ESPN.com · Jun 13, 2019
Ravens' endgame: Uphold tradition of excellence on defense
OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- The Baltimore Ravens came together as a full team for the first time this offseason, but there was an emotional void felt on the reigning No. 1 defense in the NFL this week.
The Ravens aren't relying on the cliche of "next man up" after losing Terrell Suggs, Eric Weddle, C.J. Mosley and Za'Darius Smith in free agency. Their play, character and leadership will all be terribly missed.
Transition period? Defensive coordinator Don "Wink" Martindale has another word for it.
"Transition could be substituted for mourning," Martindale said. "It’s like that Avengers movie, that Thanos guy snapped his finger and you’re like, 'Where did everybody go?'"
