Recently I had an opportunity to speak with Eric DeCosta regarding the 2011 season, a few current players and a look ahead to the 2012 NFL Draft.
The Ravens are running what seems to be exclusive zone blocking schemes in the running game. Why did you make that move and how do you think it’s coming along?
Eric DeCosta: The zone scheme questions are really out of my territory. The one thing I will say is that we wanted to be a better running team this year and any changes we made this off-season were a result of that desire.
The Ravens have had the luxury of getting great productivity out of lower round linebackers and even undrafted linebackers thanks in part to No. 52. The way I see it, it’s a bit like Peyton Manning, Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers getting production from lower round receivers. But Ray is in the December of his career and you will likely have to invest higher picks at inside linebacker. Talk about what Ray means to the others beside him on defense and then talk about the 2012 draft and how it looks in terms of depth at inside linebacker.
ED: Ray is still playing at a Pro Bowl level and we look forward to him coming back next year. He brings a passion for the game that is unmatched and his leadership in the locker room is inspiring. When you combine his intangibles with the way he is playing on Sundays, you have a rare player. Tony LaRussa said it best in a radio interview several years ago when he said "when your best players are your best guys, then you really have something."
That is sort of a scouting mantra for me and that epitomizes Ray. That said, the mike or inside backer position has been a source of frustration and a little bit of a revolving door this year because of injuries and we want to add some quality depth. I think the draft has some promising prospects this year and there will likely be some attractive possibilities (both senior and underclassmen) for us to consider in rounds one, two, and three.
Paul Kruger has really turned the corner and is providing some solid relief on the defensive front. Talk about his progress and do you see him being an even bigger part of the rotation as the season unfolds and into next year?
ED: Kruger has done a great job this season with a big assist from coach Ted Monachino, who has worked tirelessly with Paul. He’s always flashed but this year he started putting everything together from day one this camp and become much more consistent. He’s got a knack for rushing the passer and he’s an instinctive guy. While some award-winning Ravens blog sites were calling him a bust this off-season (lol), Paul never lost confidence and worked hard to become a productive player on our defense.
ED: Sergio suffered a very serious injury and is only now starting to feel like the old Sergio. We knew it would take time but we are encouraged by what we saw in the preseason and in practice. He plays fast and brings it as a pass rusher. We will need him at some point and think he will be ready.
