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At a thick 350 pounds, defensive tackle Kelly Talavou is a load to handle in the run game. At 343 pounds, Lamar Divens is, too.
But both have a lot of names their battling against for a roster spot because Terrence Cody, Arthur Jones and Brandon McKinney can add depth, as well.
“I just look at it like I’m just doing my job,” said Talavou. “I just trust that everyone else around me will do their job. I don’t really worry about the competition at all.”
Both backup linemen took a step in the right direction and impacted the Carolina passing attack in the Ravens’ 17-12 preseason win last Thursday.
Talavou registered 1 ½ sacks, tying for the team lead when he took down Hunter Cantwell twice on the game’s final drive.
“I just shut down the center and bull-rushed the crap out of him,” Talavou said afterwards. “Thank God I got the sack. I almost didn’t get the sack.”
Talavou said he was thankful the coaches had enough trust in him after only playing in three games last season. The Ravens knew he could be a run-stuffer, but he was looking for a chance to show what he could do on a rush.
“We’ve been working on the pass rush this whole training camp,” noted Talavou. “I wanted to get out there and see what I could do with the pass rush.”
Likewise for Divens.
He spent all of the 2009 campaign on Injured Reserve with a hip injury, but the career nose tackle is now working some at the end position.
Divens also notched a fourth-quarter sack, getting to Cantwell for an 8-yard loss.
“I’m glad they trust me enough to play inside and outside, but it’s been a learning experience playing end,” said Divens, noting how it’s tougher to read a tight end and tackle than it is a guard and tackle. “I’ve never done that, and my responsibilities are a little different. It’s like being on an island. You’ve got a lot more ground to cover.”