Keyser
5/9/2006, 11:22 AM
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/football/bal-sp.ravens09may09,0,4215259.story?coll=bal-sports-headlines
From the cover
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One reason the Ravens drafted Dan Cody in the second round a year ago was his endless pursuit of the quarterback.
Still, it took Cody's recovery from major knee surgery to realize how relentless he truly is.
Based on Cody's strong comeback, Ravens officials expect him to not only be ready for training camp but also to play an expanded role in their defense. Cody, originally slated to be a pass-rush specialist this season, is on track to play outside linebacker.
"He can fit into a larger part of our plan if he is able to continue on the path that he's on," linebackers coach Jeff FitzGerald said. "It's not like we're looking to wait a year for Dan to figure it all out. The plan is if Dan Cody is ready to go, then he's going to play football. I'm very optimistic that he's going to be able to contribute on first and second downs."
Without a second legitimate safety, team officials have projected that the Ravens could start four linemen, four linebackers and just three defensive backs (two cornerbacks and one safety) - a formation that would allow Cody to get on the field as a starting linebacker.
Playing that position is an on-going transition for Cody, who only worked at defensive end at the University of Oklahoma. His learning curve will continue to accelerate at next week's minicamps. Cody is scheduled to participate in those workouts, but there is a chance his play could be limited.
"I feel like I'm 90 percent," Cody said. "The strength is there. It's just a matter of endurance."
Team officials said the main focus is for Cody to be fully recovered by Aug. 1, the first day of training camp. Cody's goal is just to get past that date.
His rookie season abruptly ended on the first practice of training camp, when he sprained the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee without being hit. He injured his knee by turning quickly in an attempt to hustle after a misdirection play.
"I wish I had something to show for it like somebody landing on me," Cody said. "It was a weird deal. The turf monster got me."
As a result, the Ravens had to temporarily shelve their plan to use Cody and Terrell Suggs as their rush ends on passing situations.
The Ravens finished last season tied for eighth in the NFL in sacks (41), but the pass rush seemed sporadic. Peter Boulware, who was re-signed to replace Cody, was a disappointment in his final season, managing just 2 1/2 sacks.
"Terrell was drawing a lot of attention and teams didn't have a lot to figure out when deciding where to put their best pass protectors," FitzGerald said. "Now, they're going to have to give it some thought."
If Cody shows the same promise as he did at Oklahoma, the Ravens could be harassing quarterbacks frequently this season. In 42 games with the Sooners, Cody had 25 sacks and 42 quarterback pressures.
Cody, though, admits there will be an adjustment.
"In college, I could just run around guys," he said. "It's a totally different game now. I'm excited to learn how it works."
Just recently, Cody had to learn how to run again.
He started going through linebacker drills a month ago, the first time he tried lateral movement. There would be occasions when he would slip and fall face-first into the dirt.
From the cover
Advertisement
One reason the Ravens drafted Dan Cody in the second round a year ago was his endless pursuit of the quarterback.
Still, it took Cody's recovery from major knee surgery to realize how relentless he truly is.
Based on Cody's strong comeback, Ravens officials expect him to not only be ready for training camp but also to play an expanded role in their defense. Cody, originally slated to be a pass-rush specialist this season, is on track to play outside linebacker.
"He can fit into a larger part of our plan if he is able to continue on the path that he's on," linebackers coach Jeff FitzGerald said. "It's not like we're looking to wait a year for Dan to figure it all out. The plan is if Dan Cody is ready to go, then he's going to play football. I'm very optimistic that he's going to be able to contribute on first and second downs."
Without a second legitimate safety, team officials have projected that the Ravens could start four linemen, four linebackers and just three defensive backs (two cornerbacks and one safety) - a formation that would allow Cody to get on the field as a starting linebacker.
Playing that position is an on-going transition for Cody, who only worked at defensive end at the University of Oklahoma. His learning curve will continue to accelerate at next week's minicamps. Cody is scheduled to participate in those workouts, but there is a chance his play could be limited.
"I feel like I'm 90 percent," Cody said. "The strength is there. It's just a matter of endurance."
Team officials said the main focus is for Cody to be fully recovered by Aug. 1, the first day of training camp. Cody's goal is just to get past that date.
His rookie season abruptly ended on the first practice of training camp, when he sprained the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee without being hit. He injured his knee by turning quickly in an attempt to hustle after a misdirection play.
"I wish I had something to show for it like somebody landing on me," Cody said. "It was a weird deal. The turf monster got me."
As a result, the Ravens had to temporarily shelve their plan to use Cody and Terrell Suggs as their rush ends on passing situations.
The Ravens finished last season tied for eighth in the NFL in sacks (41), but the pass rush seemed sporadic. Peter Boulware, who was re-signed to replace Cody, was a disappointment in his final season, managing just 2 1/2 sacks.
"Terrell was drawing a lot of attention and teams didn't have a lot to figure out when deciding where to put their best pass protectors," FitzGerald said. "Now, they're going to have to give it some thought."
If Cody shows the same promise as he did at Oklahoma, the Ravens could be harassing quarterbacks frequently this season. In 42 games with the Sooners, Cody had 25 sacks and 42 quarterback pressures.
Cody, though, admits there will be an adjustment.
"In college, I could just run around guys," he said. "It's a totally different game now. I'm excited to learn how it works."
Just recently, Cody had to learn how to run again.
He started going through linebacker drills a month ago, the first time he tried lateral movement. There would be occasions when he would slip and fall face-first into the dirt.