The Baltimore Ravens defense needs to be as impactful as the offense in the coming weeks. Baltimore delivered a shockingly disappointing performance against the struggling Cleveland Browns in Week 8. Going into the game, the Ravens were the hottest team in the league. The Browns, on the other hand, have been one of the worst teams in the league. Nothing comes easy in the NFL, but the Browns were supposed to be another notch in Baltimore’s win column. The Ravens were coming off five consecutive victories before falling to the Browns.
The Browns ‘ season was presumably over after a season-ending achilles injury to starting quarterback Deshaun Watson. Backup quarterback Jameis Winston made an immediate impact by winning a big division game in his first start for Cleveland. Winston played a great game and was able to help the Browns sinking ship stay afloat. As far as the Ravens, Lamar Jackson has seen better days, although his play was acceptable. Running back Derrick Henry was underutilized again after proving to be a difference-maker in prior weeks. As for the defensive side of the ball, Baltimore’s secondary gave up far too many big plays and will need to tighten up to maintain the top spot in the AFC North.
Baltimore Ravens’ Defense Must Be as Impactful as Offense
The Baltimore Ravens’ defense has been playing well at times but not good enough to propel the team to victories on their own. At times, the defense displays “bend but don’t break” tendencies, but lately, the defense has been breaking. In particular, the secondary has been average at best, which is alarming because one season ago, the Ravens had one of the best defenses in the league. There are times when the defense is reminiscent of last season, but this year has been quite different. The problem is simple: the Ravens’ defense is not as good as it once was. Unfortunately for Baltimore, the defense will not win a game if the offense is not clicking. The offense needs to score 30-plus points for the defense to play confidently.
Why is the Defense Struggling?
According to Pro Football Fous, the Ravens are ranked 24 out of 32 defensively, which is so unfamiliar that it looks like a mistype. Safety Kyle Hamilton has been playing fantastic this season, but, as they say, football is a game of inches. In the Week 8 loss to the Browns, Hamilton dropped an interception that would have surely ended the game. Although Hamilton is normally a consistent playmaker, the missed opportunity proved to be huge. Linebacker Roquan Smith has been quiet and will need to make himself more of a centerpiece. Veteran cornerback Marlon Humphrey is injured, which didn’t help the situation.
Veteran safety Eddie Jackson has not been playing well for the Ravens. Although there’s blame to go around for the loss to Cleveland, Jackson giving up a 38-yard touchdown catch with less than a minute left in the game was the fatal blow. Jackson was signed to assist an already solid defense but hasn’t met expectations. Baltimore’s defensive line is not producing pressure on opposing quarterbacks, the linebackers are not disrupting plays, and the secondary is not locking down receivers. As a whole, the Ravens are one of the best teams in the league. The defense will have to improve if Baltimore will make a Super Bowl run.
Main Image: Jeff Lange – USA Today Sports
