The Baltimore Ravens have struggled defensively this season, but second-year cornerback Nate Wiggins refused to accept the status quo. Instead, he took the initiative, approaching key coaches with a request that demanded trust: to shadow a six-time Pro Bowler. This change was revealed by experienced secondary boss Chuck Pagano following the Ravens’ 17-3 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in Week 6.
According to Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic, Pagano said, “Wiggins came to the coaches last week and asked to travel with Davante Adams.” Not many corners want to be isolated on an island with a three-time All-Pro and five-time 1,000-yard receiver like Adams. However, the Ravens used their first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft to select Wiggins precisely for this kind of challenge—a shutdown cover man with the confidence to take on the toughest matchups in the league.
Fortunately, Wiggins lived up to the billing. His performance against Adams was key to the Ravens finally showing some life on defense.
### Nate Wiggins Made the Change Count for the Ravens
The Ravens had been waiting on last year’s 30th-overall pick to take initiative, and Wiggins has now begun that process by making a significant change in his role. Having his responsibilities expanded in the offseason to trail an opponent’s best receiver outside the numbers is a big step — and Wiggins has gotten off to a great start, judging by how he handled Adams.
Wiggins “shadowed Davante Adams on every one of his 27 routes on the day. Adams caught just 1 of 4 targets against Wiggins in coverage for 8 yards,” according to Next Gen Stats. These are impressive numbers against one of the most technically skilled receivers of his era. The stats further prove that Wiggins can excel in one-on-one coverage and effectively take away one side of the field.
This ability is an asset to any defense, especially one as beleaguered as the Ravens, who currently rank last in points allowed and 30th in yards allowed, according to Pro Football Reference.
While defensive coordinator Zach Orr has taken the brunt of the blame for the struggles, 65-year-old Pagano’s veteran savvy continues to make a difference on the back end. In fact, another adjustment Pagano highlighted after the tough loss to the Rams shows promise for the Ravens’ secondary.
### Another Positive Change for a Star Defensive Back
Nate Wiggins wasn’t the only defensive back to benefit from a role change in the recent game. All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton also made a greater impact closer to the line of scrimmage. Though not playing as a traditional box safety or hybrid linebacker, Hamilton created problems for the Rams by lining up as a nickelback.
Pagano explained, “Moving Kyle Hamilton to the nickel creates ‘a little bit different picture for the offense. They have to know exactly where he’s at. It felt different,’” as reported by Zrebiec.
This echoes last season’s changes, when aging consultant Dean Pees moved Hamilton to a deeper position along the last line of coverage, helping ignite a mid-season turnaround for the 2024 defense.
### Looking Ahead: Building on Early Signs of Improvement
There’s a growing sentiment that the Ravens could benefit from bringing Pees back to assist Orr. Improving the knowledge and creativity among defensive coaches is a sound strategy, but equally important is putting key personnel into positions where they can succeed.
The early results with Hamilton and Wiggins are encouraging. With Pagano’s continued adjustments, the Ravens’ defense may build on these signs of life as they head into the second half of the season.
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