Waiting on rush from rookies

Linebackers Williams, Bowser among a first-year group getting mixed reviews

When the Ravens selected Tyus Bowser and Tim Williams in the NFL draft in April, the outside linebackers were expected to infuse the pass rush with energy and talent.

Their production has been slow to materialize.

Even though the defense is tied for12th in the league in sacks with 22, Bowser endured a five-game stretch without one and has just two, while Williams is searching for the first of his fledgling career.

But Bowser and Williams said there’s no sense in panicking with seven more games left after the team’s bye this weekend.

“Everything happens for a reason, and that’s how all of us look at it,” said Bowser, a second-round selection. “I know the coaches know what they’re doing, and we’re just waiting on our time to go out there and make a statement. We’re not worried about it. We’re just here to support and do whatever we can to help the team win. When our time comes, our time will come. We’ll go out there and shine.”

Bowser, who finished his career at Houston ranked seventh in sacks with 211⁄ has played in every game, adding an interception and two pass breakups. But linebackers coach Don Martindale made it clear that Bowser backs up starter Matthew Judon at the strong-side position.

“I see him more as a sub ’backer, as a ‘penny’ defensive end,” Martindale said of Bowser. “We have been moving him around in the sub package. … The last three weeks, I have really seen him grow up. It is always a process with rookies, and every one of them grows at a different pace, but I have really seen him grow up, and I really do think he is going to be a star in this league once he gets it.”

Meanwhile, Williams, a third-round choice, has spent more time off the field than on it. He has been deactivated for five games because of a hamstring injury, and a lack of special-teams experience and has Nov. 19, 1 p.m. TV: Ch. 13 Radio: 97.9 FM, 1090 AM