Ravens: 5 things to watch for against Broncos

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#2: How well will the Ravens defense hold up inside now that Haloti Ngata is gone?

Dec 14, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan (97) sacks Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) during the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

The preseason was not a great example of the Ravens usual run defense. Gashed by almost every team they played, the Ravens defensive line did not look like a unit that will be able to hold up all season. However, this can be attributed to numerous things.

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First of all, regular starter Chris Canty sat out the entire preseason game as a precautionary measure. He is a good run stopper with pass rushing ability, and he will improve the line immediately. Secondly, Timmy Jernigan was absent for some of the preseason, missing time with a few injuries here and there.

Jernigan was a bit injury prone last season, but when he was healthy, he showed that he can be a force inside. He will be the one most counted on to replace Ngata’s production. Lastly, the Ravens line has been missing a lot of their depth.

The Ravens expected 2014 4^th round pick Brent Urban to be the backup DE (to Canty), but he was lost in the preseason to injury, and he might not return until late in the year. However, 2013 6^th round pick Kapron Lewis-Moore came on strong at the end of the preseason and showed that he can be a valuable contributor if called upon.

While the defensive line clearly won’t be the same without 4 time pro bowler Ngata, they will still be an asset to the team.

Next: How will the secondary look?

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