A Look At The Ryan Effect - Part 2

Posted 8/17 by Jene Bramel & Jeff Tefertiller, Exclusive to Footballguys.com

The legacy of Buddy Ryan continues, even though he is in his mid 70s. His sons, Rex and Rob, are innovative defensive coordinators just like their father. Each of the twins has his own style, but both are innovative and look to create turnovers. In addition, Rex and Rob like to utilize multiple fronts on the defense. The major thing the brothers have in common is the risk-taking style of the defense that puts a lot of pressure on the cornerbacks. In the first installment of this series, we looked at how Rex and Rob have performed since becoming defensive coordinators in Baltimore and Oakland, respectively. But, that is just looking back at the past. What can we expect in 2008? Will either defense improve from the 2007 season? Can Baltimore get back to the 2006 level? Is it possible for Oakland to take another step forward in becoming a top defense? These are questions we all want to address.

This article will examine and project the chance of success by the defenses as a whole as well as individuals. We will attempt to identify which players should play well, including the deepest of sleepers. In these unique defensive schemes, which positions will be the key members of the defense?

Rex Ryan's Ravens Defense

The Baltimore Ravens are coming off of a 5-11 season after the 13-3 year in 2006. The 2007 Baltimore Ravens were decimated by injuries. A few key defensive backs missed at least half of the season, Samari Rolle, Chris McAllister and youngster David Pittman. The loss of Adalius Thomas did not help. In addition, Ray Lewis and Corey Ivy missed games. This is an aging defense with several of the top players over the magical age of 30. It is difficult for the casual NFL fans to appreciate the loss of Thomas' 11.5 sacks from the 2006 season. The team does have some young depth in the defensive backfield and at linebacker. The trade of Fabian Washington from Rob Ryan's Raiders to Rex's Ravens improves the depth at an aging position for Baltimore. The Ravens are a defense to watch in 2008.

Keys to Success: To effectively utilize his multiple front, multiple coverage playbook, Ryan needs versatile performers at all levels of his defense. He needs pass rushers throughout the front seven to allow him to disguise blitzes and bring pressure from inside and outside. He needs backers that can cover. He needs corners that can handle themselves on an island. The Ravens have that kind of talent, making the durability of their veterans the primary key to success in a division full of scary offenses.

Positions and Players that are the key to the Defense: Specifically, the Ravens need the front four (including rush OLB/DE Terrell Suggs) to generate pressure regularly and keep offensive lines guessing. The corners must also stay healthy and play well, or many of the Raven blitz schemes will become too risky. Both Chris McAllister and Fabian Washington must have good seasons.

Players to Watch: Terrell Suggs, Haloti Ngata, Kelly Gregg and Ray Lewis will set the tone for this defense. If they don't play well, it won't matter how well the corners cover. The further progression of OLB Antwan Barnes as an all-around player will also help open up the playbook. A breakthrough season from Barnes will help Bart Scott go back to his rangy, big play ways and allow the Ravens to threaten the pocket from both sides of the field.

Things to Watch: IDP owners should be watching the health of Ray Lewis and Ed Reed closely. Both have started to break down in recent seasons and are key players in helping the Ravens to turn the ball over and get off the field. If either misses extended time, the tackle opportunity for all will increase. It's also worth watching the official depth charts to see whether Terrell Suggs will be classified as a DE or LB this season. Suggs has top tier value at DE in all systems, but loses significant value as a LB unless you play in a league that greatly rewards big play.

Sleepers: No sleepers here. Lewis and Suggs are the bellweather IDPs, with Ngata and Gregg worthwhile plays in deep leagues or leagues that require DTs. Antwan Barnes could make himself into a rosterable threat in big play leagues. Bart Scott could flourish if Barnes becomes a trustworthy all-around player, but remains a longshot to finish in the top 30 in most leagues.

What Should we Expect? The Raven front seven is too good to finish outside the top half of the NFL in total defense this season. The tough schedule may prevent them from being a great scoring defense, but their rank stats should improve from 2007 if the vets remain healthy and the corner play improves.

Rob Ryan's Raiders Defense

The 2007 Oakland Raiders doubled the win total of the 2006 with four wins. As illustrated in the previous article, the 2007 Raiders struggled in stopping the run. This was very apparent with the ineffectiveness of Gerard Warren and the injury to Tommy Kelly. Warren Sapp has now retired, but it is not a huge loss. Sapp was not the player we all remember from the days in Tampa Bay. Leaving many scratching their heads, the team did not attempt to improve on the defensive line. The Oakland Raiders did help the secondary with the acquisition of DeAngelo Hall. He is paired with Nnamdi Asomugha. Asomugha is one of the best, if not THE best, young corner in the league. Hall will be able to take risks playing on the other side. This is something the former Falcon is know to do. Former Texas Longhorn, Michael Huff, offers good support at Free Safety. Huff was the team's third leading tackler in 2006, with 74 and 11 assists. Gibril Wilson is a huge upgrade at Strong Safety over Stuart Schweigert, who started ten games in 2007. The best player on this defense that most of the NFL fans have never heard of is Kirk Morrison. His 96 tackles and 24 assists led the team.

Keys to Success: The front four must improve against the run for the Raider defense to have a solid season. Depth is an issue throughout, making health a significant factor as well.

Positions and Players that are the key to the Defense: The nose tackle rotation must improve against the run this season, specifically Gerard Warren and Terdell Sands. A solid pass rush from end Derrick Burgess and Tommy Kelly is also necessary. The Raider back seven is among the best cover groups in the league, but even the best cover players can be beaten by a quarterback given time to throw.

Players to Watch: Tommy Kelly and Kirk Morrison could both be on the verge of Pro Bowl seasons. Kelly will get a chance to play an every down three-technique defensive tackle role and could be a major disruptive force if motivated and in-shape. Morrison is one of the most underrated all-around middle backers in the game.

Things to Watch: IDP owners will want to keep a wary eye on the impact that new SS Gibril Wilson and WLB Thomas Howard will have on each other's stat lines. An impact player like Wilson roaming in-the-box could hurt the tackle and coverage stats of Howard.

Sleepers: Defensive end Jay Richardson could emerge as a 40 solo, 5-6 sack threat in his first season as a starter. Free safety Michael Huff could remake himself into a big play centerfielder in the mold of a Ken Hamlin or possibly even Sean Taylor.

What Should we Expect? Expect the changes on the defensive line to improve the run defense some, but the lack of a stout NT and above replacement level SLB will continue to limit the upside of this defense. It won't be surprising to see the run-pass ratio faced to be even further skewed toward the run this year.

Each of these defenses are headed in the right direction. Baltimore's best players are on the older side, while Oakland's are young. Fantasy owners playing in leagues with Individual Defensive Players (IDP) or a Team Defense would do well to consider the options led by the Ryan brothers.