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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, MD – DECEMBER 23: Defensive Tackle Willie Henry #69 and defensive end Za’Darius Smith #90 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrate after a sack in the second quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at M&T Bank Stadium on December 23, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – DECEMBER 23: Defensive Tackle Willie Henry #69 and defensive end Za’Darius Smith #90 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrate after a sack in the second quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at M&T Bank Stadium on December 23, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

3. Breakout season time

Willie Henry, Za’Darius Smith, Patrick Onwuasor, Tyus Bowser… these are all players that could be ready for a breakout season. Willie Henry had 3.5 sacks last season and that number could easily grow. Henry earned himself a larger role in the rotation and he is a player that feels like he is just starting to get it. With Za’Darius Smith, you could argue that he’s already had his breakout season, but he has never had more than 5.5 sacks. If Smith stays healthy and gets enough reps, he could be a player who does more than that.

Onwuasor has a tough fight with Kenny Young to be the inside linebacker next to C.J. Mosley. Onwuasor has experience and it could lift up his game. Bowser is incredibly athletic, and with a full season under his belt, he may be more acclimated to the speed of the NFL game. It seems like a matter of time before Bowser is one of the best pass rushers in the league the ability is there. The Ravens have a number of players that they can get more out of.

Tim Williams is a player that could improve dramatically in his sophomore season. Tavon Young is coming back and Maurice Cannady is another player who could be in for a big season. The Ravens have much of the same group coming back, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be better. Progress will be made and the defense will be a better unit because of it.

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