Injuries eventually take their toll on every team, and the teams who are best prepared and have quality depth are the ones who can survive losing a key player.
For the Baltimore Ravens (6-2) that player who has stepped up is safety Geno Stone in the absence of Marcus Williams. A torn pectoral muscle and hamstring injury have limited Williams to just three games this season. Stone hasn't just started in WIlliams' spot, he has thrived, leading the NFL with five interceptions.
"He's playing amazing," Williams said of Stone. "He comes to work every day locked in and he's hungry. I'm proud of all his progress and everything he's done this year and I hope he continues that."
Through the first three seasons of Stone's career, the Iowa product only had one interception and was primarily a special teams player. This season, he has played 83 percent of the snaps for the Baltimore defense and has turned into one of the best ballhawking safeties this season.
Stone's play have played a pivotal role toward the Ravens' success on defense. They've allowed the fewest points per game (15.2) per game and have the most sacks this season (31). The ravens have also allowed the third-fewest passing yards per game (176.6).
Baltimore signed Williams to a five-year $70 million deal in 2022 free agency. A wrist injury limited Williams to just 10 games, though he still had four interceptions last season.
While the injuries have limited Williams' time on the field, it's nothing he hasn't had to deal with before on the football field and haven't taken their toll on him.
"I've always had a strong mentality," Williams said. "I've always seen stuff happen in life that's worse than my situation. I always continue to be positive and optimistic because I know I will be back and it's not the end. I'll come back better than I was before."
If Williams can get healthy, one of the best defenses in football will be even better and Baltimore could form one of the best ballhawking safety duos in football this season with him and Stone.
The Ravens will look to extend their win streak to four when they host the Seattle Seahawks (5-2) on Sunday at 1 p.m. at M&T Bank Stadium.
More must-reads: