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Mark Zinno: New Look Defense & Offensive-Driven Team

Atlanta Falcons v Baltimore Ravens
(Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Russell Baxter joins Zinno

Russell Baxter, who has covered the NFL for almost 30 years, joined Zinno to talk football. They started with the Ravens and their new bend, but don't break defense. Baxter also said that their defense is very opportunistic. They got 10 takeaways in their four post-season games last year. Baxter feels like their defense will be the same this year.

As far as 2013 goes, new linebacker Darryl Smith is making great strides for the Ravens according to Baxter. "He was such an under-the-radar signing, because he was signed so late," said Baxter. It was thought that the defense was going to be overhauled, and they were. But the Ravens were able to sign a lot of the better players this off-season.

"This is now an offensive-driven team," Baxter said. Baxter has some concerns about the loss of Anquan Boldin. And the one guy that was supposed fill those shoes, Dennis Pitta, is no longer going to be with the team due to injury. But still the Ravens will be a team that is in contention all season.

Follow Zinno on Twitter @MarkZinno

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