It’s already Thursday of Super Bowl Media Week, and all eyes are on the big matchup between the Rams and Bengals on Sunday night. As always, though, players from both teams can be found at the podium.
Each year, there’s an interview or two that really pick up steam in the media, and this year’s seems to be Eric Weddle’s. We’ve seen some nice stories come out already this week, but the former Ravens and current Rams safety spoke highly of Baltimore, and that’s garnered a lot of attention.
Eric Weddle on his time with the Ravens: “I have a special place in my heart for them and enjoyed every second I was there. I really did.”
Weddle said even Steve Bisciotti reached out after he signed with the Rams to tell him he was pulling for Weddle. pic.twitter.com/FyMwpGblui
— Jonas Shaffer (@jonas_shaffer) February 9, 2022
These compliments for the organization shouldn’t be taken lightly. It’s clear Weddle sincerely meant every word, even seeming emotional at certain points in the statement. He’s an easy reason to root for the Rams this weekend.
Weddle’s sentiment has been shared by other players who’ve left Baltimore in the past, though. The Ravens are spoke of as a best-in-class organization, and at a time in which numerous franchises are under scrutiny, we should be proud to call them our team.
From top to bottom, Baltimore is run fairly and well. That clearly can’t be said for all clubs.
Aside from Weddle, there will be a decent number of players in the game with Maryland ties. One recent one is former Maryland Terrapin RB Jake Funk, who went to Damascus High School and now plays for LA. More connected to the Ravens is Rams CB Darious Williams, who played three games for Baltimore in 2018.
While we focus more on coaching staff adjustments, the big news this week was former DC Wink Martindale heading to the Big Apple to be the Defensive Coordinator of the New York Giants.
This could have been expected, but it seems new DC Mike Macdonald will have to fill another spot on his staff, as former OLB coach Drew Wilkins is poised to join Martindale with the Giants.
Breaking: The #Giants are also bringing along former #Ravens OLB coach Drew Wilkins as an assistant, who has been with Martindale for the past 4 years.#RavensFlock #TogetherBlue
— Film Talk Football (@FilmTalkFB) February 9, 2022
Baltimore did hire former Raven Zachary Orr as the new LBs Coach, but it’s unclear if Wilkins will be replaced in the coming weeks.
Another concern many fans feel is massive is the cornerback room. After season-ending injuries to Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Peters, some want Baltimore to prioritize the position in this year’s draft.
I understand the financial benefit of cutting Peters, as well as the never-ending need for depth at the position, but I simply don’t see it as a pressing need. Have we forgotten what these two can do on the field together?
can’t wait to see 44 smacking his helmet next year after a big play & 24 talking his trash. 😈 #RavensFlock pic.twitter.com/vhEMOuhXSi
— Adam Gardner (@adam_gardner25) February 9, 2022
I do believe Baltimore will select a CB in this year’s draft, but I don’t think they should use a high pick on one. It seems Peters will remain a Raven for another season, which means the team is returning two of the best corners in the NFL.
You always have to be ready for injuries, but there’s no way they’ll be as bad in 2022 (right??). The Ravens have bigger needs than a 3rd or 4th corner.
One of those needs is an extension for Lamar Jackson, who had an eventful Wednesday.
We had the honor of having Baltimore Ravens Quarterback Lamar Jackson at our Funko Hollywood store to help show off the NEW Funko GOLD section! #Funko #NFL #FunkoGOLD #FunkoHollywood #LamarJackson pic.twitter.com/dqa6WuJCoN
— Funko (@OriginalFunko) February 9, 2022
Jackson announced the arrival of his Funko figurine, a fun collectible for any Ravens fan. Myself, I have a few Funkos, but I’ll have to get my hands one of these.
