Dean Pees Must Deliver A Top 10 Defense

The Baltimore Ravens have a lot of faith in Dean Pees. The experienced defensive coordinator must get great results.

It’s hard to have anything but respect for Dean Pees. After all he has more coaching experience than most defensive coordinators in the NFL; he’s seen everything football has to offer. Dean Pees took over as the defensive coordinator in 2012. The Baltimore Ravens, a team known for defense, has not had a dominant defense since Pees was hired.

Related Story: Why The Ravens Front Seven Could Be Dominant In 2016

Pees always had an excuse. In 2012, Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Haloti Ngata and Terrell Suggs all had injury problems. The playoffs marked the first time of the season the four core defensive players were on the field at the same time.

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In 2013, the Ravens entered their first season without Ray Lewis. Ed Reed also left the team. Injuries took a toll on the Ravens and the secondary was a complete disaster. The Ravens got gashed for big chunks of yards but to the credit of Pees, the team was stingy in the red zone.

In 2014, the Ravens secondary was again problematic. If it were not for the dynamic performances of Elvis Dumervil and Terrell Suggs, the defense would not have much to brag about. In 2015, the Ravens had everything go wrong.

The point here is that Pees either had a lack of key talent, or a perfectly acceptable excuse for the past four seasons. Ravens fans expect a dominant defense. The Ravens without a dominant defense is kind of like Star Wars without light sabers. It’s just not the same. Therefore there can be no excuses given to Pees this season. It’s time to get back to kicking butt on defense.

The Ravens have so much talent in the front seven it is silly. Terrell Suggs’s readiness being the only mystery, the Ravens are loaded with pass rushers. Za’Darius Smith is primed for a break out season. Timmy Jernigan is another player who could elevate his play this season. Adding guys like Bronson Kaufusi, Willie Henry and Matt Judon will surely help.

C.J. Mosley and Kamalei Correa could be a perfect pair of inside linebackers. Brandon Williams is one of the best nose tackles in football. The addition of Eric Weddle and the full health of Jimmy Smith are set to make big impacts on this team.

Next: Why The Ravens Front 7 Could Be Dominant In 2016

The point is that barring injuries, the Ravens have an overload of defensive talent. It is not perfect but it is a really strong defensive roster. Pees is an accomplished and experienced defensive coordinator. It is time that he pulls the strings of a top-10 defense. There are no excuses. This Ravens defense can be dominant.