OTL: Marcus Williams Loves New DC Zach Orr

There’s a thing with the Baltimore Ravens – players that always felt like they were meant to be in Baltimore but get there in the tail end of their career. We saw it with players like Steve Smith Sr., and Eric Weddle. The latest example is Derrick Henry, who is arguably the most physically imposing running back in the NFL. Tom Blair of NFL.com is certainly a fan of the move for the Ravens. In an article for the league’s website, Blair picked a player for each AFC team to root for in 2024. His selection for the Ravens was Henry:

“Often, when an accomplished veteran heads to a new team to chase a ring after turning 30, the expiration date on his career is obviously looming. But with the 30-year-old Henry, who just led the NFL in carries (280) while rumbling for 1,167 rushing yards and 12 rushing TDs in a fitfully productive Titans offense, I don’t have to try to talk myself into thinking he’s still got it. It’s nice when things just make sense, and watching Henry work with Lamar Jackson should be a joy.”

Henry has been part of my football viewing experience for a long time. He went from making ridiculous highlights at Alabama to being the face of the Tennessee Titans for about a decade. This is a good call by Blair as Henry has certainly given the game everything he’s had to offer and it’s exciting to see what he can do in Baltimore.

My pick for the Ravens would have been Justin Madubuike, who has gotten better every season. He just got his big second contract. If Madubuike can stay hungry and continue his consistent growth as a player, that will be an admirable story.

Ravens S Marcus Williams on the Lamar/Henry duo:

We’re not going to go into how I’m going to tackle them, because I don’t gotta tackle them. That’s all about the other team. These other safeties that’s gotta go up against them in the division, they’re going to have a tough… pic.twitter.com/Nhdka1385l

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Keeping to all things Derrick Henry, Marcus Williams had some big words about his potential impact for the Ravens offense. Williams has a point here. Putting Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry together has a video game feel. The talent sets out of this backfield are notable. One is a bowling ball who almost prefers contact, the other is an electric dual threat quarterback with two MVP trophies.

Ravens S Marcus Williams gives MAJOR praise to new DC Zach Orr

“He definitely has the respect of the room. He comes in every day, puts that time in, that work…I have the utmost respect for him, the way he presents himself, the way he carries himself”
pic.twitter.com/Mj7iD0Vg1l

— Kevin Oestreicher (@koestreicher34) June 21, 2024

Williams also had some compliments to go for the defensive side of the team. In particular, he shouted out his new defensive coordinator, Zach Orr. Comments like this are a very positive sign. We can talk about X’s and O’s until we’re blue in the face but chemistry and comradery go a long way. Williams praising Orr on how he’s handling himself as a professional is a sign that the Ravens made a wise decision.

Happy Birthday @JoshJones_23pic.twitter.com/4XOkH8wnfA

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) June 22, 2024

Josh Jones had a birthday to celebrate this weekend. The Ravens took to the app formerly known as Twitter to wish their new offensive lineman a happy 27th birthday. Jones was with the Houston Texans last season. He’s started 24 out of 60 NFL games in his career. The 6-5 tackle is somebody to keep your eye on this preseason.

Ready. Set. Monday.

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