Ebony Bird
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Baltimore Ravens vs. Chicago Bears: 10 thoughts following the loss

By Joe Schiller

BALTIMORE, MD - OCTOBER 15: Quarterback Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens throws in the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bears at M&T Bank Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - OCTOBER 15: Quarterback Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens throws in the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bears at M&T Bank Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MD – AUGUST 29: Defensive tackle Brandon Williams #98 of the Baltimore Ravens is introduced prior to the start of a preseason game against the Washington Redskins at M&T Bank Stadium on August 29, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Matt Hazlett/ Getty Images) ***Local Caption*** Brandon Williams
BALTIMORE, MD – AUGUST 29: Defensive tackle Brandon Williams #98 of the Baltimore Ravens is introduced prior to the start of a preseason game against the Washington Redskins at M&T Bank Stadium on August 29, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Matt Hazlett/ Getty Images) ***Local Caption*** Brandon Williams /

8. Brandon Williams please hurry back

Where art thou Brandon Williams? The Ravens are desperately missing their big man in the middle. They gave up a team record 231 total rushing yards, with Jordan Howard rushing for 167 of those. With a rookie quarterback, the Bears were imbalanced for all the right reasons and ran the ball down the throat of the Ravens defense.

It’s tough when the defense is missing two of their top interior lineman in Williams and Brent Urban, who is out for the season. Michael Pierce and Willie Henry can only do so much the inside. And like I’ve talked about, this defensive line group is deep, but that doesn’t every player is starting talent. Williams hinted at a return last week and has been slowly integrated back into his regular routine. Hopefully this means we’ll see Williams practice this week and he’ll return Sunday against the Vikings.

7. Some blame has to fall on the safety duo

Many, myself included, were hyped up for the Ravens safety duo coming into this season. The Ravens made a huge splash in free agency signing Tony Jefferson and pairing him with veteran Eric Weddle in the back of the secondary. But two of the top rated safeties have had their struggles this season and that was apparent against the Bears on Sunday.

Both Weddle and Jefferson were beat on big plays that determined the outcome of the game. Jefferson was completely fooled on a running back pass from Tarik Cohen, that was set up perfectly from offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains. Weddle couldn’t wrap up Jordan Howard on the edge as he broke free for a 53-yard run in overtime that set up the eventual game-winning field goal for Connor Barth.

The struggles as a team have been apparent, but this a duo we expected to lead this defense. Flat out, they’ve got to play better going forward.

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