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Baltimore Ravens: 5 reasons the defense will be better in 2018

By Chris Schisler

OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 08: Jimmy Smith #22 of the Baltimore Ravens returns a recovered fumble for a touchdown against the Oakland Raiders during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 8, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 08: Jimmy Smith #22 of the Baltimore Ravens returns a recovered fumble for a touchdown against the Oakland Raiders during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 8, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Baltimore Ravens
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The Baltimore Ravens defense was pretty good in 2018, but there were some key breakdowns along the way. Here are five reasons the Ravens defense will be better in 2018:

5. A Deeper Secondary:

The Jimmy Smith injury has shattered the Baltimore Ravens ability to play defense against top-tier teams. It seems to happen almost every season. Smith is considered an elite cornerback when he is on the field, and when is the keyword there. The Ravens walk into 2018 with Smith being an important member of the defense. When he’s available, the opponent’s best receiver is going to get slowed down dramatically. The Ravens have a deeper overall secondary though.

In addition to a lot of quality players at their disposal the Ravens have star power at the cornerback position. Marlon Humphrey emerged as one of the league’s most talented cornerbacks and in 2018 he has a chance to play at an elite level. Brandon Carr, Tavon Young, Maurice Cannady, and Anthony Averett make a good core group at the position. The backup plan for the Ravens is simple. Humphrey becomes the number one cornerback, while the rest of the gang vies for a chance at the number two spot. While Humphrey is the only elite player not named Smith, we know that Young can play and we know what to expect from Carr. The Ravens actually have a viable plan B, which is something we couldn’t say for the longest time.

The Ravens could use a lot of sub packages. Let’s face it, there will be moments where having extra defensive backs will be a huge advantage. The Ravens defense will have a lot of speed on the field at all times. One component of this secondary is most of the players can tackle. Tony Jefferson is a strong safety who is an extension of the linebacker group, Eric Weddle isn’t afraid to lay down a hit. Humphrey and Smith are physical players. The secondary is the strength of the team coming into the season. It will be even better than it was last year, and Baltimore led the league in interceptions, with 22.

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