The Baltimore Ravens defense has been one of the best defenses in the NFL for many years. They have ranked in the top 10 every year since 2007 and finished first or second in points allowed during that time.
The Ravens defense 2024 is a blog post about the Baltimore Ravens defense. It talks about how they want to be the best, and what their goals are for the next few years.
OWINGS MILLS, Md. – The town of OWINGS MILLS is located in the state of Maryland. The Baltimore Ravens’ defense relies on consistency, and that begins at the top.
Baltimore has led the NFL in fewest yards allowed (307.8) and fewest points allowed in Don “Wink” Martindale’s three seasons as defensive coordinator (18.2). The Ravens return all of their starters this season, with the exception of outside linebacker Matt Judon, who was signed by the New England Patriots in free agency.
For the third time in club history, Baltimore’s defense has the potential to be the best in the NFL. The most pressing issue is creating a consistent pass rush, and Baltimore may add a veteran free agent such as Justin Houston before the season begins.
Are the Ravens’ defenses better, worse, or the same right now?
Following up on the offensive, here’s a position-by-position breakdown of the Ravens’ defense for 2024:
Line of defense
Jovan Swann has been added to the list of newcomers.
Jihad Ward has suffered a setback.
Calais Campbell, Brandon Williams, Derek Wolfe, Justin Madubuike, and Broderick Washington are among the returning players. Aaron Crawford, Justin Ellis
Is it getting better, worse, or staying the same? Same thing, but Campbell has the ability to alter that.
Baltimore returns all three starting offensive lineman from last season, Campbell, Williams, and Wolfe, all of whom are over 30 years old. Campbell was never able to play like himself due to a calf injury and COVID-19, so the Ravens are hoping this bunch will be more disruptive this year. The Ravens can create issues up front if Campbell can bounce back at this late stage of his career (he turns 35 before the start of the season). This group will regress if he doesn’t.
Madubuike may have a breakthrough season this year. Madubuike’s strong effort and explosiveness in moving out of his stance were lauded by coaches and teammates during the summer. This season, it wouldn’t be shocking if Madubuike pushed his way into the starting lineup.
Linebacker on the inside
Barrington Wade has been added to the list of newcomers.
There have been no losses.
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Patrick Queen, L.J. Fort, Malik Harrison, Chris Board, Kristian Welch, and Otaro Alaka are among the returning players.
Is it getting better, worse, or staying the same? Same
The Ravens kept the core middle of their defense a year after injecting it with young, promising players. After a complete summer, Queen thinks he will be better physically fit for this season after finishing third in the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year voting last season. Improved pass coverage was a major goal for Queen.
Last season, Baltimore divided playing time between Fort and Harrison on the weak side. The Ravens brought Fort back as a backup, but they’d like to see Harrison rise up and take over this role.
Linebacker on the outside
Odafe Oweh and Daelin Hayes have been added to the roster.
Matt Judon and Yannick Ngakoue both suffered defeats.
Tyus Bowser, Pernell McPhee, Jaylon Ferguson, Aaron Adeoye, and Chauncey Rivers are among the returners.
Is it getting better, worse, or staying the same? Worse
You can’t claim you improved after losing your top outside linebacker to Judon. In addition, Ngakoue, Baltimore’s second-best pass-rusher, was released after proving to be a poor fit. Since 2016, no Ravens outside linebacker has had more than five sacks in a season, which is why many anticipate Baltimore to acquire a more experienced pass-rusher like as Houston or Melvin Ingram at some time.
Bowser and McPhee were re-signed to serve as experienced outside anchors. Ferguson, a former third-round selection who had a dismal 4.5 sacks in his first two seasons, has been praised by coaches and teammates for his progress.
The Ravens are enthusiastic about Oweh, a first-round selection who has swiftly picked up the defense and should make an immediate impact. He isn’t your average newbie who hesitates because he is contemplating his task. Hayes, a fifth-round rookie, was a standout in offseason workouts.
Cornerback
Brandon Stephens, Shaun Wade, and Chris Westry are among the newcomers.
Tramon Williams has suffered a setback.
Marlon Humphrey, Marcus Peters, Tavon Young, Jimmy Smith, Anthony Averett, Khalil Dorsey, Davontae Harris, and Iman Marshall are among the returning players.
Is it getting better, worse, or staying the same? Same
It will be difficult to find a more talented bunch of cornerbacks than this one. Peters is a top-tier ball hawk, while Humphrey is a physical playmaker.
You might argue that if Young stays healthy, the Ravens’ cornerbacks will be better. Young, a game-changing nickelback, has only played in 17 games over the past four seasons due to injury.
Having Smith and Averett as your fourth and fifth corners is quite a treat. Averett may contend for a starting position on other teams, since Smith has started 88 games in his career.
Safety
Ar’Darius Washington has been added to the roster.
There have been no losses.
Chuck Clark, DeShon Elliott, Anthony Levine, Jordan Richards, Geno Stone, and Nigel Warrior are among the returners.
Is it getting better, worse, or staying the same? Same
After a strong 2024 season, Clark and Elliott are back for their second year together. Clark has been dubbed “the quarterback of the secondary,” while Elliott’s strong hits make him a physical enforcer.
The Ravens lack depth at this position after failing to address it in free agency or the draft. Smith, a veteran cornerback, has the ability to go to safety if Baltimore is in a bind. General manager Eric DeCosta projected Stephens, who is classified as a cornerback, as a potential free safety possibility.
The ravens offense is a unit that has been focused on being the best. They have a lot of talent and are trying to take their game to the next level.
