Ravens studs and duds from crushing Week 17 loss to Rams

1. The Ravens secondary

A Ravens defense that was utterly dismantled in Week 16 put itself back together against the Rams. Baltimore held the Rams to just one score in the first three quarters, and they have their secondary to thank for that.

In the first quarter, Chuck Clark picked off Matthew Stafford and brought the ball to the house for a defensive touchdown.

Clark nabbed another pick in the second quarter and finished the game with an additional seven tackles and three passes defended.

Other members of the secondary showed up to play, including Tavon Young, who led the team with nine total tackles, and Jimmy Smith, who recorded a then-crucial hit on running back Sony Michel to stop the Rams on a 4th-and-goal late at the end of the game.

The secondary as a whole limited the receiving beast that is Cooper Kupp to 95 yards and one touchdown which, for his standards, could be seen as a disappointment.

Against Odell Beckham Jr.’s antics, too, the Ravens stayed strong. After Week 16’s blowout, we were worried about the Ravens’ state of defense. Not anymore.

2. Justin Houston*

*and Tyus Bowser

Justin Houston and Tyus Bowser get nods this game mostly for one big play that the duo created. In the third quarter, and on a momentum-building Rams drive, Bowser and Houston paired up to sack Stafford, force the fumble, and recover said fumble.

It was an absolutely crucial defensive play that helped preserve Baltimore’s lead and morale.

Keep in mind the Ravens were playing without Odafe Oweh and Pernell McPhee, and despite notching just one sack in the whole game, the Ravens pass-rushing unit performed better than expected.

The Ravens lost in Week 16 due to their defense, but it could be argued that they lost this game because of their offense. Considering the circumstances, Baltimore’s defense should get a soft pat on the back.