The Baltimore Ravens defense was quietly great on Sunday vs. the Miami Dolphins, but we didn’t look past they’re outstanding performance.
With all due apologies to Mark Twain, it would appear that reports of the Raven’s defense’s death are greatly exaggerated.
Somewhat muzzled by all the noise surrounding the offense’s explosion against the Dolphins in the Ravens 59-10 season-opening win was a defense that limited Miami to 12 first downs, 200 yards of total offense and less than 20 minutes of time of possession. It was a classic Ravens display by the defense, even if it didn’t grab the front-page attention it normally does in Ravensdom.
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Brandon Williams and Michael Pierce dominated the line of scrimmage, and the Ravens held Miami to 21 yards on 12 carries, an average of 1.8 yards per rush, according to ESPN. Pierce was disruptive powering through gaps, and Williams seemed to move and stack up Miami offensive linemen wherever he wanted. Chris Wormley also held his own up front, and made his way into the backfield on a couple plays.
Matt Judon had a sack and absolutely leveled Kalen Ballage on a screen pass. Pernell McPhee added a sack, as did inside linebacker Patrick “Peanut” Onwuasor, who also had a pass defended and led the team with five tackles. Tim Williams set the edge perfectly on one run, causing a loss on the play, and shot into the backfield on another. Tyus Bowser consistently provided pressure, probably more so than any game he’s had in a Ravens uniform.
Of course, there’s always one fly in the ointment, and this week hit the much-ballyhooed defensive backfield, specifically in regards to Jimmy Smith. The veteran corner, who suffered a knee sprain, is expected to miss some time. Following the training camp injury to Tavon Young, the depth of the Ravens corners is getting tested.
But the two main headliners of the backfield, Earl Thomas and Marlon Humphrey each ended the game with a pick, and safety Tony Jefferson made a big hit in the end zone to prevent a touchdown, and chipped in two solo tackles, as well.
It was a strong opening performance against an inferior opponent — exactly what you’d want out of your defense. It only gets more difficult from here, but the Ravens defense is off to a flying start. Go ahead. Say it with me… “59-10.” It still feels good, doesn’t it?