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Ravens coach John Harbaugh spoke to the media Sunday afternoon. He was not interested in talking about the most intriguing story of the day.
Instead, Harbaugh referred to the 17-word version of Ravens announcing the release of Earl Thomas.
“I think the statement speaks for itself,” Harbaugh said, via Jeff Zrebiec of TheAthletic.com.
Reporters obviously printed more than seven words that said less than the news release, but Harbaugh did not offer two follow-up questions.
‘All eyes forward,’ said the coach.
Ravens passing defense coordinator Chris Hewitt, who worked with Thomas probably more than any other coach on the staff, would not address Thomas on Sunday either.
“I think (Harbaugh) has already talked about it,” Hewitt said. ‘I think we’re moving in a different direction. You guys want to keep talking about Earl Thomas. I think we have already tackled that. ”
However, the Ravens can not ignore the hole that Thomas’ departure leaves for free safety.
DeShon Elliott, who, like Thomas, played at the University of Texas, is the ‘internal favorite’ to replace Thomas and start alongside Chuck Clark, according to Zrebiec. However, Elliott has only played six games due to injuries, seeing action on only 40 defensive snaps in his two seasons.
“It’s his time,” Harbaugh said.
Seventh-round pick Geno Stone, veteran Anthony Levine Sr. and cornerback Jimmy Smith are other options on the position. Eric Reid, Logan Ryan and Reshad Jones are among the opportunities for free agent if the Ravens choose to appear outside the organization.
