Don “Wink” Martindale didn’t waste any time putting his stamp on the defense.
The Ravens will play faster and more aggressive under the new defensive coordinator.
Some of that feistiness will be on display Thursday night when the Ravens play the Chicago Bears in the annual Hall of Fame game. Martindale has already implored his unit to play like former linebacker Ray Lewis, who will be officially inducted into the Hall of Fame on Saturday.
“In honor of who’s getting inducted into the Hall of Fame, Ray, I want our defense to play with his effort, with his enthusiasm and for his love of the game,” Martindale said. “When we were together there in 2012, he broke a playoff tackle record at the end of his career. Why? Because of his effort getting to the football, his love of the game and his love of his teammates.
“That’s what I want our guys to think about when we go here into Canton. Ray will be watching, and we want to make him proud.”
Some of the players are already heeding the call.
Cornerback Marlon Humphrey was beaten several times last week on deep passes, but he rebounded well Monday by breaking up three passes. The secondary could be the strength of the team if the players can stay healthy. Humphrey is battling Brandon Carr for one of the starting spots.
The Ravens also hosted free-agent cornerback Bashaud Breeland over the weekend. He would provide valuable depth.
Tavon Young appears fully healthy after suffering a season-ending knee injury last year. He is enjoying an outstanding camp and is poised to make a big impact in the slot.
“I feel like we have the best group, one of the best groups, if not the best in the league.” Young said. “We have depth all the way down to – whatever you want to say – threes or fours. I feel like everybody can play.”
Martindale has also been impressed with Young’s ability to rebound from the knee injury. He fits perfectly into the Ravens’ system.
“He’s the epitome of Raven defense, when you’re talking about attitude,” Martindale said. “I know he’s smaller size, but he’s fun to watch.”
The secondary led the NFL with 22 interceptions last season. That group will be even more aggressive this year with Martindale calling the plays. Many of the team’s top defenders have lauded this approach.
The players are also learning they better perform in practice or catch Martindale’s ire. Some of the rookies have already learned this hard lesson.
“There’s nobody tougher on rookies than me,” Martindale said. “But, there are even some second-year guys that are not where I expect them to be yet, so it’s process, and we’ve just got to keep just fighting through it, keep playing fast. That’s one thing; they are playing fast. They are playing fast, we’re starting out practices really well, and we’ve just got to just keep continuing to finish it.”
One of the key battles currently taking place in camp is the starting job at inside linebacker. Patrick Onwuasor, who started 13 games last season, appeared to have the inside track. However, rookie Kenny Young, a fourth-round pick from UCLA, is making a push for the job.
“They’ll both make strides, then they’ll both fall back,” Martindale said. “One guy will play better one day, and Kenny Young will fall back, and it’s vice versa with [Onwuasor]. It’s going to be a great competition that’s good for our defense.”
