Problem 2: Communication issues
If the defense isn’t communicating effectively and they are always finding themselves in the wrong position, simplification is the way to go. The Ravens defense is supposed to be a fairly complicated operation and the Ravens lost their coach on the field in Eric Weddle. While Earl Thomas was an upgrade from an athleticism standpoint, the Ravens don’t have a quarterback of the defense. The defense does not have a clear cut out leader. Communication and playing in sync are two things that just aren’t happening. Every week we hear communications issues coming out of the Ravens defensive personnel.
Solution: Keep it simple
Don’t have a lot of complicated and varied coverage schemes, Don Marindale. Your defense can’t handle it right now. When the Ravens signed Earl Thomas, he made a name for himself as one of the best defensive backs in football. He came from a simple Seahawks defense. In Seattle he was tasked mostly with being responsible for the deep third in a cover 3 scheme. Thomas is at his best when he basically a center fielder. Baltimore gave Thomas a big deal and they should do what will maximize his value to the team.
Confusing the opposing quarterback doesn’t do a lot of good if the defense can’t keep things straight themselves. The pre-snap movement and the different looks are good, however the coverage needs to be elementary. They should play more man coverage. Marlon Humphrey can take a receiver out of the game. Brandon Carr and Anthony Averett are vulnerable to getting beat in any coverage that they play. At least in man to man they are locked into a one on one battle with the receiver. The Ravens need to play more man coverage. They should mix in cover 3 and cover-2 man coverage schemes. The Ravens pressure looks have to be layered and exciting. That’s the pepper. The coverage scheme is where they need a little salt.