3 problems facing Ravens defense and 3 possible solutions

Problem 3: Tackling

The Baltimore Ravens couldn’t tackle against the Cleveland Browns. They just couldn’t do it. The Ravens missed tackles all over the place. The Browns’ offense was more physical and a lot more disciplined than the shoulder throwing defense of the Ravens. The problem is simple. The Ravens are taking bad angles, are making lazy tackle attempts and are playing poorly.

Solution: Fundamentals and some soul searching

Don Martindale doesn’t have to come up to a way to fix this. This one is squarely on the players themselves. One thing that would help is if the players acted like they played football since they were kids. The fact of this is that they shouldn’t have to be told how to tackle. You breakdown, run through your opponent and wrap up. It’s a basic part of the game that you begin to learn the minute you start playing. They should no how to take proper pursuit angles. It’s their job. Revisiting the fundamental aspects of defensive football is a good start yet it’s not enough.

That Browns game was about effort. The defense got punched in the face and they didn’t respond well to it at all. There is no way that you can tell any Baltimore fan who stuck in there watching this game, that this was their best effort. Soul searching is needed. Accountability is needed. This is one the coaches have nothing to do with. The team has to step up and be better than they were.