PLEASE NOTE: The opinions, analysis and/or speculation expressed on BaltimoreRavens.com represent those of individual authors, and unless quoted or clearly labeled as such, do not represent the opinions or policies of the Baltimore Ravens' organization, front office staff, coaches and executives. Authors' views are formulated independently from any inside knowledge and/or conversations with Ravens officials, including the coaches and scouts, unless otherwise noted.
At a time when the Ravens’ secondary is struggling, rookie Lardarius Webb has been a bright spot.
Now, Webb has taken over all kickoff return duties and seeing time from scrimmage with the defense.
He is simply performing too well to keep on the sideline.
“I think Lardarius Webb continues to earn more playing time based on the way he’s playing,” said head coach John Harbaugh. “We gave him more defensive snaps, and he played well in those snaps. When you play well – no matter who you are – when you play well, your role expands. And you get to a point where you find out where a guy needs to get better, and you try to work him into more opportunities.”
Webb was a big-hitter on his kickoff returns last week in the Ravens’ 33-31 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. He had seven attempts and racked up 165 yards, including a long of 40.
“Lardarius is our kick returner,” said Harbaugh. “Yes, I would say that’s official. But, we’ve got some other guys that can do it, too.”
Defensively, I’m excited to see what Webb can do. He played at nickel when the Vikings went into multiple receiver sets with Domonique Foxworth and Frank Walker flanking the outside.
For now, it seems that Webb will stick with kickoffs for his special teams contributions, but even that could change. At least defensively, Webb’s expanded role could do him and the Ravens well.
