Overcoming adversity has never been an issue for Lardarius Webb.
He’s battled injuries, he’s seen his play at cornerback decline, and now, the soft-spoken Webb will have another challenge to overcome: making the transition to safety in the NFL.
While Webb has experience playing the safety position, having lined up there during his college career, he admitted that it does require a little more preparation than he is used to, from a strategical standpoint.
“I train the same,” said Webb following practice on Thursday. “I just have to stay in that playbook more. With playing the same position throughout the years, I know it, but moving to safety is like [being] back to my first two years.
“I have to be in that playbook every night to make sure everybody is on point.”
The Ravens have an abundance of players making up their current safety corps, including free agent Eric Weddle, whom Webb is exciting about working with.
“It doesn’t matter; it could be right or left,” responded Webb when asked if he prefers to play strong or free safety. “I’m never too old or too young to learn from someone. I’m always reaching out to Eric, ‘If you know something, tell me. If you see something wrong, please tell me.’ I just want the best for this team.
[Related: Eric Weddle – A Gameday Perspective]
“I want us to get back to where we’re supposed to be. If he has anything to tell me I’m always listening.”
The 30-year-old has also received advice from another veteran of the position, future Hall of Famer and former teammate Ed Reed.
“He was just like, ‘Stay in that playbook,’” recalled Webb about a conversation with Reed about playing safety. “The one thing he always told me was to stay with the iPad, learn the opponent and learn what you’re doing so I can know where my help is.
“Just knowing the defense and where I can jump stuff.”
With the new position change comes more responsibility, particularly in the leadership department.
“I have more of a voice back at safety,” he said about the new demands on him. “When I played corner I listened to the safety to tell me the checks, but now I’m the guy making the checks.
“I’m giving the demands. It kind of makes the leadership go up a little bit more. The guys listen because they feel like I know what I’m talking about”
While it remains to be seen just how swiftly Webb can make the transition, his excitement is encouraging. The Ravens are counting on his enthusiasm leading to results on the field.
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