The Baltimore Ravens’ secondary is crumbling. Over the past two weeks, they’ve left a big blemish on the team’s overall performance, and in Sunday's win, despite a strong pass rush presence, the cornerbacks and safeties failed to hold up their end of the bargain late in the game.
That’s becoming a real issue.
In Week 3, Trey Hendrickson and Calais Campbell combined for 11 pressures and 5 QB hits. They were breathing down Dak Prescott’s neck numerous times, and he still threw for 276 yards, 1 touchdown, and led an admirable fourth-quarter comeback attempt.
It’s clear that no matter how good Baltimore’s pass rush is, they won’t get home if the coverage doesn’t hold up. Jesse Minter has a lot to fix if he wants to lead another outstanding defense in 2026.
Baltimore Ravens’ defense needs the secondary to step up
You’re not going to go far in this league if you can’t bring down the opposing quarterback. That’s been the agonizing flaw for the Ravens for the past two years. They haven’t had much consistency off the edge whatsoever.
They have the unit to change that tune. Trey Hendrickson is elite, Mike Green flashed in Week 2, and Tavius Robinson and Zion Young are relentless, rugged defenders against the run and pass. Even the interior can go crazy with Calais Campbell, Nnamdi Madubuike, and Travis Jones.
And while six sacks through three games is somewhat underwhelming for that group, it’s not like they haven’t had their moments. Hendrickson is tied for fourth in the NFL with 17 total pressures, and the unit had a very good Cowboys offensive line in trouble in Week 3.
Sure, you want more than 1 sack from Hendrickson right now, and Green needs to take off. However, the defensive front is far from the problem.
Notably, Hendrickson has 17 pressures, 8 quick pressures, and just 1 sack. Pass rush isn’t the top concern. It's the coverage.
Sure, you want more than 1 sack from Hendrickson right now, and Green needs to take off. However, if the secondary could step up, fans would probably start seeing the numbers they'd want to see.
Nate Wiggins and Marlon Humphrey have looked pretty decent to start the year, but they’ve still let Chris Olave, George Pickens, and CeeDee Lamb get the best of them on too many occasions. While that’s going to happen when it’s good on good, Wiggins and Humphrey need to give the front seven some help.
The biggest struggle, though, has undoubtedly been the safety play. Malaki Starks and Jaylinn Hawkins have not been there. Three weeks in, both have submitted coverage grades of 50.1 or lower, per Pro Football Focus.
Teams have also been exposing Baltimore’s defense in the short passing game. Jesse Minter’s group has put forth disastrous tackling efforts, and that’s set up big plays and favorable situations for the opposing offense. You’re not going to tally many sacks and force punts with that performance.
Hopefully the defense can turn all that around in Week 4 against the Tennessee Titans.
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