keasley45
Well-known member
The beautiful thing about this season is that the team is once again playing as a TEAM - O, D, & ST, as well as within each respective unit.
But what's also remarkable to see is how our stars are emerging in a way earily similar to Pete's early years.
Brooks, who's selection in the draft was bemoaned by many was the league leader in tackles after Monday night ( he's second now after the TNF game but will no doubt regain the lead). And the guy many wanted instead, P Queen, has just had his snap count reduced in the Ravens D with the trade for R Smith. But Brooks play shouldn't be a surprise because he showed as much last year. His coverage skills have improved as well.
Nwosu - again, thought by many to be a JAG pickup is 7th in the league in sacks and tops in pressures.
Mafe - has done nothing but impress in the playing time he's been given while an underperforming (but stud in his own right... when he's 'right') D Taylor gets his body and game on track.
T Woolen - IMO, defensive rookie of the year. He's far outolaying S Gardner but it seems the powers that be who want to be right for predicting his high selection, seem intent on forcing Gardener into the #1 spot despite the fact that he trails Woolen in most statistical categories. Hopefully Woolen sees it as the slight that it is and takes his game up a notch yet again.
Bryant - the guy is improving week over week and has now had 2 ints taken from his stat sheet via penalties by others on the D. He's just a gamer with a nose for the ball and a knack for making a play.
Q Diggs - has solidified his position as D Captain and is playing solid ball as usual, getting an inexperienced R Neal the confidence to play freely and instinctively. He and Diggs make for a great pair.
R Neal - the guy is just a baller. He's where he's supposed to be seemingly every play. His instincts and IQ make up for the fact that he isn't blessed with the physical traits that might otherwise set him apart.
M Jackson - admittedly the guy is a bit more of a roll of the dice when it comes to consistency, but when he's on, he's a lightning rod for the D. It will be interesting to see how long he holds his spot over the guy that's just about ready to come back - last years rookie defensive sensation, T Brown, who over his brief stint as a starter, led the league in a few stats for all CBs, not just rookie players.
Woods, Harris, Jefferson and Ford. They sound like former US presidents and their play of late fits the bill. They've been outstanding since being allowed to play more aggressively rather than stalemate o lineman in a traditional 3-4 manner. Just as it was in 2012 with Big Red and B Mebane, the big dogs up front are unlocking plays for everyone behind them.
All of this, with Tre Brown and D Taylor waiting to join the fray.
And all of that when just a few weeks ago there was a thread posted asking whether if we blew the D up, if there was anyone worth keeping.
Yes. Apparently there are quite a few.
And they're just getting started.
But what's also remarkable to see is how our stars are emerging in a way earily similar to Pete's early years.
Brooks, who's selection in the draft was bemoaned by many was the league leader in tackles after Monday night ( he's second now after the TNF game but will no doubt regain the lead). And the guy many wanted instead, P Queen, has just had his snap count reduced in the Ravens D with the trade for R Smith. But Brooks play shouldn't be a surprise because he showed as much last year. His coverage skills have improved as well.
Nwosu - again, thought by many to be a JAG pickup is 7th in the league in sacks and tops in pressures.
Mafe - has done nothing but impress in the playing time he's been given while an underperforming (but stud in his own right... when he's 'right') D Taylor gets his body and game on track.
T Woolen - IMO, defensive rookie of the year. He's far outolaying S Gardner but it seems the powers that be who want to be right for predicting his high selection, seem intent on forcing Gardener into the #1 spot despite the fact that he trails Woolen in most statistical categories. Hopefully Woolen sees it as the slight that it is and takes his game up a notch yet again.
Bryant - the guy is improving week over week and has now had 2 ints taken from his stat sheet via penalties by others on the D. He's just a gamer with a nose for the ball and a knack for making a play.
Q Diggs - has solidified his position as D Captain and is playing solid ball as usual, getting an inexperienced R Neal the confidence to play freely and instinctively. He and Diggs make for a great pair.
R Neal - the guy is just a baller. He's where he's supposed to be seemingly every play. His instincts and IQ make up for the fact that he isn't blessed with the physical traits that might otherwise set him apart.
M Jackson - admittedly the guy is a bit more of a roll of the dice when it comes to consistency, but when he's on, he's a lightning rod for the D. It will be interesting to see how long he holds his spot over the guy that's just about ready to come back - last years rookie defensive sensation, T Brown, who over his brief stint as a starter, led the league in a few stats for all CBs, not just rookie players.
Woods, Harris, Jefferson and Ford. They sound like former US presidents and their play of late fits the bill. They've been outstanding since being allowed to play more aggressively rather than stalemate o lineman in a traditional 3-4 manner. Just as it was in 2012 with Big Red and B Mebane, the big dogs up front are unlocking plays for everyone behind them.
All of this, with Tre Brown and D Taylor waiting to join the fray.
And all of that when just a few weeks ago there was a thread posted asking whether if we blew the D up, if there was anyone worth keeping.
Yes. Apparently there are quite a few.
And they're just getting started.
