Kyle Hamilton, the Ravens’ standout safety, started the season off on an uneven note, but the return of his former Notre Dame teammate Alohi Gilman appears to be revitalizing his performance. In the Ravens’ recent victory against the Chicago Bears, Hamilton delivered a significant impact on the field. Notably, he aligned in the box for 61.3% of his defensive snaps, a rate not seen since Week 8 of 2022, as reported by NextGenStats.
Throughout the first four games of the season, Hamilton played 139 snaps at free safety. However, since Gilman’s arrival, Hamilton has transitioned back to the STAR position, not recording any snaps at free safety. Instead, he has increased his time spent in the box and has taken on roles as a slot defender and edge rusher. While closer to the line of scrimmage, Hamilton rushed the passer ten times and achieved two pressures, both marking season highs for him.
In the same game against the Bears, Gilman also showcased his abilities, allowing just one reception for ten yards on two targets. He contributed with five tackles and successfully broke up a pass, indicating a promising partnership between the two former college teammates in the Ravens’ defensive lineup.
Hamilton’s resurgence alongside Gilman provides a hopeful outlook for the Ravens as they continue their campaign. This adjustment not only highlights Hamilton’s versatility but also suggests that the addition of Gilman could be pivotal in the team’s defensive strategy moving forward.