Following Marshal Yanda’s retirement, all the talk has been focused on how the Baltimore Ravens are going to replace his production on the offensive line. While Yanda’s heir at right guard is a key aspect to this offseason and especially training camp, Yanda’s role as a leader might actually be more important for Baltimore to replace.
As the most senior member of the Ravens’ offensive line, left tackle Ronnie Stanley is stepping up into the void created by Yanda’s retirement.
“I’m all for helping my teammates and being there for them,” Stanley said during a press conference on Monday. “I want to be that person that they can rely on, play-in and play-out, that they know what they’re going to get from me. I think that’s a role of a true leader – is that you have to be consistent and people have to know what they’re getting from you.”
Stanley is not only a great leader because of his time spent in Baltimore but because he’s at the top of the game. Fresh off a historically great 2019 season, Stanley is among the very tippy top of the offensive tackles in the league, which will likely see him get a massive contract.
He excels in pass protection, allowing just six quarterback pressures and no sacks last regular season, putting him on par with Hall of Famers like Baltimore legend Jonathan Ogden. But Stanley is also a road grader for the Ravens’ power rushing attack. Last season, Baltimore gained the most yards when running behind or to the outside of Stanley than any other area of the line.
Leading isn’t just playing well, however. There’s also an aspect of leading by example, setting the tone for the younger players and newcomers on how the Ravens do everything. Everything from how hard he works in the offseason to how the team practices and prepares for games can be dictated via the respect other players have for him. While Yanda gave some firey pre-game speeches last season, it was that work ethic and desire to constantly get better that led the charge for the entire offensive line.
As Stanley approaches the end of his rookie deal, it’s a perfect time for him to take his game to another level. And that means becoming both the vocal leader and serving as the model of everything Baltimore likes to be.
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