Change happens fast in the NFL. For proof, look no further than the defense of the Baltimore Ravens.
Terrell Suggs and Haloti Ngata are the only two starters left from the Ravens team that won Super Bowl XLVII in 2013.
"When you have the (roster) turnover, there's always a little bit of time for those guys to develop," said defensive coordinator Dean Pees, according to ESPN.com. "But also, just like every team goes through it, you can't keep the same guys forever."
No, Ray Lewis and Ed Reed aren't walking through that door. It's a time of transition for a franchise that became synonymous with defense for 15 years. The Ravens finished out of the top 10 in total defense for the second consecutive year in 2013. That hadn't happened in the franchise's history since moving from Cleveland in 1996.
The Ravens put their focus on D in the past two drafts, investing their top-three picks on that side of the ball in 2013 and 2014. Strong safety Matt Elam, nose tackle Brandon Williams, linebacker C.J. Mosley and free safety Terrence Brooks represent the new guard as potential starters this season.
Ravens coach John Harbaugh expects the defense to make a jump back to prominence.
"The expectation for our defense is to be top five, at the worst," Harbaugh said. "It has always been that way and always will be."
Is Harbaugh's expectations realistic? We suppose that will depend on how well Ozzie Newsome has drafted. We've learned not to doubt the man.
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