Today, amid the start of training camp, the Baltimore Ravens have announced what has been expected, which is Ed Reed, Lardarius Webb, and Fabian Washington being placed on the PUP list.
All of them are recovering from offseason surgeries, and it is in the best interest of the team to have them at full strength by midseason.
Still, all hope isn’t lost as many experts make it seem to be.
The next player has to be ready to step up their game, and there are plenty of players on the roster eager to earn a starting job.
Here is an in-depth look at the positives regarding the loss of the three starters on defense:
Training Camp Has Just Begun, with A Month of Time To Prepare
Yes, it will be a challenge not having two of your top three cornerbacks and one of the best safeties in the game.
But, with camp getting underway, it works to the advantage of the defense.
Dominique Foxworth and Chris Carr played together during the end of the regular season and postseason, when Webb and Washington were lost to injuries.
Having improved under Greg Mattison’s defensive scheme, the coaching staff has a full month to put these corners (rookies and vets) into the best situation possible.
Tom Zbikowski is another player who is ready to take on a bigger role this season.
He played solid coverage when Reed was unable to play with the hip injury.
Though he doesn’t have the presence Ed has, the cornerback play has risen when he plays, as the unit is provided more coverage when facing the passing game.
The Option of Signing Another Cornerback Is Still Out There
This option may be less likely, but don’t rule out the possibility of the Ravens bringing in another cornerback, especially with the inexperience low in the depth chart.
Veterans always face the chance of being cut during training camp, and could become a solid acquisition to a thick roster of cornerbacks.
The deactivation of Lardarius Webb, Ed Reed, and Fabian Washington certainly is a big blow to one of the league’s best defenses.
Despite these losses, there is no excuse to not perform in 2010. The coaching staff feels there is enough depth on the roster to make up for the losses, and with a month until opening night, there should be enough time to get the players ready for what should be a year with high expectations.
