Baltimore Ravens production: Offense ranked high, defense dips
Defensive Rankings:
- Points per game: 10th
- Yards per game: 16th
- Passing yards allowed per game: 27th
- Rushing yards allowed per game: 3rd
It would be comforting that the Ravens run defense was ranked so high if the pass defense wasn’t so bad. The run defense hasn’t even been worked out that much as the Cardinals and Chiefs both employed a pass happy strategy and the Dolphins offensive line is about non-existent. The only good thing to takeaway here is that the Ravens are doing a good job of preventing points from going on the scoreboard. The Ravens gave up 10 in week 1. The Ravens gave up 16 in week 2. The Chiefs could have dropped more than 33 points at Arrowhead. This is one thing that Don Martindale can at least take some solace in.
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The passing defense is a problem. There’s nothing to sugar coat. There’s no way to point out any positives. Things have to change in a hurry. Injuries have put the defense in a tough spot however Earl Thomas III and Tony Jefferson are supposed to be an elite combination at safety. Marlon Humphrey is an elite corner, the safety depth is a strength. The Ravens have an excuse but they don’t have this much of one. The defense is playing bad football and if these numbers don’t improve the offense better maintain their high ranks.
The pass rush isn’t putting up big sack numbers. Matt Judon has three sacks. Pernell McPhee has two sacks. The Ravens have had to blitz to get their other two sacks in the box score. The only thing that offers a glimpse of hope is that the Ravens just played two of the most pass happy teams in the NFL. The Browns may offer more balance and Baker Mayfield is struggling. The Steelers have Mason Rudolph starting for the injured Ben Roethlisberger. The Bengals have a good run game and will try to be at least a little balanced. If the pass defense numbers don’t improve in the next three weeks the problem is real. If the problems lessen, maybe there is a chance they can weather the storm and get Jimmy Smith back.