Comparing the Baltimore Ravens defense to the “Elite Four”
Minnesota Vikings:
Points per game: 19.2 (6th)
Rushing yards per game: 106.9 (20th)
Passing yards per game: 207.9 (3rd)
Total turnovers: 27 (tied for 7th)
3rd down percentage: 38.8 (14th)
Superstars: Everson Griffin, Anthony Barr, Xavier Rhodes, Harrison Smith
The Vikings came to play in 2016. Doing their best impression of the 60s/70s Vikings defenses, better known as the Purple People Eaters, they were a team that dominated on a weekly basis.
The Vikings made sure that this defense would stay together for at least the next two-to-three years by inking deals with players such as cornerback Xavier Rhodes. Rhodes signed a massive five-year, $78.12 million extension following a Pro Bowl caliber season. The team also picked up linebacker Anthony Barr’s fifth-year option following his second consecutive Pro Bowl nod.
The team features a dominant defensive line, staring edge rusher Everson Griffin. Griffin has 30.5 sacks over the last three seasons while missing just one game over that stretch. Across from him is rising star Danielle Hunter. Hunter had 12.5 sacks in 2016, and what makes that even more intimidating is the fact that he didn’t start even one game.
Linebackers Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks make up a dominant duo that rivals Carolina’s pairing of Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis. Previously mentioned cornerback Xavier Rhodes joins a deep corner group that includes men such as Terrance Newman, Trae Waynes, and Mackensie Alexander. Safety Harrison Smith is the cherry on top to an elite secondary full of playmakers.
Must Read: Jaylen Hill: A strong candidate to make the 53-man roster
So, how does the Ravens defense stack up to this defense?
The most obvious thing would be the rush defense. The Vikings gave up nearly 20 more rushing yards per game then Baltimore did in 2016. With Baltimore returning almost all of their starters in 2017, there’s no reason to believe they can’t out produce the Vikings there.
Turnovers will be a toss up, considering the Ravens edged the Vikings by a single turnover. Guys like Rhodes and Smith are ball-hawks for the Vikings who both have legitimate shots to lead the NFL in interceptions. The Ravens safety duo of Eric Weddle and Tony Jefferson could help the Ravens rival the Vikings one again in 2017.
Thankfully, we will get to see these defenses go head-to-head in week seven of this upcoming season. The game will be held in Minnesota and both teams offenses will have struggles moving the ball.
These two teams have plenty to offer. Based off of statistics, the Ravens seem to have a slight edge. The Ravens better get those sack numbers up, however. The Vikings have a dominant pass rush that the Ravens don’t even come close to rivaling as of now. If Baltimore can change that, you could see them edge out the Vikings here.