Focused on Playoff Push
However, Wiggins said on “The Lounge” podcast recently that he’s become more judicious about breaking out his “Box ’em Up” celebrations. He’s more interested in helping the Ravens barge their way into the playoffs.
Orr said Wiggins embraces the connection between weekly preparation and performance on the field. Coming off a shutout victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, the Ravens are looking for their defense to peak down the stretch. They need all 11 players on the field to be connected, to know each other’s assignments. When Orr asks questions, Wiggins is giving the right answers.
“We quiz these guys, not just on what we’re doing, but on the tendencies of the guys we’re facing, the schemes we’re going to be facing,” Orr said. “Nate’s a real smart guy. I know he’s kind of quiet, but he’s football smart.
“At his Combine interview, we really cut it short, because he answered every question about every DB position. You can’t do that if you don’t watch film.”
Wiggins said he has become more detailed in studying film this season and credits veteran cornerback Chidobe Awuzie for helping him take his preparation to the next level. Wiggins said his game notes have become more organized, separated into different categories to make it easier to find what he’s looking for.
Wiggins isn’t someone who simply relies on his physical gifts. When he defends Patriots receiver Stefon Diggs this weekend, it will be done after hours of preparation. Wiggins is still only 22 years old, one of the youngest players on the team. But in his second NFL season, Wiggins is playing more like a seasoned vet and wants to keep trending upward as quickly as possible.
“I feel like I’m still growing,” Wiggins said. “I feel like my season’s decent right now, I know I could be way better.”
