OWINGS MILLS — The Ravens suffered a “blow” when they found out offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris will not be with the team for an extended period because of an acute illness.
Coach John Harbaugh hired George Warhop, who has more than 40 years of coaching experience, including 27 seasons guiding NFL offensive lines, to take D’Alessandris’ place in the interim.
The team will miss the 70-year-old D’Alessandris.
“It’s a blow; it’s a blow; because he’s a great football coach – he’s beloved by the players [and] by the coaches. He’s [also] a top game-planner [and] a top coach,” Harbaugh said about D’Alessandris. “He’s a huge part of our offense and he’s going to be missed very much –but we’re going to be much more concerned about his health, and his welfare, and his well-being going forward.
“And then we’re bringing in George Warhop [to coach the offensive line]. … He was a great player, [and] he’s been a great coach in this league, and we’re very fortunate and blessed to have him come aboard.”
The Ravens are still evaluating players on the offensive line, so Warhop’s input is critical.
Left tackle Ronnie Stanley and center Tyler Linderbaum are the only returning starters, which means the Ravens have to fill both guard positions and right tackle to protect quarterback Lamar Jackson and create openings for the running game.
Andrew Vorhees appears to be the front-runner at left guard. Daniel Faalele, Ben Cleveland, and Sala Aumavae-Laulu are competing to be the starter at right guard.
Pat Mekari and rookie Roger Rosengarten are the top candidates to become the starter at right tackle.
Linderbaum is dealing with a soft tissue injury and has been out most of training camp. Cleveland has taken the snaps at center and Harbaugh has been pleased with the performance.
“I thought Ben played well at center – maybe he’s a center,” Harbaugh said. “But he can also play guard, so there are a lot of good things.”
Harbaugh is confident that the 62-year-old Warhop will be able to help make the best decisions for the starters on the offensive line when the Ravens travel to Kansas City for the NFL’s regular-season opener on September 5th. Warhop will get support from assistant offensive line coach Travelle Wharton and run game coordinator Travis Switzer
“I would just say, by the grace of God, George Warhop is available,” Harbaugh said. [He’s] a guy that we’ve known for many years, and respected. [He’s] someone who Todd [Monken] has worked with in the past, in Tampa Bay. Other coaches have known him and worked with him on our staff. He doesn’t know our system per se in terms of our terminology, but he can learn that very quickly, but he knows our techniques. He knows the style, the way we’re running the plays, the principles of the plays – he knows all of that stuff. He’s an experienced coach and that knows stuff inside and out, so he’ll step right in, and he’ll start working with those guys right away.
“And I’ll say this, Travelle Wharton has been doing a great job, too. He’s played all of those years, he brings that player/coach experience, and he’s done a good job in the interim, and he’ll continue to do a great job. Travis Switzer has done a great job, as well. We’re happy with all of our coaches.”