Owings Mills, Md. — Among the challenges faced by Baltimore’s defense last week, one instance captured how the unit is struggling with coordination. Just before a crucial third-down play toward the end of the third quarter, linebacker Odafe Oweh was late to his position. Instead of being set, he was running along the line of scrimmage, which contributed to a significant gap in the secondary that allowed Cleveland’s Cedric Tillman to score a 22-yard touchdown catch.
“As the season progresses, it’s essential to minimize those kinds of mistakes,” said defensive coordinator Zach Orr. “The ball was in a vulnerable position at the center of the field, and our defensive line struggled to get positioned correctly. The offense moved quickly, which caught us off guard, leading to unfavorable outcomes. We must learn from this situation, ensuring it doesn’t repeat itself.”
Following a narrow 29-24 defeat to Cleveland, which ended a five-game winning streak, there’s a heightened urgency to address Baltimore’s defensive issues. The transition after losing key players in the offseason was expected, but as the Ravens approach the midpoint of the 2024 season, their defensive performance remains unsteady. Currently, they sit in the lower tier of the league, allowing an average of 361.3 yards and 26.1 points per game.
The team has felt the impact of losing linebacker Patrick Queen and defensive standout Jadeveon Clowney to free agency. Moreover, a shift in coaching staff has occurred, with defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald taking a head coaching position in Seattle, while assistants Anthony Weaver and Dennard Wilson departed for coordinators’ roles with Miami and Tennessee, respectively.
Nevertheless, Baltimore possesses considerable talent on defense, with foundational players such as Nnamdi Madubuike along the line, Roquan Smith in the linebacker position, and Kyle Hamilton in the secondary. This season has presented unusual statistics, showing the Ravens as the top team against the run yet ranking last in pass defense. This disparity may be due to Baltimore’s offensive prowess creating leads, compelling opponents to rely on passing plays.
In their recent game, the Ravens failed to maintain leads of 10-6, 17-13, and 24-23 in the second half. Cleveland’s Jameis Winston threw for 334 yards and three touchdowns, and Baltimore squandered various opportunities for interceptions, including a notable drop by Hamilton prior to Cleveland’s winning score.
The Ravens have struggled to retain interceptions this season, even though they have forced some crucial turnovers, which may obscure deeper defensive issues. “Interceptions are nice, but they don’t tell the complete story of a game. We’re struggling with our pass defense, ranking close to the bottom in the league, and isolated picks won’t fix that,” Hamilton acknowledged. “You can’t rely on making a pick every time you’re on the field.”
This weekend, the Ravens will face off against Denver, a team characterized by its strong defense. The Broncos are currently led by rookie quarterback Bo Nix, who has been improving lately. Given Winston’s recent performance, Baltimore must remain vigilant against any quarterback.
Additionally, this matchup serves as the last opportunity for the Ravens to make adjustments before the trade deadline next week, sparking speculation about potential acquisitions. “I genuinely believe that with our coaches and players, we’ll find a way to come together, and it will happen at the right time,” Orr expressed with optimism. “This unity will be crucial for our success in the upcoming half of the season.”