The Baltimore Ravens haven't won a home game since the fourth day before last Thanksgiving. The most recent loss was particularly excruciating. Jesse Minter and his staff will spend the early part of the week searching for answers.
Sunday's 24-17 home loss to the New Orleans Saints left much to be desired on both sides of the ball. Some of the answers may involve scheme adjustments. Others could involve personnel. One veteran defender who could see a larger role moving forward is cornerback Chidobe Awuzie. The ten-year veteran and second-year Raven played just one defensive snap during Sunday's loss. That continued a trend of the veteran remaining on the periphery of Baltimore's defensive rotation through the season's first two games.
That limited
usage became a topic of discussion Monday when head coach Jesse Minter met with reportersand was asked about Awuzie and wide receiver Elijah Sarratt. Minter's response regarding Awuzie was brief, but it carried some significance.
"I actually just had hopefully a good chat with 'Chido' [Chidobe Awuzie]. We need to get him on the field more, and we need to find a way to get him on the field more. Whatever role that is, that is definitely, I think, on my radar, particularly on the defensive side of the ball."
That is not the type of answer coaches typically give when discussing a player buried on the depth chart. Minter did not simply express confidence in Awuzie. He didn't say the veteran needs to keep working or wait for opportunities. Instead, he openly acknowledged that the coaching staff needs to find a way to increase Awuzie's involvement.
The timing makes the comment particularly interesting. TheSaints generated several key passing plays during the second half of Sunday's comeback victory. Chris Olave became increasingly difficult to contain as the game progressed, and New Orleans repeatedly found answers on critical third-down situations.
While Minter did not directly connect those issues to Awuzie's playing time, his remarks suggest the coaching staff is actively evaluating the veteran cornerback's role. Awuzie arrived in Baltimore with extensive starting experience and a reputation as a physical, dependable defender. However, over two weeks, his opportunities have been limited.
Now, it appears that could be changing. Whether that means more defensive snaps, a larger role in specific packages, or a different rotation altogether remains to be seen. Minter offered no specifics, only that getting Awuzie on the field more often has become a priority.
The Ravens will have little time to dwell on Sunday's loss as they prepare for a trip to Brazil and a matchup with the Dallas Cowboys. As Baltimore searches for ways to improve following its first defeat of the season, Awuzie may be one player worth watching closely. Minter's comments made one thing clear. The Ravens believe the veteran cornerback can help. The next step is figuring out exactly how to get him involved.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Jesse Minter identifies one Ravens veteran who needs a larger role
