If the Baltimore Ravens defense is going to be as good as they were last season, they'll need some of their young players to step up.
One of the Ravens' young players poised for a bigger role is third-year outside linebacker Odafe Oweh. With key pass rushers from 2022 out of the picture, Baltimore defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald has challenged Oweh to step up.
"You do see a daily focus from him on what we're asking him to do within the defense," Macdonald said of Oweh. "His rush is a lot more decisive. You see a more consistent plan on a down-in and down-out basis. The message I told him the other day is can you do it for 55 plays? Can you do it for 60 plays? That's the challenge, and I think he's taken that head-on. ... That's the next step for him."
Baltimore allowed the third-fewest points per game and was tied for the fifth-most sacks last season with 48. Two players that led the Ravens' pass rush, outside linebacker Justin Houston and defensive end Calais Campbell, left in free agency.
Houston led the team with 9.5 sacks and signed with the Carolina Panthers. Campbell, who was tied for second on the team with 5.5 sacks, went to the Atlanta Falcons on a one-year deal.
Oweh, who Baltimore drafted in the first round in 2021, had three sacks and set career highs in tackles (43) and tackles for loss (7) last season.
If the Ravens' pass rush is going to remain one of the best in football, they'll need Oweh to step up and replace some of the key production they've lost this offseason. If Oweh can do that and live up to expectations as a former first-round pick, Baltimore's defense may not miss a beat.
Follow the Baltimore Ravens Daily Blitz Podcast
Follow Raven Country on Twitter
Check in at FanStreamSports.com for all your favorite daily sports and entertainment podcasts!
Ravens Alert! Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Baltimore Ravens?
More must-reads: