In an AFC filled with offensive juggernauts, the Baltimore Ravens have contrarily built their core on defensive excellence as the top AFC seed through Week 13.
This is best reflected in the Ravens’ total of 47 sacks, which leads the NFL.
A combination of key signings, like the one-year, $2.5 million contract for outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney and the one-year, $1.4 million deal with OLB Kyle Van Noy, is a big part of the defense’s success. Clowney has recorded 7.5 sacks on the season, and Van Noy has recorded six.
COUNT EM’
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) November 30, 2023
3 games 12 sacks 🔥
📺: 12/10 1 pm FOX pic.twitter.com/1YUCz5Fzrq
Defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald knows that when the Ravens are able to gain early leads, he can nullify the opposing rushing attack and wreak havoc in the pass rush. However, when Baltimore falls behind, sacks may lessen as opponents begin to run the ball at a higher rate.
The Ravens offense must help the defense by both winning the time-of-possession battle and avoiding short drives that subject the defense to attrition.
Ranking No. 21 in passing touchdowns, the Ravens offense has not shown an ability to win games by primarily passing the ball. Because of this, the Ravens need to avoid offensive shootouts and control the game clock so the defense can be fueled in Macdonald’s pass-rush schemes.
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