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Baltimore Ravens: 3 things the defense needs to work on

By Chris Schisler

BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 31: Outside Linebacker Terrell Suggs #55 of the Baltimore Ravens looks on prior to the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium on December 31, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 31: Outside Linebacker Terrell Suggs #55 of the Baltimore Ravens looks on prior to the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium on December 31, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MD – AUGUST 22: Linebacker Terrell Suggs #55 of the Baltimore Ravens is introduced before the start of a preseason game against the Carolina Panthers at M&T Bank Stadium on August 22, 2013 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – AUGUST 22: Linebacker Terrell Suggs #55 of the Baltimore Ravens is introduced before the start of a preseason game against the Carolina Panthers at M&T Bank Stadium on August 22, 2013 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

3. Generating pass rush:

The Baltimore Ravens need to do a better job of generating pass rush. They don’t just need more from their outside linebackers. They need pass rush to come from their defensive linemen and their other players in the second and third level of their defense. The Ravens do need more from the outside linebackers. They need Terrell Suggs and Matt Judon to keep stealing the show, but players like Za’Darius Smith, Tyus Bowser and Tim Williams need to step up big time.

More than anything though the Ravens need to have pass rush keep the offense guessing. They need to be able to create pressure from anywhere and everywhere. This is something that Pees did a very bad job with. Blitzes were too simple and too telegraphed and the Ravens didn’t blitz enough. With blitzing their is a line of overuse, but the Ravens have to go for it a little more. The Ravens defense needs to create chaos.

Next: What's the ceiling for the Ravens offense?

The defensive line really needs to improve, which could be the biggest take away from this entire article. The Ravens paid Brandon Williams big time money to stuff the run, but they need all the pass rushers they can get around him. Michael Pierce, who has the skills to penetrate into the backfield needs to do it more consistently. Willie Henry needs to come on strong and Carl Davis needs to get to work.

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