OWINGS MILLS — The Ravens’ defensive line, led by tackle Justin Madubuike, did a solid job shutting down opponents last season.
Defensive line coach Dennis Johnson thinks the team can be even better this year.
In addition to Madubuike, nose tackle Travis Jones is expected to have a strong season. Tackle Michael Pierce is a steadying, veteran presence, and sixth-year player Broderick Washington keeps getting better. Brent Urban, 6 feet 7, 309 pounds, provides valuable depth.
“It’s awesome watching them grow together as one unit,” Johnson said. “Obviously, you know them as individuals in a meeting situation or in a practice situation – [for example] when we’re in ‘Indy,’ and they’re talking to each other and encouraging each other and giving coaching points that maybe we gave in meetings to another guy, especially to the younger guys. And seeing them progress from the beginning of camp to where we are now, is just helping the group play together as one, like I just was telling them post practice, ‘This team goes as the front goes,’ and just taking on that responsibility and ownership.
“Mike Pierce would say in meetings, ‘Our goal is to be the No. 1 defensive line in the NFL.’ And so, we have to practice like it and be consistent day in and day out. That’s one of the things I definitely see in that front.”
Madubuike led the team with 13 sacks and was named second-team All-Pro. If opponents double-team him, it could free more space for Jones to get to the quarterback. Last season, Jones, who’s 6-4, 337 pounds, did a solid job collapsing the pocket and neutralizing opposing centers. He finished the year with 36 tackles, 1 1/2 sacks, and 5 quarterback hits.
“I expect [Jones’] next step to be a breakout season,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. “He’s a dominant guy in there right now, and whenever somebody blocks him, I just think it’s like … It’s a superhuman feat, almost, when somebody blocks him in there. He’s like a superhuman player. So, we’ll see if it pans out in the games. I know it’s a high tag to put on him, but let’s go for it.”
Washington is one of the team’s most versatile players. He can play nose tackle, defensive tackle, and defensive end.
“Obviously, [with] his strength and his size [6-2, 315 pounds], you love him in the run game, and his smarts and knowing how to rush in the pass lanes, and working new moves helps him show up in the pass game. I’m expecting him to play a good little bit,” Johnson said.
