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Baltimore Ravens: 5 reasons they are a playoff team

By Chris Schisler

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - DECEMBER 30: Kicker Justin Tucker #9 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts after a field goal in the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - DECEMBER 30: Kicker Justin Tucker #9 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts after a field goal in the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 30: Cornerback Marlon Humphrey #29 of the Baltimore Ravens breaks up a pass for wide receiver Breshad Perriman #19 of the Cleveland Browns in the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 30: Cornerback Marlon Humphrey #29 of the Baltimore Ravens breaks up a pass for wide receiver Breshad Perriman #19 of the Cleveland Browns in the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

2. The Ravens had the number one defense (and it didn’t collapse):

The defense is the reason that the team is winning games. This doesn’t take away from Lamar Jackson or the offense. It just is pointing out that this defense is championship caliber. The Ravens allowed just 17.3 points per game and 292.9 yards per game. The Ravens have dominated their opponent more often than not. The elite offensive attacks were limited against the Ravens. New Orleans for example was held to 24 points and the Chargers only mustered 10 points in week 16.

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The Ravens defense needed to step up in the final game. The Ravens were aggressive in the final drive the Browns had in week 17. C.J. Mosley found himself with the season saving interception and the defense did what it couldn’t do in 2016 or 2017. With a chance to get in the postseason, the Ravens defense finished and made it happen. The Ravens didn’t make collapsing a habit this year. The Chiefs game is the only game where you can blame the defense and that was more a product of Pat Mahomes and Tyreek Hill having a signature moment. For the most part, the Ravens defense was clutch which helped them step into the playoffs.

Marlon Humphrey became one of the best defensive players in the NFL this year. The Ravens secondary stayed mostly healthy for a change and the front seven is tested the best of offensive linemen. The defense is a hugely important part of the Ravens success.

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