The Baltimore Ravens experienced some serious turnover on defense this offseason. It appears safety Tony Jefferson is hoping to step up and help fill the void.
The Ravens parted ways with two of their most integral defensive players in free agency. According to Jeff Zrebiec of TheAthletic.com, he knows full well that he will be tasked with help filling the void.
“I’ve got to step in and be a guy for leadership,” Jefferson said. “Weddle was a big presence back there, and I think I have the capability of being able to do that. Obviously, I’m not 12 years in the league how he’s been, but this is Year 7 for me. I think I’ve got a good grasp of what he’s given to the game and what he’s given to this organization. I’ve gotten an opportunity to watch him, and I think I’m in a good place for that.”
There is certainly plenty of truth to Jefferson's comments. The 27-year-old is entering his third season with Baltimore and has served as the starting strong safety. He finished the 2018 campaign with 74 combined tackles, a forced fumble, an interception, and a career-high six pass deflections.
Still, replacing the likes of safety Eric Weddle and linebacker C.J. Mosley will be much easier said than done. Mosley had established himself as one of the NFL's premier linebackers while serving as the captain of this defense. Meanwhile, Weddle's presence helped shore everything up over the top since before Jefferson arrived.
Fortunately, he will have some serious help in the form of safety Earl Thomas. Jefferson will need to take his play to the next level in order to make sure this defense does not experience any setbacks in the 2019 NFL season.
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