Baltimore Ravens' Eric Weddle aiming to emulate great defences of years gone by
Sunday 24 September 2017 12:53, UK
Eric Weddle has described how iconic Baltimore Ravens defences of previous seasons continue to inspire him.
Free safety Weddle is in his second year with the Ravens but is galvanised by the franchise's Super Bowl XXXV-winning side in 2000 which boasted one of the greatest defensive lines in NFL history.
"You look at the legendary players that have played in this organisation - I envisaged myself in that system. It's definitely a pride thing," Weddle told Sky Sports in the build-up to Sunday's Wembley Stadium clash against Jacksonville Jaguars, live on Sky Sports Action at 1:30pm.
The players that came before us have set in stone what a Ravens defence is all about - tough, physical, relentless, striving to be the best.
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"You want to play great but you also want to teach these young kids that it's a standard to be the best. The players that came before us have set in stone what a Ravens defence is all about - tough, physical, relentless, striving to be the best. We're trying our best to hold that standard.
"It's one of the main reasons that I joined the Ravens. We have one of the best owners in the NFL and the organisation is top-notch. But it's known for defence."
The Ravens are 2-0 in the AFC North and their defence, featuring Weddle, lead the NFL with 10 turnovers.
"You want to stop the run, you want to force the quarterback to get off his spot and make plays up the field," Weddle said. "We've been able to do that with timely turnovers.
"That's the great equaliser in this game, especially when the offences are high-flying attacks that score points. If you can create a couple of turnovers per game, change the field position and set up points for your offence, then you've got the game in your hands."
Weddle is in his 11th NFL season having ended a nine-year association with the San Diego Chargers at the start of the 2016 campaign.
Asked how long he plans to stay in Baltimore, he replied: "As long as they want me. I signed a four-year deal last season. After this season, it's up to them. I signed for four, so I plan for that, but after [this contract] it's a wrap."
Watch Baltimore Ravens @ Jacksonville Jaguars at 1:30pm on Sunday, live on Sky Sports Action.
