Ebony Bird
FanSided

The Ravens own the NFL’s top defense and it’s not even close

By Richard Bradshaw

NASHVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 14: Derrick Henry #22 of the Tennessee Titans is tackled while running with the ball by C.J. Mosley #57 of the Baltimore Ravens at Nissan Stadium on October 14, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 14: Derrick Henry #22 of the Tennessee Titans is tackled while running with the ball by C.J. Mosley #57 of the Baltimore Ravens at Nissan Stadium on October 14, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /
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The Ravens have been clamoring for years about their defense being one of the best, and in 2018 they are undoubtedly the top dogs across the entire NFL.

We’ve known for years about the talent the Baltimore Ravens have accumulated on defense, whether it was home grown or added via free agency. A healthy mix of veterans and youngsters have also established a fantastic community among their players and the chemistry is evident. The way this defense is playing has many teams terrified.

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Defensive Coordinator Don Martindale has completely unleashed this defense in 2018, something previous Defensive Coordinators have struggled to do in Baltimore. Before 2018, this defense had a reputation built on veterans like Terrell Suggs, Brandon Williams, and C.J. Mosley. But now the younger generation has taken massive steps forward.

Patrick Onwuasor and Kenny Young have both played very well next to Mosley inside, while the youth at pass rusher has blossomed in guys like Za’Darius Smith, Matt Judon, and Tim Williams. Jimmy Smith has always been a stud at corner, but Marlon Humphrey may be the team’s top cornerback, and Tavon Young is quickly emerging and recovering from his 2017 ACL injury.

We can’t overlook the free agency additions in the secondary that have turned a weakness into a strength so quickly. Safeties Eric Weddle and Tony Jefferson, the latter of whom is playing at a Pro Bowl level, have been a terrific combo in 2018. Brandon Carr took some licks in 2017, but the man is as steady as they come and has proven to be a mainstay in the team’s secondary.

This defensive line is massive and their success is tied to defensive tackle Brandon Williams. A healthy Michael Pierce makes this unit even better, but guys like Chris Wormley and Willie Henry have stepped up to make an impact.

Is that enough names for you? Hopefully, because now it’s time to drop your jaw to the floor.

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