Right Off Russell

Hakuna Ma-Ngata!!  It means lots of worries for opponents ground games.  Defensive tackle Haloti Ngata is not the sole reason the Ravens run defense is so stout, but Ngata anchors the unit that sets the tone for what the team does on defense.  The Baltimore Ravens Defensive Line features a good combo of big, athletic guys, but it is their toughness that makes this group special.  The Ravens will continue to employ their base 3-4, but they will also use outside linebackers as rush ends and move interior lineman outside to rush the passer from different looks and angles.

Entering his fourth year as a Raven, Ngata has become the focal point for opposing offenses.  He is a tremendous disruptive force in the running game, getting penetration and commanding double teams.  Ngata also improved greatlyas a pass rusher last year.  He has tremendous quickness to go along with his size, and his ability to collapse the pocket will continue to improve.  Kelly Gregg will be back alongside Ngatato help shut down opposing running games.  Gregg has always out-performed expectations, but now he has to deal with missing a year and overcoming micro fracture surgery.  Early reports have Gregg looking nimble, the real test will come when he takes on contact.

Most of the Ravens ability to rush the passer comes from Trevor Pryce and Terrell Suggs.  Suggsis more of a combo end/linebacker, who when paired with Pryce, can bring pressure from inside and outside.  Both Suggs and Pryce are also good run defenders, but their focus is often on commanding double teams in pass rush situations.  At times last season the Ravens failed to generate enough of a pass rush to shut down some 4th quarter drives.  One player who will look to help the Ravens establish a more fearsome pass rush from the line will be rookie Paul Kruger.  At this point, Kruger’s size may lead to him filling a similar role to Suggs as a hybrid end/linebacker.  From either position Kruger will be counted on to pressure the QB.

Veterans Justin Bannan and DwanEdwards provide good depth in the Ravens defensive line rotation.  Bannan is more of a run stuffer, while Edwards can fill in at both the tackle and end positions.  Brandon McKinney was also a key piece of the defensive line rotation last year.   McKinney, however, showed up to some OTA’s looking out of shape.  The hope is that McKinney will work his way back into shape in time to make an impact on the d-line, or at least make the team.

Should McKinney falter a couple of young players to keep an eye on are Will VanDeSteeg and Kelly Talavou.  VanDeSteeg is a smaller pass rusher, while Talavou is an interior lineman.  If one of them is to make the team it would indicate whether the Ravens believe they need more depth at the rush end positions, or on the interior of the line.  Depth could be very important to this veteran group.  Guys like Pryce, Gregg, Bannan and Edwards are no longer young players.  Can they avoid breaking down?  If they do break down will younger reserves be ready to step up and perform well.

My question is whether or not the return of Gregg and the addition of Kruger will enable the enable the Ravens defensive line to be better than last year.  The line was a strength last year, but it came up short late in games at times.  What are your thoughts on how much better the line can be?