{"id":758575,"date":"2026-02-17T15:56:28","date_gmt":"2026-02-17T15:56:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/758575\/"},"modified":"2026-02-17T15:56:28","modified_gmt":"2026-02-17T15:56:28","slug":"ravens-dc-anthony-weaver-defensive-strategy-violence","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/758575\/","title":{"rendered":"Ravens DC Anthony Weaver Defensive Strategy: \u2018Violence\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>\t\t\t\t<img width=\"780\" height=\"440\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Kyle-Hamilton-Cover-e1771340210245.jpg\" class=\"attachment-featured-image size-featured-image wp-post-image\" alt=\"Kyle Hamilton\"   decoding=\"async\" fetchpriority=\"high\"\/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGetty\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<p>Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton tackles Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams.<\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/heavy.com\/sports\/nfl\/baltimore-ravens\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Baltimore Ravens<\/a> 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\u2019t. Weaver spoke to <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/Eald7ZpBWyU?si=XeM-Lb5FX82YMiMS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener external nofollow\">\u201cThe Lounge\u201d podcast<\/a>, discussing his drive to implement a violent style of defense.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI want our guys when they finish the game; it\u2019ll be 60 minutes of hell. Like when you played us, you\u2019re going to know that you left the fight, and we\u2019re 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.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Weaver paraphrased a legendary <a href=\"https:\/\/www.swishappeal.com\/2011\/3\/11\/2044606\/nolan-richardson-40-minutes-of-hell-arkansas-razorbacks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener external nofollow\">college basketball strategy<\/a> to articulate his point. The Ravens enjoyed their greatest successes when defense <a href=\"https:\/\/heavy.com\/sports\/nfl\/baltimore-ravens\/roquan-smith-ravens-super-bowl-expectations\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener external nofollow\">led the team<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGo back to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/1827416\/2020\/05\/22\/2000-ravens-there-aint-nobody-who-has-ever-dominated-like-that\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Marvin Lewis<\/a>, Mike Nolan, and Rex Ryan, right? Wink Martindale, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/coaches\/PeesDe0.htm\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Dean Pees<\/a>, 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\u2019m just excited to get to work.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">\u201cHere, it\u2019s different.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Anthony Weaver is back in Baltimore as the new defensive coordinator and he talks about what it means to return to the Ravens.<\/p>\n<p>Watch the full interview \u27a1\ufe0f <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/Xg4ZnBwLok\" rel=\"nofollow\">https:\/\/t.co\/Xg4ZnBwLok<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/9pCv3BhtJk\" rel=\"nofollow\">pic.twitter.com\/9pCv3BhtJk<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Ravens\/status\/2023403240499646716?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">February 16, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js<\/a><\/p>\n<p>The Connection Between Discipline and Aggression<\/p>\n<p>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 <a href=\"https:\/\/heavy.com\/sports\/nfl\/baltimore-ravens\/ravens-surprise-superstar-jones\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener external nofollow\">defensive lineman<\/a>, the new coordinator sees the change and has coached the modern player into toeing the aforementioned thin line.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">DISGUISE! Be EXOTIC! That\u2019s all I hear lately. Change the QB picture! Teams must focus on WHY they do things\u2014what\u2019s the purpose?<\/p>\n<p>GOOD NEWS for Ravens! Jesse Minter is about technique and fundamentals. With the Chargers, his defense was rarely confused and out of position.<\/p>\n<p>I\u2026 <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/LN9QU1z9Zj\" rel=\"nofollow\">pic.twitter.com\/LN9QU1z9Zj<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Adam Archuleta (@AdamArchuleta) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/AdamArchuleta\/status\/2016966965232095495?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">January 29, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Placing Ego Aside Benefits Team Structure and Execution<\/p>\n<p>Walking in the door, the new coordinator knew how his role would be different. When the team <a href=\"https:\/\/heavy.com\/sports\/nfl\/baltimore-ravens\/report-ravens-hire-chargers-dc-jesse-minter\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener external nofollow\">hired Jesse Minter<\/a> as the head coach, one aspect of his tenure with the <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/heavy.com\/sports\/nfl\/los-angeles-chargers\/\" title=\"Los Angeles Chargers\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"168332\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Los Angeles Chargers<\/a> would not change. Minter will <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baltimoreravens.com\/news\/jesse-minter-ravens-defensive-play-caller-coordinators\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener external nofollow\">call the defense<\/a>. 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\u2019t seem to care.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">So what will a Jesse Minter-led Ravens defense look like?<\/p>\n<p>Here are 5 plays that helped define the 2025 Chargers, with notes on \u2026<\/p>\n<p>\ud83d\udfe3 Getting home without blitzes<br \/>\u26ab\ufe0f In-game coverage tweaks<br \/>\ud83d\udfe3 Stopping Patrick Mahomes<\/p>\n<p>More: <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/5xiEAh2OXD\" rel=\"nofollow\">https:\/\/t.co\/5xiEAh2OXD<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/pGvYSPw7dd\" rel=\"nofollow\">pic.twitter.com\/pGvYSPw7dd<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Jonas Shaffer (@jonas_shaffer) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/jonas_shaffer\/status\/2014751093259948510?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">January 23, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Using Secondary Stalwarts to Change Defensive Effectiveness<\/p>\n<p>In two of the Ravens\u2019 last three games, they lost fourth-quarter leads and one to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/nfl\/nfl-world-reacts-to-ravens-shockingly-blowing-15-point-4th-quarter-lead-to-bills\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener external nofollow\">start last season<\/a>. The defense could not get off the field <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/teams\/rav\/2025.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener external nofollow\">on third down<\/a>. 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\u2019s system will possess a <a href=\"https:\/\/heavy.com\/sports\/nfl\/baltimore-ravens\/jesse-minter-5-fast-facts\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener external nofollow\">\u201cback-to-front\u201d<\/a> approach.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5775639\" class=\"size-inline wp-image-5775639\" data-lazy-load=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Malaki-Starks.jpg\" alt=\"Malaki Starks\" width=\"782\" height=\"521\"  \/><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-5775639\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">GettyRavens safety Malaki Starks knocks away a pass during a January 4, 2026 game.<\/p>\n<p>Their safeties, Kyle Hamilton and <a href=\"https:\/\/heavy.com\/sports\/nfl\/baltimore-ravens\/ravens-safety-starks-hamilton-duo-minter\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener external nofollow\">Malaki Starks<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n<p>Weaver, by the tone and tenor of the interview, <a href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/articles\/anthony-weaver-returning-home-ravens-195832833.html?fr=yhssrp_catchall\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener external nofollow\">wanted to return<\/a> to Baltimore in some capacity. He has a chance to infuse the team not only with his knowledge but also with his motivation.<\/p>\n<p>\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/heavy.com\/author\/terrancebiggs\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Terrance Biggs<\/a> Terrance started at heavy.com in January 2026&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\nHe 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&#8217;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.  <a href=\"https:\/\/heavy.com\/author\/terrancebiggs\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">More about Terrance Biggs<\/a>\t\t<\/p>\n<p>\n\t\t\tMore Heavy on Ravens\n\t\t<\/p>\n<p>\n\t\t\t\tLoading more stories\n\t\t<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Getty Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton tackles Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams. The Baltimore Ravens brought back&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":758576,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_share_on_mastodon":"0"},"categories":[2052],"tags":[184,117,2282,7,6,169],"class_list":{"0":"post-758575","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-baltimore-ravens","8":"tag-baltimore","9":"tag-baltimore-ravens","10":"tag-baltimoreravens","11":"tag-football","12":"tag-nfl","13":"tag-ravens"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/channels.im\/@nfl\/116086794132540581","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/758575","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=758575"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/758575\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/758576"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=758575"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=758575"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=758575"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}