Baltimore Ravens: 2018 defense as good as advertised
The 2018 standouts:
If we want to talk about standouts on defense in 2018, you have to start with 2017 splash signing Tony Jefferson. The former Arizona Cardinals safety was underwhelming for the majority of 2017, before heating up in the final few games of the season. This year is a different story, as Jefferson leads the team in tackles and has two turnovers. His running mate, Eric Weddle, hasn’t forced any turnovers yet, but he still remains a staple to the team’s defense.
Speaking of staples, Terrell Suggs is on pace for another solid season, while second-year edge rusher Tim Williams has also shown off the potential we salivated over when the Ravens drafted him. Za’Darius Smith has also enjoyed a great season in 2018 and is breaking out the way most Ravens players do in contract years.
Linebackers Kenny Young and Patrick Onwuasor have been more than solid in 2018, but a healthy C.J. Mosley continues to be the glue that holds everything together. When the Ravens lost Mosley in the week two blowout to the Bengals, everything fell apart. With him on the field, this Ravens team has surrendered just two touchdowns in four games.
And, of course, how could we talk the Ravens defense without bragging about defensive lineman Brandon Williams? Williams recorded his first sack since 2016 and has continued to be the run stuffing machine we’ve come to know. A healthy Michael Pierce has also been vital to the team, but he has missed significant time due to injury in 2018.
Next. Baltimore Ravens: 5 problems through 5 games. dark
Top to bottom, the 2018 Baltimore Ravens defense has been everything fans could have possibly hoped for. Opposing teams just can’t find a way to move the ball consistently on this defense and it’s because of all the players who continue to shine weekly. Moving forward, the Ravens do have some tests ahead of them, but if this defense continues to play the way that they have fans will have very little to worry about.