One thing that many people have seemingly missed when talking about the defense this season is the fact that are some pockets of it that are very young and inexperienced. That’s one reason the defense is having problems.
Simply put, they’re going through some growing pains.
Players like Terrence Cody, Art Jones, Pernell McPhee, Jimmy Smith, Paul Kruger and Cary Williams all have had their bad moments. No question about that. The defensive line isn’t nearly as strong in terms of stopping the run as they’ve been in the past or putting pressure on the passer. That’s a fact that the coaches all have admitted.
The other thing that I wonder about is what will happen in the second half of the season. Younger players who are suddenly thrust into a bigger role sometimes need some time to find their way. A big question will be if these more inexperienced guys whom the Ravens expected so much from this year can step up and become a force.
