Stew Milne- USA TODAY Sports
The Baltimore Ravens will head into Thursday’s season opener against the Denver Broncos a little short-handed as defensive tackle Arthur Jones will be missing in action due to an undisclosed illness.
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said the former Syracuse Orange product was dealing with health issues as of Aug. 27 and would rather he explain the depth of what is going on with his status than the team.
Jones was slated to be one of the starting defensive tackles in defensive coordinator Dean Pees‘ 3-4 scheme. However, given what the Ravens added in the offseason to bolster the front seven, this shouldn’t be too big of a blow.
The 27-year-old isn’t the greatest in terms of getting after the quarterback and his athleticism leaves more to be desired. Jones’ positive and upbeat attitude will be missed in the huddle as well as the maximum effort he provides with each rep he is on the field.
Baltimore will replace Jones with veteran defensive lineman and newly-acquired free agent acquisition Marcus Spears.
The former LSU Tiger is more known for his ability to stuff the run, and at 315 pounds he has the size to stuff gaps along the offensive line. With just 10 career sacks in nine NFL seasons, the 30-year-old leaves a little more to be desired in that department. It has to be somewhat of a concern heading into a game against Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning.
However, the fact that the base defense is losing a slightly above average pass-rusher for a below average one isn’t too concerning given that the Ravens will likely be lining up more often than not out of the nickel packages on second and third downs. Spears probably wouldn’t be on the field during these stages, leaving room for guys like newly-acquired free agent linebacker Elvis Dumervil and pass-rushing specialist Pernell McPhee.
You have to feel for Jones who is one of the good guys on the Baltimore Ravens — he wins the “Good Guy” award almost every year he’s been in the league. However, the Ravens were able to add pieces to the defense during the offseason to pick up the slack when freak injuries and illnesses like this one happen.
