The Baltimore Ravens saw two key defenders return on Sunday. Outside linebacker Tavius Robinson played in his first game since breaking his foot in Week 6, and safety Ar’Darius Washington made his season debut after suffering a torn Achilles tendon in the offseason.
The return of the two contributors paid off instantly. Not only did the Ravens capture a crucial Week 15 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, but they did so in shutout fashion. They left Cincinnati with a 24-0 win, taking all the momentum back to Charm City with three games left to play in the regular season.
Defensive Coordinator Zach Orr called an outstanding game. The pass coverage did its part in limiting the big play, and the linebackers were everywhere despite the loss of rookie starter Teddye Buchanan. However, the most impressive part of it all was the pass rush.
The team’s pass rush was coming off two of its worst performances all year. They failed to pressure quarterbacks Joe Burrow and Aaron Rodgers in the past two weeks, but they would not let Burrow burn them a second time. They came more than prepared, and Robinson quickly unveiled himself as the unit’s secret weapon.
Tavius Robinson changes the game for Baltimore’s defense
The Ravens had countless pressures in this one. It felt like everyone along the defensive front got in on the action. They made Burrow feel uncomfortable all day long, finishing with three sacks. Robinson tallied his third sack of the year. Rookie outside linebacker Mike Green got one of his own and continues to lead the team with 3.5 sacks. Defensive tackle Travis Jones also supplied some pressure up the middle with another sack.
Following the game, Robinson met with the media and outlined what he was focused on bringing to the team in his return.
“Bring a little juice, and bring that energy to the team,” Robinson said. “Give us the energy to go out there and get it done, and sack the quarterback.”
Robinson certainly brought that energy.
With the 26-year-old’s return, the pass rush group becomes a whole lot more dangerous and deeper. Week 15’s game was the first snaps Robinson took next to outside linebacker Dre’Mont Jones and a surging version of Green. Veteran Kyle Van Noy continued to do his thing, and David Ojabo made some plays, as well. They were evidently a stronger, all-around unit on Sunday.
With matchups against quarterbacks in Drake Maye, Jordan Love, and Aaron Rodgers lying ahead, the pass rush needs to keep its foot on the accelerator. While Baltimore’s defense still ranks tied for 31st in sacks with 22, they appear to be catching fire at the perfect moment.