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Carl Davis had a tremendous Preseason, during which the rookie from Iowa was on the field for 173 plays. 55% of his snaps were against passing situations. Davis primarily played Nose Tackle in addition to playing Defensive Tackle. Davis is expected to be in the Defensive Line’s rotation when the season starts. With Timmy Jernigan’s playing status undetermined at this time, I’m expecting Davis to play a prominent role on the Defensive front. I wanted to take a closer look at Davis against the first and second team Offensive Linemen to see how well would he perform on Sundays when it counts.
“I’m expecting Davis to play a prominent role on the Defensive front.”
Run Defense
In the third preseason game, Davis had a signature play that stood out to me. On 1st-and-10 the Redskins attempted to run a counter running play to the left. Using his agility, Davis gets off the snap quickly and dips his shoulders to beat the Tackle Trent Williams. Davis disrupts the play as it started to form. Trent Williams is an excellent tackle. During the 2014 season, Williams had an overall rating of +11.1 from PFF (subscription required to view stats). The result was a two-yard gain by Washington.
Another example of a signature play was against the Falcons. On 2nd-and-10, the Falcons execute a delayed run up the middle. Davis uses his quick hands to free himself from his blocker and is immediately in the backfield. This play also resulted in a two-yard gain. Although the running play wasn’t in his direction, Davis’ ability to penetrate the backfield must be taken into account by the opposing Offense.
“Davis’ ability to penetrate the backfield must be taken into account by the opposing Offense.”
Pass Defense
I really like Carl Davis as a pass rusher. Against the Falcons, he was double teamed on two separate occasions by the Guard and Center. If Davis is able to get a double team by the Offensive Line, that leaves Terrell Suggs, Elvis Dumervil, Jernigan, Chris Canty or Brandon Williams with one-on-one opportunities.
“If Davis is able to get a double team by the Offensive Line, that leaves Suggs, Dumervil, Jernigan, Canty or Williams with one on one opportunities.”
Davis will have to learn how to tackle the Quarterback. A roughing the passer penalty is costly in that it gives the offense 15 yards and a first down.
On 1st and 10, again against Washington, Davis demonstrates his ability to read and react to the offense. Unable to pressure the Quarterback, Davis is able to get up and knock down the pass. Yes, the pass was deflected back to the Quarterback who ran for a gain. However, Davis gets credit for his ability to stop his pass rush and disrupt the throw.
“Davis demonstrates his ability to read and react to the offense.”
An area where Davis struggled was dropping into coverage. This was the only play in the preseason where Davis dropped into coverage. He missed his assignment of covering the Receiver running the Seam or Flat Route.
In summary, after reviewing the preseason games again, I feel that Carl Davis is going to make an immediate impact to the Ravens Defense this season. Between Timmy Jernigan, Brandon Williams and Carl Davis, the Ravens have a young and talented Defensive line that they can build upon.
“Carl Davis is going to make an immediate impact to the Ravens Defense this season.”
