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.
The Ravens made the promotion of rookie cornerback Lardarius Webb and guard Marshal Yanda to the first team official on their latest depth chart.
Both players started their first games of the season last week against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Webb, who took over for an injured Fabian Washington, notched three tackles and three passes defensed. He also nearly came up with an interception of quarterback Dennis Dixon on a ball that slipped off his hands.
“Lardarius played well in his first opportunity to play as much as he did,” said head coach John Harbaugh in his Monday press conference. “He’s got some skills. There are plenty of things he’s got to work on. There are a lot of little intricacies in the coverage that he’s got to continue to grow through. But, he played well.”
Meanwhile, Yanda, who started the first five games of 2008 at right guard before his season was ended with three torn knee ligaments, was a key part of the Ravens’ physical offensive front, that also regularly featured Chris
Chester as an extra blocker. Chester began the year as the starting right guard, but the former collegiate tight end is versatile and can play on both edges.
“We think we have six starting offensive linemen, and obviously, that includes Marshal, and it includes Chris Chester and the rest of those guys,” Harbaugh noted. “There are a couple of other guys that are pushing their way into that group as they work hard to improve. So how you mix and match them and who you play where, you try to put the best fit together that you can.”
The Ravens have been extremely multiple in the use of their entire roster, both offensively and defensively, and other players could certainly see time with the first team when Baltimore takes on the Green Bay Packers next Monday night.