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Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton tackles Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams.
The Baltimore Ravens brought back a familiar face in new coordinator Anthony Weaver. As someone who wore the uniform and played for the organization, Weaver possesses a bond to the franchise that many coaches don’t. Weaver spoke to “The Lounge” podcast, discussing his drive to implement a violent style of defense.
“I want our guys when they finish the game; it’ll be 60 minutes of hell. Like when you played us, you’re going to know that you left the fight, and we’re going to try to hit everything moving, fly around, play connected, play together, and just do all we can to make sure that you played in the game that was 60 minutes of hell.”
Weaver paraphrased a legendary college basketball strategy to articulate his point. The Ravens enjoyed their greatest successes when defense led the team. Traditionally, Baltimore won games on that side of the ball, punishing opponents and attempting to make every snap an experience. Weaver remembers his time there and shows reverence for the coordinators who worked there before him.
“Go back to Marvin Lewis, Mike Nolan, and Rex Ryan, right? Wink Martindale, Dean Pees, like Mike Macdonald, right? I mean, there are just so many coaches that I have a tremendous amount of respect for, and to have that same title just means so much to me, and I know the weight that carries, and I’m just excited to get to work.”
Standing on the shoulders of those before him, Weaver understands what the position means and what needs to be done to bring the Ravens back to prominence.
“Here, it’s different.”
Anthony Weaver is back in Baltimore as the new defensive coordinator and he talks about what it means to return to the Ravens.
Watch the full interview ➡️ https://t.co/Xg4ZnBwLok pic.twitter.com/9pCv3BhtJk
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) February 16, 2026
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The Connection Between Discipline and Aggression
Historically, when the Ravens win a game and play well, the defense walks a fine line between strict focus and unleashed animosity. Weaver played in the transition era, where the rules and safety aspects of the game became more prevalent. As a former defensive lineman, the new coordinator sees the change and has coached the modern player into toeing the aforementioned thin line.
DISGUISE! Be EXOTIC! That’s all I hear lately. Change the QB picture! Teams must focus on WHY they do things—what’s the purpose?
GOOD NEWS for Ravens! Jesse Minter is about technique and fundamentals. With the Chargers, his defense was rarely confused and out of position.
— Adam Archuleta (@AdamArchuleta) January 29, 2026
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Placing Ego Aside Benefits Team Structure and Execution
Walking in the door, the new coordinator knew how his role would be different. When the team hired Jesse Minter as the head coach, one aspect of his tenure with the Los Angeles Chargers would not change. Minter will call the defense. Historically, the offensive side of the ball was the area where a head coach called plays. However, the new coach will be the leader on the headset. Many defensive coordinators would grouse about not calling plays, but Weaver doesn’t seem to care.
So what will a Jesse Minter-led Ravens defense look like?
Here are 5 plays that helped define the 2025 Chargers, with notes on …
🟣 Getting home without blitzes
⚫️ In-game coverage tweaks
🟣 Stopping Patrick Mahomes
More: https://t.co/5xiEAh2OXD pic.twitter.com/pGvYSPw7dd
— Jonas Shaffer (@jonas_shaffer) January 23, 2026
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Using Secondary Stalwarts to Change Defensive Effectiveness
In two of the Ravens’ last three games, they lost fourth-quarter leads and one to start last season. The defense could not get off the field on third down. Opponents took full advantage with late-game victories. Whether that is a reaction to poor playcalling or fatigue remains to be seen. However, the team in Minter’s system will possess a “back-to-front” approach.
GettyRavens safety Malaki Starks knocks away a pass during a January 4, 2026 game.
Their safeties, Kyle Hamilton and Malaki Starks, will be counted on to be the primary playmakers all over the field. Hamilton, already a versatile safety, plays a role similar to the one Derwin James did in Los Angeles. Meanwhile, Starks will continue to develop as a center fielder who takes away the deep ball.
Weaver, by the tone and tenor of the interview, wanted to return to Baltimore in some capacity. He has a chance to infuse the team not only with his knowledge but also with his motivation.
Terrance Biggs Terrance started at heavy.com in January 2026
He is a veteran sportswriter with 12 years of experience, covering NFL, College, and MLB. Terrance has held positions at Sports Illustrated and Pro Football Sports Network. A graduate of Fort Hays State University with a bachelor’s in Communication, he is also a voting member of the Football Writers Association of America, United States Basketball Writers Association and the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association. More about Terrance Biggs
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