Ayanbadejo's bigger role
Because he weighs only a listed 225 pounds, and it's probably more like 217, it's hard to envision Brendon Ayanbadejo as an every-down linebacker. But so far, he has outplayed starter Tavares Gooden, and fellow reserve Jameel McClain is closing the gap on Gooden, too.
Ayanbadejo is the Ravens' top special teams player, but the team also was able to sign him in March 2008 because Ayanbadejo wanted a bigger role on defense. He might get it now.
That body frame might be small, but it's loaded with muscle and speed.
"I mean, I'm in there for speed," Ayanbadejo said. "I'm built for speed, so to be able to get out there and utilize it, that's what I really love to do. You don't have to run 70 yards to get it. You can run 30 yards or 20 yards, and it's usually even shorter than that, and just explode and burst and be able to hit something. And to not have to run 70 yards makes it a little bit more fun."
Enough about Kruger
It's time to do away with the questions and stories about why rookie defensive end Paul Kruger isn't playing. The bottom line is that he isn't good enough yet, and certainly not better than the guys in front of him. There are no conspiracies, no agenda. And it's not the first, nor will it be the last, time a second-round draft pick hasn't dressed for games early in the season.
