Ebony Bird
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Baltimore Ravens: First Quarter Report Card- Defense/Special Teams Edition

By Jake Lippman

BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 13: Patrick Queen #48 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates with teammates after a play against the Cleveland Browns during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium on September 13, 2020 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 13: Patrick Queen #48 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates with teammates after a play against the Cleveland Browns during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium on September 13, 2020 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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HOUSTON, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 20: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans is tackled by Matt Judon #99 of the Baltimore Ravens at NRG Stadium on September 20, 2020, in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 20: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans is tackled by Matt Judon #99 of the Baltimore Ravens at NRG Stadium on September 20, 2020, in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

Outside Linebackers:

  • Tyus Bowser- Nine tackles, three tackles for loss, two sacks, one pass defended
  • Jaylon Ferguson– Four tackles, one tackle for loss, one sack, one fumble recovery
  • Matt Judon– 12 tackles, three tackles for loss, two sacks, one pass defended
  • Pernell McPhee– Eight tackles

At outside linebacker, the team failed to add any talent to the group. Although they returned recent draft picks Tyus Bowser and Jaylon Ferguson as well as resigning Pernell McPhee the team has the same four-man rotation as last year. Franchise player Matthew Judon burst onto the scene in week four after being slow to start to the season with two sacks. Bowser started the season hot with two sacks in the first two weeks but has been quiet ever since.

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With just five sacks this group is under producing, but they are helping stop the run and are getting close to finishing on the quarterback. With a good rotation, each of these guys are getting opportunities. The opportunities they are seeing aren’t just in pass rush too, these guys are setting the edge, playing inside and outside, and playing in coverage. With the opportunities they are getting, they are bound to rack up stats soon.

Luckily these outside linebackers have a large, solid defensive line playing next to them. With that, they should have one-on-ones with linemen. Last week Judon showed what can happen when you leave him one on one. With the Ravens being a high scoring offense, teams will be passing on them a lot. Teams are presently throwing the ball against the Ravens pretty well. They have allowed the 26th most passing yards, but the defense has been solid in situations like 3rd or 4th down.

To improve, this group just needs consistency, if they hold the edge and maintain their responsibility, it will allow the inside linebackers and safeties to clean up in the running game. If they can hit the QB, which the defense has done quite well then they will be fine. Now it’s about getting sacks and making big plays. Look for this group to improve as the season goes along.

Grade- C+

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