Ravens: Is the up tempo offense their Achilles heel?

Aug 22, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Sam Bradford (7) throws against the Baltimore Ravens during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

The Baltimore Ravens were absolutely dominated in every aspect of Saturday night’s preseason loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, so it’s hard to peg the blame on just aspect or side of the ball.

But facing a team that runs more offensive plays than anyone in any given game, was the collapse of the defense a given considering the Ravens’ history against the up tempo? This gem came courtesy via Twitter from Russell Street Report:

Granted they aren't game planning for the #Eagles but evidence suggests that up tempo represents Pees' Achilles heel https://t.co/DoTeMqfSwf
— Russell St. Report (@RussellStReport) August 23, 2015

It’s all too true, and the weakness of this normally dominant defense was clearly on display against the hyper fast Eagles. That, combined with the lack of adjustments and the players’ failure to get into position fast enough, and you had a defensive meltdown of epic proportions.

We can also point to the ridiculous number of injuries along the offensive line as perhaps an even bigger issue, of course. The Ravens’ problems along their stellar line might shake things up a bit as the team whittles down the final roster.

Ravens injury issues on O-line might lead team to keep one extra OL on final 53. Not good scenario for bubble WRs, DBs, others #RavensTalk
— Bo Smolka (@bsmolka) August 23, 2015

But it’s too early to go crazy and predict a doomsday collapse for the Ravens in 2015. Remember how everyone completely wrote off the Patriots after just a couple of weeks last season? As we’ve seen throughout history, August and even September aren’t always a concrete indicator of what is to come.

As we lick our proverbial wounds and get ready for a bounce back performance Saturday night against the Redskins, here’s all the hottest Ravens bits floating around the web.