Baltimore Ravens: Two Key Positions to Watch Thursday
Jul 30, 2015; Owings Mills, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens strong safety Will Hill (33) covers defensive back Nick Perry (36) during coverage drill on day one of training camp at Under Armour Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
2. The Secondary
On the other side of the ball, the safety position is an important position with the loss of Matt Elam. Players such as rookie Nick Perry, Brynden Trawick and Anthony Levine are possible safeties looking to step up in the third-year safety’s absence.
The secondary has to maintain depth, especially after possibly losing Elam for the entire season. They cannot afford to have injuries cripple the defense again.
These players are not automatic starters, so there is a good chance we see them play a good bit more in the game with the backups and others later in the game. The main concern with the secondary is to ensure depth.
Cornerback Kyle Arrington struggled during earlier team activities, but he has made a strong effort to prove himself during training camp. He is listed as the second cornerback behind Lardarius Webb, so he may get additional playing time with the second-team defense.
He needs to take full advantage of every play he gets against the Saints. I am a firm believer defensive players will always show more of what they are capability during games than during practice, which very well may be true of any player.
Harbaugh said they would not push any players who are banged up, which could give other players more field time.
The veteran cornerback was a key addition in the offseason to add depth to the secondary. The Ravens are not going to push any of the injured players, so he could receive a bit more time if Webb’s hamstring injury is still bothering him.
The first preseason game is where the rookies and other bubble players need to show the coaches their best. The last thing they want to do is underperform during their first appearance in a real game.