Tag: Don Martindale

Ravens DC Don Martindale praises leadership of DL Calais Campbell

Ravens defensive coordinator Don Martindale praised the leadership of defensive lineman Calais Campbell

The Baltimore Ravens have had many great leaders on their team over the years. Many think of Ray Lewis, Ed Reed and others, but one player who has embraced being a leader during his brief stay in Baltimore is defensive lineman Calais Campbell.

Campbell is a well-respected veteran throughout the entire league, not only for his play on the field but also for how he’s been able to establish himself as a leader during every stop of his NFL journey. When Ravens defensive coordinator Don Martindale was asked about Campbell’s toughness, he pointed to his leadership, praising the veteran for what he’s been able to do.

“He’s a warrior. I’ve said it before, and I don’t think I finished my sentence; there’s [Walter Payton] Man of the Year and then there’s ‘Man of the Year.’ There’s a reason why he won that award for what he does in the community, but if there was a Man of the Year for what he’s done for this team, especially this year, and like you said, ‘gutted it out.’ It’s just been tremendous – what he’s done and the leadership that he’s provided.”

Ever since coming over to Baltimore in an offseason trade during 2020, Campbell has fit right in both on and off of the field. He’s had to deal with a few injuries over the course of his career, but is always toughing them out and trying to do what he can to help his team win. Even at age 35, Campbell is still playing at a high level, and is a key member of the Ravens organization in multiple different ways.

Ravens DC Don Martindale talks about having S Tony Jefferson back with team

Ravens defensive coordinator Don Martindale discussed what having Tony Jefferson back means for the team

The Baltimore Ravens have seen injuries decimate their secondary over the course of the 2021 season. They’ve lost countless key contributors at both cornerback and safety, which has played a key factor in their struggles defending the pass.

On Monday, Baltimore signed safety Tony Jefferson to their practice squad. The veteran could be needed to play meaningful snaps depending on the status of their safety room, which has already seen DeShon Elliott lost for the season and currently also has Chuck Clark on the Reserve/COVID-19 list. Ravens defensive coordinator Don Martindale was asked about if it’s nice to have Jefferson back with the team, to which the coach gushed about the safety.

“Oh, it’s great. Any time you get a guy back … And he was part of the No. 1 defense we had here a few years back and unfortunately got hurt the next year. I love his spirit. I love his attitude. Really, like, I told him yesterday … Because you’re thinking about the Green Bay Packers, and then he was out there on the scout team defense, and his number has changed. So, I told him this this morning when I saw him in the weight room; I’m like, ‘I looked out there and said who is [No.] 31? He’s moving pretty good! (laughter) And then I’m like, Oh, yeah, it’s T.J.’ So, yes, we’re really excited about having him back.”

Jefferson spent three seasons in Baltimore from 2017-2019, accumulating 174 total tackles during his time in a Ravens uniform. He was loved in the locker room and a fan favorite, so his return was embraced by many. If he’s able to contribute on the field in a positive manner, the signing will pay off in a big way.

Ravens DC Don Martindale says DL Justin Ellis has been ‘a stud’

Ravens defensive coordinator Don Martindale called defensive lineman Justin Ellis “a stud”

The Baltimore Ravens have had to rely on multiple different players to step up in different positions on their team with how many injuries they’ve gone through. One of those positions is the defensive line, where multiple players have missed multiple weeks with injuries.

When Baltimore defensive coordinator Don Martindale was asked about on of the players who has stepped up in defensive lineman Justin Ellis, the coach called Ellis “a stud”.

“He’s been a stud. He’s been that way throughout the year, as well as the others that we’ve been calling on up front. And I’m really happy for him, too.”

Ellis first came to the Ravens during the 2019 season and has carved out a role for himself ever since. The defensive lineman has totaled 12 tackles this year, but has been good against the run and can take up multiple blockers with his strength and big frame.

With players such as Derek Wolfe and Brandon Williams missing time, Baltimore has had to have different guys produce for them more than initially anticipated. Ellis has been one of those players, and he’s fit into his role well so far during the 2021 season.

 

Ravens DC Don Martindale says ILB Patrick Queen is practicing better

Ravens defensive coordinator Don Martindale said that inside linebacker Patrick Queen is practicing better

The Baltimore Ravens have seen improved play out of their inside linebacker unit over the past few weeks. A lot of that has to do with the insertion of Josh Bynes into the starting lineup at the MIKE linebacker position, while fellow inside linebacker Patrick Queen was moved to more of a WILL linebacker role. Both players have been able to play off of each other, and for Queen, the presence of Bynes has seemingly made the game easier for him.

When Baltimore defensive coordinator Don Martindale was asked about what he’s seen from Queen over the past few weeks, the coach said that the first thing that jumps out at him is that the second-year linebacker is practicing a lot better.

“The first thing that jumps out when you ask that question is he’s practicing better. He’s had some really good [practices]. Like, I’m excited for this game for him. And we move him around. He’s not going to be locked-in just at WILL and everything else. There are things that we do in our defense where we move guys around. But he’s really come a long way just practicing football, and in the game, you’re starting to see some of the success. I’m really looking forward to seeing him play Sunday.”

It’s a good sign that Queen looks better in practice. With that being said, it’s one thing to practice well and another to play well in a live game setting. If the last few weeks have been any indication, Queen should continue to improve, but he has to keep learning and honing in on his craft, something he seems to be doing in practice.

Queen is still a very young player with plenty of room to grow. It was expected that he would go through some growing pains, but he has struggled overall in his second season after having a strong preseason. Hopefully his improved play is a sign of things to come.

Ravens DC Don Martindale says team is ‘really pleased’ with DB Brandon Stephens

Ravens defensive coordinator Don Martindale says that the team has been “really pleased” with defensive back Brandon Stephens

The Baltimore Ravens have had many players step up in the wake up absences to players all over their roster. A few positional groups that have been hit harder than others include at running back, on the offensive line, and in the secondary, where the team has had to shuffle players around and figure out the best combinations for them with the personnel that they have available.

One of the players who has stepped up in the secondary is rookie defensive back Brandon Stephens. When asked about the third-round pick, Baltimore defensive coordinator Don Martindale said that the team has been “really pleased” with him.

“We’ve been really pleased with him. And he’s just another chess piece that we can add to our defense, and [we can] move him around and do different things with him. He’s been picking it up really well – the different places that we put him – and he’s gotten better every day, and that’s what you ask of him.”

Stephens had a team-high 11 tackles in Week 5 against the Indianapolis Colts as he filled in for injured safety DeShon Elliott. He also did a good job filling in for Elliott in Week 4 against the Denver Broncos. He is a versatile player who can do a lot of different things for the Ravens’ defense, and hopefully he can continue to build on a rather strong start to his rookie season.

Ravens DC Don Martindale explains what makes Raiders TE Darren Waller special

Ravens DC Don Martindale explained what makes Raiders TE Darren Waller so special

The Baltimore Ravens will have to stop multiple playmakers on the Las Vegas Raiders’ offense during their Week 1 prime-time matchup. Wide receivers Henry Ruggs III, Bryan Edwards and Hunter Renfrow could all present problems for Baltimore’s defense, but it feels like the one player who the Ravens should pay the most attention to on the offensive side of the ball (outside of quarterback Derek Carr) is tight end Darren Waller.

Waller has turned himself into one the best tight ends in the NFL after being picked up by Las Vegas. He was let go by Baltimore after multiple suspensions, but has since turned his career and life around. When asked about Waller and what makes him so special, Ravens defensive coordinator Don Martindale explained his athletic ability, as well as the fact that he’s one of Carr’s favorite targets.

“He’s a great athlete, and he was tough when he was here and taking the reps against the defense. There were some times [when] we’d just say, ‘That’s Waller.’ He’s everything that you knew he would be. I’m happy for him – not [on] Monday night, but any other time I’ll be happy for him – because he’s a good person, and he’s gone through a lot of things to get where he’s at, and we really respect that. I think last year he was second in the league, as far as the guy who was going to get the ball in the red zone, both in yards and everything else. So, he’s definitely a target and one of [Derek] Carr’s favorite targets.”

The tight end was selected by Baltimore in the sixth round of the 2015 draft. He was originally a wide receiver, but made the transition to tight end ahead of the 2016 season. He’s accumulated 215 receptions for 2,519 yards and 14 touchdowns in his career, and is a matchup nightmare. With Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith most likely not playing against the Raiders, Baltimore will have to find other players to put on Waller. If the Ravens can neutralize the tight end and force Carr to throw the ball elsewhere, the game will be much easier for Baltimore’s defense, as Waller can create some problems all over the field, especially in the red zone.

Ravens DC Don Martindale suggests an unconventional twist on roster assembly

Don Martindale joked about what his ideal 53-man roster would be if he were in charge

The Baltimore Ravens Have multiple tough decisions ahead of Tuesday’s 4pm EST deadline to trim their roster down to 53 players. They’ve already let a few guys go, but will have to part with even more talented playmakers as they try to balance out each position on the team with enough firepower and depth.

Those decisions come down to Baltimore general manager Eric DeCosta and the rest of the Ravens’ decision makers, but defensive coordinator Don Martindale jokingly shared what he would do if he were in charge. His answer was very defensive minded, as one would come to expect out of him.

With the depth that Baltimore has at defensive back this year, it would be ideal if the team could actually follow Martindale’s plan and keep every one of their talented cornerbacks and safeties. However unfortunately for Martindale, keeping two wide receivers might leave the Ravens just a bit thin at the position, so that means Baltimore will have to let go of at least one defensive back.

Don Martindale praises Ravens’ defensive coaches

The Baltimore Ravens lost a few coaches in the 2021 offseason. However, Don Martindale is excited about the new hires that the team made

The Baltimore Ravens went through some coaching changes during the 2021 offseason. Former defensive line coach Joe Cullen left to be the defensive coordinator of the Jacksonville Jaguars, while former linebackers coach Mike MacDonald is now the defensive coordinator at the University of Michigan.

Despite Baltimore’s losses on their defensive staff, the team added new coaches that they feel can contribute to the growth and development of their players. On a call with season ticket holders, defensive coordinator Don Martindale had high praise for multiple new coaches on the team, including linebackers coach Rob Ryan

Martindale also commented on former Ravens player and now defensive line coach and run game coordinator Anthony Weaver, who he expects to have a bright future ahead of him.

Another coach to draw praise from Martindale was outside linebackers coach Drew Wilkins, who will be expected to work with and develop young prospects such as Odafe Oweh and Daelin Hayes.

Baltimore has long been regarded as a coaching factory, so the team no stranger to losing coaches to other opportunities. However, part of what makes the Ravens such a great organization is the fact that they replace their departed coaches with great new ones. The Ravens are excited about their most recent hires, and each new member of their staff should make an immediate impact on the team and it’s players.

Ravens fill coaching vacancies with Rob Ryan and Anthony Weaver

The Ravens have had several members of their coaching staff get hired away. They’ve hired Rob Ryan and Anthony Weaver to fill those jobs

The Baltimore Ravens have seen quite a few of their position coaches leave this offseason for greener pastures. While it’s the mark of a good franchise to have coaches get bigger opportunities elsewhere, it is something Baltimore has to account for if they want to improve. To help fill their vacancies, the Ravens turned to two familiar faces.

According to ESPN’s Jamison Hensley and Dianna Russini, Baltimore has hired Rob Ryan as the inside linebackers coach and Anthony Weaver to be a run-game coordinator and defensive line coach. The pair will fill holes after linebackers coach Mike Macdonald joined Michigan’s staff as a defensive coordinator and defensive line coach Joe Cullen became the Jacksonville Jaguars’ defensive coordinator.

If those new names sound awfully familiar, you’d be right. Rob Ryan is the twin brother of former Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan. Weaver played defensive end for Baltimore after being the Ravens’ second-round selection in the 2002 NFL draft.

Ryan has bounced around the league but has been a defensive coordinator for the Oakland Raiders, Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, New Orleans Saints, and Buffalo Bills. However, lately, Ryan has been the inside linebackers coach for the Washington Football Team in 2019. Weaver was most recently with the Houston Texans as their defensive coordinator and defensive line coach.

It’s expected defensive backs coach Jesse Minter is headed to Vanderbilt to be their defensive coordinator. However, the move hasn’t been made official and the Ravens haven’t hired Minter’s replacement if he does leave.

At his end-of-season press conference, coach John Harbaugh noted that he expects offensive coordinator Greg Roman and defensive coordinator Don Martindale back for the 2021 season. Both had earned interviews for head coaching opportunities last offseason but have been conspicuously absent from the job market this offseason. While that’s helpful toward Baltimore’s coaching continuity, filling so many position coaching jobs is a tough task for any team, especially since it’s expected the offseason will once again be done virtually.

We’ll see how Weaver and Ryan perform in their duties next season. But with the Ravens’ track record, both should be expected to excel.

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Ravens coach John Harbaugh expects OC Greg Roman back for 2021 season

The Baltimore Ravens aren’t making any changes to offensive and defensive coordinators Greg Roman and Don Martindale this offseason.

As is common every offseason for the Baltimore Ravens, plenty of fans want changes on the coaching staff after a disappointing end to the season. And with Baltimore’s exit from the postseason, fans are calling for offensive coordinator Greg Roman’s job. Whether fair or not, coach John Harbaugh isn’t expecting any changes there.

At his end-of-season press conference, Harbaugh was asked about potential changes to the Ravens’ coaching staff, especially defensive coordinator Don Martindale and offensive coordinator Greg Roman. While Harbaugh noted he was disappointed neither received interviews for vacant head coaching opportunities, he also made it clear both would be returning for next season barring them getting hired away suddenly.

While most have acknowledged the great work Martindale has done with Baltimore’s defense, analysts and fans have taken issue with Roman’s offensive scheme this season, especially the passing offense. But Harbaugh went out of his way to back up his offensive coordinator and even took a few shots at critics like Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner.

While the Ravens did rank last in total passing yards in the regular season, Harbaugh pointed to their efficiency, which was considered to be about average. Harbaugh noted that Baltimore threw the ball significantly less than the rest of the league, leading to the disparity in passing yards. The Ravens ranked last with just 406 pass attempts, 34 less than the next highest team, and 157 pass attempts below the league average.

Like it or not, Harbaugh has a tendency to keep his coaching staff intact, even after disappointing seasons. Marty Mornhinweg, Roman’s predecessor, was in Baltimore for three seasons despite finishing 17th, 27th, and 9th in offensive yards. Marc Trestman was the Ravens’ offensive coordinator for two years, while Cam Cameron stuck around for five years. If Harbaugh’s own statements weren’t enough on the matter, history points to Roman being in Baltimore for a little while longer regardless of the results.

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