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Baltimore Ravens: Is the 2018 season already in jeopardy?

By Andrew Kim

BALTIMORE, MD - OCTOBER 21: Linebacker Terrell Suggs #55 of the Baltimore Ravens takes the field prior to the game against the New Orleans Saints at M&T Bank Stadium on October 21, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - OCTOBER 21: Linebacker Terrell Suggs #55 of the Baltimore Ravens takes the field prior to the game against the New Orleans Saints at M&T Bank Stadium on October 21, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MD – OCTOBER 21: Free Safety Eric Weddle #32 of the Baltimore Ravens stands on the field in the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on October 21, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – OCTOBER 21: Free Safety Eric Weddle #32 of the Baltimore Ravens stands on the field in the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on October 21, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

Top Ranked Defense has not stepped up against Top Ranked Offenses

Under new defensive coordinator Don Martindale, the Ravens have shown why they are the top ranked defense when facing inexperienced quarterbacks but when facing the top flight offenses, the defense has sputtered and has not lived up to their title.

The Ravens blitz a lot but when the pass rushers cannot get pressure, the vaunted Ravens secondary gets exposed and often (especially in the middle). Terrell Suggs and Z’Darius Smith have shown at times but against these good teams, they are nowhere to be seen. C.J. Mosley has been exposed the last few weeks, looking slow against tight ends and running backs in coverage.

The injury to Marlon Humphrey the past few weeks has shown why is valuable to this defense and displays Jimmy Smith’s regression from last year. Tony Jefferson has been used more around the line of scrimmage but coverage for him is still a big weakness with Eric Weddle looking a step slower.

The Ravens need to make some adjustments when they give up points early to the opposing offense and need to play rookie Kenny Young more as he is above average in coverage.

Even though Eric Weddle has stated in post game press conferences “These aren’t the same Ravens…”, it has looked like the same old Ravens could pop up at any time.

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