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Baltimore Ravens: Predicting the ceiling/floor for the defense

By Nicholas Gardner

GREEN BAY, WI - NOVEMBER 19: C.J. Mosley #57 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates after recovering a fumble in the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on November 19, 2017 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WI - NOVEMBER 19: C.J. Mosley #57 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates after recovering a fumble in the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on November 19, 2017 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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Baltimore Ravens
BALTIMORE, MD – DECEMBER 31: Defensive End Za’Darius Smith #90 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts after a play in the fourth quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium on December 31, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

The Floor:

As much as I’d like to say this is wishful thinking, my genuine belief is that the floor for this defense is still average at worst. It seems like three things in life are certain: Death, Taxes, and the Ravens having an above average defense. Defense has always been Baltimore’s calling card, so I don’t expect things to plummet through the ground, however, an average defense isn’t necessarily getting you to the playoffs.

Must Read: Baltimore Ravens: 5 most important players for the next 5 years

The Ravens haven’t been to the playoffs in three straight seasons, so they can ill afford to be average on the defensive side of the ball. However, there is a possibility that this comes to fruition.

Some of the main reasons for the Ravens defensive upside could also end up being their downfall this season. It’s very possible that their younger players, who are now boosted into important roles, don’t necessarily step into the spotlight and perform the way people expect them to.

Potential goes both ways

A lot of predictions for 2018 are based off of potential, and that’s a pendulum that can swing two ways. The Ravens need their young draft picks to step up, and if they don’t, it could smell trouble early on for Baltimore. If players like Za’Darius Smith and Matt Judon don’t flourish in larger playing time, much of the play-making will be left to Terrell Suggs, who turns 36 in October.

On the back end, players like Jimmy Smith and Tavon Young are both expected to be important pieces for the Ravens secondary but are coming off of major lower body injuries, so they’ll need to be ready to go right when the season starts.

And the biggest question mark that every team battles – injuries. Injuries can derail a teams hopes and dreams, and if the Ravens suffer one too many than the bottom can come out from under them quickly.

The Bottom Line 

Taking everything in to account, I expect the Ravens to have a daunting defense in 2018. Players such as Judon, Humphrey, Smith, Onwuasor, and Young have all shown promise and play-making ability before, and we have no reason to think they can’t do it on the consistent basis. I expect the Ravens to rank in the Top 10 in points allowed per game, passing yards allowed per game, and rushing yards allowed per game.

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

Pass rushing will be the key for Baltimore in 2018. If they can effectively get to the quarterback, they have a great chance at fulfilling these predictions. Keep it locked into Ebony Bird when you need great Ravens coverage. We’re on top of it.

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