Baltimore Ravens Rookies Stand Out in Week 2 Win
The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Cleveland Browns Sunday 24-10 in another defensive clinic, forcing five more turnovers and three more sacks. The three key Ravens’ defensive rookies; Tyus Bowser, Tim Williams, and Marlon Humphrey all played up to their potential, leaving even more hope that this defense can be an all-time group.Bowser was probably the best rookie Sunday, notching two tackles, including his first career sack and his first ever interception towards the end of the first half. Bowser is showing to be the perfect guy to sub in for Terrell Suggs and not have the defense take a step back. Now Bowser is nowhere near the player Suggs is as of yet, but he is younger, faster, and is learning from the future Hall of Famer Suggs in how to be one of the best edge rushers.
Williams, who isn’t getting as much playing time as Bowser, is starting to show how good he can really be. Potentially the Ravens’ steal of the 2017 draft, Williams, a pass rushing specialist, seemed to be in the backfield every down he played. Williams did only have one tackle, but going up against that revamped Browns offensive line is worthy enough of a little slack. I expect him to get his first sack next week against Jacksonville.
Firs rounder Marlon Humphrey mostly played in junk time opposite of Jimmy Smith and looked like he could be the lock-down corner the Ravens have always looked for. Humphrey had two tackles and showed great skills breaking up a pass to Browns receiver Corey Coleman on a comeback route. Humphrey will surely see a bit more playing time after shutting down the Browns number one option for half a quarter, but Brandon Carr has played way better than expected and is nowhere near ready to give up that starting spot.
I am all in on how Defensive Coordinator Deen Pees is handling the three rookies. They are getting extensive playing time, but they are also sitting just enough to soak in all the knowledge the veterans can give to them. Expect this young defensive core to lead a top five defense for years to come.
