Tag: Brandon Williams

Ravens place four players on Reserve/COVID-19 list

The Ravens placed four players on the Reserve/COVID-19 list on Friday

The Baltimore Ravens have been forced to play without a plethora of their key contributors so far during the 2021 season due to injuries. The team has lost multiple guys on both offense and defense to season-ending injuries, as well as having other players be held out of games due to less serious ailments. However, now another issue has popped up in Baltimore’s locker room with COVID-19.

On Friday, it was reported that outside linebacker Jaylon Ferguson had tested positive for COVID and missed practice. The team then confirmed that Ferguson was placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list, as were three of his teammates.

Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic shed some light as to what it means in terms of a player’s vaccination status and whether they have tested positive or not when they are placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list.

With Ferguson, Houston, Williams and Madubuike all unavailable for Sunday against Detroit, Baltimore will be relying on Calais Campbell, Justin Ellis, Broderick Washington and potential practice squad call up Kahlil McKenzie on the interior of their defensive line while also needing players such as Tyus Bowser, Odafe Oweh, Pernell McPhee, Daelin Hayes and potential practices squad call up Chris Smith to step up rushing the passer.

Ravens release Thursday injury report ahead of Week 3 matchup vs. Lions

The Ravens released their Thursday injury report ahead of their Week 3 game with the Detroit Lions

Injuries have been a key storyline for the Baltimore Ravens so far during the 2021 season. The team has seen 15 players go on injured reserve with some sort of ailment, and even more contributors are dealing with injuries that have held them out of practice or even forced them out of games.

On Thursday, Baltimore released their injury report ahead of their Week 3 matchup against the Detroit Lions. Many of the faces from the first injury report of the week remained, but there was an interesting new addition to the list in quarterback Lamar Jackson, who missed practice with what the team describes as an illness.

Before the official injury report was released, many began speculating that Jackson’s absence was related to his flip into the end zone during Week 2 against the Kansas City Chiefs. Jackson seemingly joked about his hip being sore on Wednesday, so many took that and ran with it. However, the quarterback looks to just be sick, and appears to not be in any danger of missing Sunday’s game against Detroit.

It’s a good sign that both defensive lineman Brandon Williams and cornerback Tavon Young were able to return to practice on a limited basis. Wide receiver Marquise Brown missed his second straight day of practice with an ankle injury, but he will most likely be good to go for Week 3 if he’s able to turn in at least a limited session on Friday.

DeShon Elliott also missed his second straight day of practice as he deals with a concussion. He will need to pass the NFL’s concussion protocol before returning to practice, and might not be able to suit up on Sunday unless he’s able to pass the series of tests by Friday. Unless offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley and Derek Wolfe are able to return to practice on Friday, it appears that both will miss Sunday’s game against Detroit, as both are dealing with injuries that have forced them to miss at least one game so far during 2021.

Jimmy Smith and Daelin Hayes could both be in line to play their first game of the regular season on Sunday, as both were limited in practice on Thursday.

Ravens release first injury report ahead of Week 3 matchup vs. Lions

The Ravens released their first injury report ahead of their Week 3 matchup with the Detroit Lions

The Baltimore Ravens picked up a massive win against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 2 of the 2021 season. It was a thrilling victory for Baltimore, as they saw their offensive and defensive units step up when it mattered, as both came up with big plays to secure the big win.

Despite coming off of an emotional victory, the Ravens have pivoted quickly to their Week 3 matchup against the Detroit Lions. Many expect Baltimore to come out with an easy win, but the Ravens can’t underestimate Detroit or else they could fall into a trap.

Baltimore released their first injury report ahead of Week 3, and the list has many key contributors on it.

There will be more known about the status of the players who appeared on Wednesday’s injury report as the week goes on, but for now there are a few players to watch closely. Elliot, Williams and Young all left the Ravens’ Week 2 win early with injuries, so hopefully each player will be able to recover fully by Sunday afternoon. Stanley missed Week 2 as he continues to recover from his ankle injury so his practice participation should tell a lot about whether he will play in Week 3.

Wolfe and Smith have missed the first two games of the 2021 season, and it seems like Smith is closer to a return than Wolfe. However, either player being available for Week 3 would be a big boost to Baltimore’s defense.

Calais Campbell named Ravens’ most overpaid player by Bleacher Report

Calais Campbell named Ravens’ most overpaid player by Bleacher Report

The Baltimore Ravens have a plethora of talent on their defensive line unit that includes Calais Campbell, Derek Wolfe and Brandon Williams. However, with each of those players all over the age of 30, it can be argued that some have started to slow down, whether that be due to injuries or other factors.

Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report made a list of each NFL team’s most overpaid player by his standards, and identified Campbell as his choice for Baltimore. As to why he chose the veteran defensive lineman, Knox pointed to the success that Campbell has had during his career, but said that his current production doesn’t justify his cap number.

“Campbell is still a productive contributor—he was a Pro Bowler in 2020—but he is no longer an elite defensive end. His last double-digit-sack season came in 2018, and he was far less effective off the edge this past season.”

Knox even questioned if Campbell’s Pro Bowl selection in 2020 was because of his name and not his play on the field.

“In 2020, Campbell had only four sacks and 13 quarterback pressures. That level of production doesn’t justify a $12.5 million annual salary. It’s fair to wonder if his Pro Bowl nod was largely based on name recognition.”

Campbell certainly earned his appearance as an AFC Pro Bowler in 2020. To discount the impact that Campbell had on the field for the Ravens discounts the player that he still is today. However, didn’t play for a big part of the season while dealing with injuries as well as a bout with the Coronavirus. When he was on the field, his value went beyond the box score, as he took up blockers, caused disruption and helped out all over the field as well as in the locker room.

With Campbell being paid a fully guaranteed $13 million dollars in 2021, it’s at least fair to argue that he’s overpaid. However, the leadership and on-field production that he brings to the table for Baltimore are extremely valuable, and there’s no doubt that if fully healthy, he will be a key part of what the Ravens do on defense during this upcoming season.

John Harbaugh says Calais Campbell, Brandon Williams are ‘ready to go’

John Harbaugh says Calais Campbell, Brandon Williams are ‘ready to go’

The Baltimore Ravens will be relying on a big year from multiple players on their defensive line. Baltimore has plenty of solid veterans, but also a few young guys who will be looking to carve out big roles for themselves.

When asked about a few of those veterans in Calais Campbell and Brandon Williams, head coach John Harbaugh said that they’re ‘highly motivated guys’ and ‘ready to go’.

“I haven’t talked to them about that. I definitely feel like guys are highly motivated. You can’t be in the league this long and play at the level that those guys you’re talking about are playing at and not be just completely highly motivated, and they are. Unfinished business is a term, I guess you could apply it. There are a lot of ways to say it, but [they’re] highly motivated guys. You can tell they’re in shape and they’re ready to go. They’re high spirits, and I was really happy to see them today.”

Campbell and Williams are both coming off of years where they had to miss multiple games, but still provided an impact when they were on the field. With both players having a full offseason to rest as well as get better, it should be a great season for both.

Brandon Williams says it will be ‘team effort’ for Ravens to get to QB in 2021

Brandon Williams says it will be ‘team effort’ for Ravens to get to QB in 2021

The Baltimore Ravens lost three valuable edge rushers during the 2021 offseason in Matthew Judon, Yannick Ngakoue, and Jihad Ward. The team will be relying on some young outside linebackers to step up and get to the quarterback, but the pressure won’t be on just them to contribute in that department.

When asked about his thoughts on the pass rush heading into the 2021 season, Williams made it clear that it will be a “team effort” to bring the quarterback down.

“Getting to the passer isn’t dependent on one person – it’s an all 11 thing. A corner has to cover, a linebacker has to do their job, and defensive line has to stop the run so we can get in those situations. It takes all of us to get to the passer and get those sacks. It’s not just relying on one person. So, we’re going to do a team effort and get to the quarterback.”

Williams is absolutely correct in his assessment. With Baltimore having such a phenomenal secondary, it gives the pass rushers more time to bring the quarterback down. However, if there’s a blown coverage, the signal caller can get the ball out quickly, taking away any chance at a sack. It’s the same type of idea with the linebackers and even the players rushing the quarterback as well. If the Ravens want to have a productive year from a sack perspective, there will have to be contributions from all 11 players on the field, not just a few.

John Harbaugh says Ravens are ‘fired up’ about Justin Madubuike

John Harbaugh says Ravens are ‘fired up’ about Justin Madubuike

The Baltimore Ravens have an extremely stout defensive line that features players like Calais Campbell, Derek Wolfe, and Brandon Williams. However, the team might see a big leap from another defensive lineman in Justin Madubuike.

The former Texas A&M star showed quite a few flashes in his limited playing time during the 2020 season. His potential has many excited for his 2021 season, including head coach John Harbaugh. When asked about Madubuike, Harbaugh said the team is “fired up” about the second-year player.

“…You saw him today running around. He’s taken a big step. He played well last year, and I do think he’s taken a big step. The growth he’s made between Texas A&M, where he was a good player, but there were things that maybe a first-round talent type guy that people … He dropped to the third round for whatever reason, and we were very, very fortunate and blessed to get him there. [From] when he came and the way he played last year to where he is right now is very encouraging. So, I’m excited about him. I can tell you the defensive line is excited about him, too. I saw Derek Wolfe over there celebrating with him a couple times on some things he did well. So, yes – we’re fired up about [Justin] Madubuike.”

Madubuike totaled 19 tackles and one sack in 10 games last year. With Campbell, Wolfe, and Williams being all over 30 years of age, the team could opt to scale their snaps back a bit and keep them fresh for an end of the year push. If that is the case, Madubuike could see a massive increase in opportunities. He seems ready for the moment if called upon, and many within the organization, including Harbaugh, are looking forward to seeing what the young defensive tackle can do on the football field in 2021.

Calais Campbell expects big things from Justin Madubuike

The Baltimore Ravens have a great second year defensive lineman in Justin Madubuike. Calais Campbell expects big things from him

The Baltimore Ravens have an extremely stout defensive line that’s headlined by Calais Campbell, Derek Wolfe, and Brandon Williams. However, there’s another Baltimore defensive lineman who could make a big amount of noise in 2021.

Second-year player Justin Madubuike showed some serious flashes during his rookie season. In 10 games, he put up 19 total tackles two quarterback hits and one sack. While those numbers don’t necessarily pop off of the page, there were certain plays where he showed good burst, run stuffing prowess, and the ability to generate pressure from the interior.

When asked about Madubuike, Campbell gushed about him, saying he expects big things from the former Texas A&M star.

“Yes, I think you should see a big jump. He really has so much potential. He’s strong, he’s quick-twitchy, can get out of a stance very explosively, and then he’s learning how to play with a good technique consistently. I think he’s going to have a big year for us. I think he’s a guy who we can really depend on. He’s going to make all of our jobs a lot easier [with] what he can do inside, and he’s developing as a pass rusher too, so I think he’s going to put a lot more pressure on quarterbacks. I think he’s going to be a really good player in this league.”

It feels like Baltimore will try to keep their trio of Campbell, Wolfe, and Williams fresh and healthy throughout the course of the 2021 season. If that is the case, the team could decide to scale their snaps back to make sure they can play a full 17-game season in 2021. That’s where Madubuike comes in, as he could see an upticks in snaps and opportunities, which could be a great thing for the Ravens as they begin to look at potential options for life without their “big three” on the defensive line.

Based off of his comments, it looks like Campbell sees a bright future for Madubuike. There will seemingly be a lot more responsibility placed on the second year player’s shoulders, and if he makes the most of his opportunities, he could carve out a role in the NFl for a long time.

Brandon Williams details how he’s been training in the offseason

The Baltimore Ravens are set up to have a stout defensive line in 2021. Brandon Williams details how he’s been getting ready for the season

In 2021, the Baltimore Ravens are once again expected to have a stout defensive line. The team brought in Calais Campbell and Derek Wolfe during the 2020 offseason to help wreak havoc on the interior, but it’s Brandon Williams who is arguably the glue that holds the defensive line unit together.

Williams has been a staple on Baltimore’s defense for years. Entering his ninth season, he’s still an elite run stuffing defensive tackle while also being able to generate a bit of interior pressure.

When Williams was asked about if he does anything different during offseason training because of the fact that he’s a veteran, the defensive lineman said that he’s been “keeping up the cardio”.

“For offseason training, especially going into my ninth season … Pretty much it’s just keeping up the cardio [and] making sure my lung capacity is there, because these young boys, they keep getting faster. So, I have to stay in the weight room. I have to keep throwing people around. Other than that, just hanging out with the kids and family, just being Dad.”

As athletes grow older, there are times where they can begin to lose a step or two. That comes in the form of speed for some, strength for others, and even a drop off in play for many. However, Williams is making sure that he stays in the best shape as possible while also being able to keep up with the “young boys” on the field.

The Ravens’ defensive line is set up to stop the run at an extremely high rate in 2021 while also hopefully generating a good bit of pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Williams will be a big part of that, and is seemingly making sure to do all of the necessary things to play at a high level in 2021, as well as taking important time to spend with his family.

‘Early indication’ points to DT Xavier Kelly tearing achilles during OTAs

The Baltimore Ravens signed defensive tackle Xavier Kelly after the draft. An early indication says Kelly tore his achilles during OTAs

The Baltimore Ravens feel confident in their 2021 draft class, but they also like the undrafted group that they were able to sign and bring in after the draft. One of the promising players that was looking to compete for a roster spot was defensive tackle Xavier Kelly. However, it appears that an injury will sideline him for the foreseeable future.

It was reported earlier in the day on Wednesday that Kelly had to be carted off of the field with a left leg injury during the second day of voluntary organized team activities. Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic provided some clarity on the situation, saying that the “early indication” is that Kelly has a torn achilles.

Kelly played for three years at the University of Clemson before moving to the University of Arkansas for his senior year. He had 30 total tackles and 3.5 sacks in his four years at college, but only played in a total of 21 games.

If Kelly’s injury is confirmed as a torn achilles, Baltimore could potentially look to add another interior defensive lineman. Whether it’s someone who’s just a camp body or a player who could fight for a spot on the 53-man roster, it wouldn’t be shocking to see the Ravens sign someone who can take some of the load off of players like Calais Campbell, Derek Wolfe, and Brandon Williams during training camp and the preseason.