Baltimore Ravens and New Orleans Saints Grades Week Twelve
By Brett Foote
Nov 24, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; Baltimore Ravens strong safety Will Hill (33) celebrates with teammates free safety Darian Stewart (24) and cornerback Lardarius Webb (21) after returning an interception by New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (not pictured) for a touchdown during the third quarter of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Defense: B+
The defensive line certainly got the job done, shutting down the Saints running game and a red hot Mark Ingram. The run defense is playing lights out this season and that will be a huge asset for the Ravens as they head into colder weather and a possible playoff run.
The defense also got consistent pressure on Drew Brees, which is critical to stopping a quarterback who bases a great deal of his game on timing and being able to step up in the pocket. C.J. Mosley was once again a tackling machine, but also added a sack on Brees. Terrell Suggs and Elvis Dumervil combined for 3 sacks, 3 tackles for loss, and 3 QB hits in an excellent effort.
As expected, the secondary was the weakest link. They gave up 420 yards and 3 scores to Brees through the air, but Will Hill did a great job of taking away Jimmy Graham and his pick six effectively put the Saints on ice. This unit still gave up too many big plays and have a lot of work to do if the team hopes to go deep in the playoffs.
Next: Special Teams