After a 1-5 start to the season, the Baltimore Ravens' defense was seemingly derailing a promising year. Through the first five games, the Ravens gave up over 400 yards and 35.4 points per game. However, over the past two weeks, they've impressed.
In the past two games, Baltimore has given up just 33 points. That's right under their average per game through five weeks. Additionally, the Ravens are giving up just 306.5 yards per game. Sunday's 30-16 win over the Chicago Bears was a statement performance, especially from their run defense.
Baltimore held a solid Bears offense to 96 rushing yards, racked up one sack, and forced two intentional grounding penalties. Plus, Nate Wiggins had an interception for the Ravens' fourth turnover of the year. With the defense taking some strides, Lamar Jackson likely returning, and the schedule opening up, things are trending up for the Ravens.
The Ravens' defense getting back on track changes everything
The Ravens don't play an opponent with a .500 or better record for the next five weeks, giving the defense a clear opportunity to continue this trend. Ultimately, this could result in the Ravens stealing the AFC North. The bend, don't break mentality has been on full display, especially during the Bears game. Baltimore held Chicago to field goals on two of their three trips to the red zone.
During the past two games, the Ravens have generated more pressure, and getting Roquan Smith back in the fold was clearly beneficial Sunday. In a statement performance, Smith recorded 12 total tackles and reminded everyone that he is an elite linebacker. Smith did a fantastic job of controlling the middle of the field and punishing the Bears' run game. With Smith back playing at an elite level, a turnaround seems likely.
Chidobe Awuzie's return to the field isn't as impactful as Smith's. However, he gives the Ravens' secondary a nice boost.
Another big change has been moving Kyle Hamilton closer to the line of scrimmage following the trade for Alohi Gilman. Through two games, this strategy has worked brilliantly. Gilman has held it down in the secondary, while Hamilton has floated around wreaking havoc. Last season, playing Hamilton deeper saved the Ravens' defense; this year, the opposite change could have the same effect. His versatility is truly special.
Rookies Mike Green and Teddye Buchanan have been producing at a high level as well. Buchanan leads the team in combined tackles, and Green recorded his first career sack on Sunday. Overall, after a brutal start, all things seem to be aligning for the Ravens' defense, and this turnaround could result in a playoff push.