Panthers at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

Secondary play has been the Achilles heel for the Baltimore Ravens over the past several years and has often played as a deciding factor in big games for Baltimore. The unit has been revamped a little, but there is a veteran on the Ravens roster who must have a big year in order for Baltimore to get back to the Super Bowl. That man is Lardarius Webb.

Webb is only entering his seventh NFL season, but he could be considered somewhat of an old man on a very young and raw secondary. Back in 2011, Webb had begun to emerge as one of the better young cornerbacks in the AFC, but for the past three seasons, he has battled a variety of injuries, including a torn ACL. The Ravens will need Webb to regain his old form and be a leader for the young group.

Webb is definitely all in, as evidenced by the $2 million pay cut he took this offseason. More importantly, he is fully healthy. This is the first time he’ll be entering training camp without rehab since 2011. “I’m feeling awesome,” Webb said.

Head coach John Harbaugh has also noticed a change in Webb.

"“Webby looks good. All I know is what I see right now. He came out and he looks, to me, like he’s in shape. His feet look really good. He’s moving his feet, he’s changing direction.”-John Harbaugh"

What has made Webb stand out amongst all many of the cornerbacks in the league is his versatility. Webb was a solid cover-guy and ball-hawk, but he also was not afraid to get his hands dirty and make open field tackles.