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Baltimore Ravens: This Defense Is Special

By Chris Schisler

Nov 6, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan (99) intercepts a pass in the third quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 6, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan (99) intercepts a pass in the third quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Baltimore Ravens Defense Is Special:

The Baltimore Ravens held the Cleveland Browns to 144 total yards on Thursday Night Football. The Browns had one good drive, but got completely shut down by the Ravens for the rest of the game. This was just another day at the office for the NFL’s second ranked defense.

The Baltimore Ravens defense has had to carry an unbelievable burden this season. The Ravens offense ranks 27th in yards per game. Baltimore is only putting up 20.2 points per game which ranks 24th in the NFL. The Ravens have won five games this season, and their defense has done most of the work.

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When you look at the defensive statistics, you understand the heavy lifting the Ravens are doing defensively. The Ravens have the number one defense in the NFL going into this NFL Sunday. They lead the league in defending the run and are fifth in pass defense. Baltimore has 22 quarterback sacks, this is tied for the seventh best total in the NFL. Only the Kansas City Chiefs have intercepted more passes than the Ravens defense.

The Players That Make It Happen:

The Ravens front seven is incredible. Brandon Williams and Michael Peirce are both nose guards that have flourished. The rotation of a deep and talented defensive line is keeping legs fresh throughout the game. Timmy Jernigan is playing lights out. C.J. Mosley and Zach Orr are a fantastic combination at the inside linebacker spots. Matt Judon, and Za’Darius Smith have started to play some good football and Terrell Suggs is a living legend (playing with a bicep injury).

The Ravens pass defense takes a ton of criticism yet it is doing a great job overall. The purple and black rank seventh in pass defense. Eric Weddle, who had an interception against the Browns has made a huge difference. Lardarius Webb is giving the Ravens a ton of value at the free safety position. Jimmy Smith is taking away good receivers. Remember Odell Beckham did practically nothing against the Ravens when he was on the field.

The Bottom Line:

The Ravens have given up some big plays this season. However they have done a fantastic job. In this new era of football perfect defenses do not exist. The Ravens are going to give up plays. A shut out is almost impossible in the NFL today. The Ravens defense has done enough to give the team a chance to win every game.

Next: Baltimore Ravens: Offense Is Back But Not Completely

The reality of the situation is that the Ravens play in a big play NFL. The key to defensive success is to limit sustained drives by the opposing offense. Big plays happen, but the opponent can not depend on them. The Ravens are suffocating the offensive aspirations of their opponents week in and week out. This defense never lets an offense get going and that’s why they are awesome. In today’s NFL, the Ravens defense is doing everything you can ask a defense to do.

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