Ravens report card: The defense and special teams 9/21/2014
C.J. Mosley: Photo Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Cleveland Browns Sunday 23 to 21 on a last second field goal. The Ravens defense looked good at times but at others looked very vulnerable. For the report card on the offense go here.
Defensive line: The defensive line played well again against the run but really needs to pressure the quarterback more. The defensive line has been thin after having a slew of injuries. Haloti Ngata played very well and needs to stay healthy to lead this unit, Ngata had six tackles. The defensive line helped the Ravens hold the Browns to an average of 3.1 yards on the ground. Grade B
Linebackers: The linebackers continue to play well. Terrell Suggs may not be putting up the numbers but he did have some explosive plays. Suggs read a reverse play so well that he dropped it for ten yards. C.J. Mosley and Daryl Smith are playing great together and I can see the combo becoming a force. Grade B+
Secondary: This unit really let the Ravens down. Lardarius Webb had a lot of trouble in his first game back from injury. Webb may take a while to get his legs back but it was clear that he was not ready to play. Webb was slow on cuts and lacked acceleration. Matt Elam also struggled and gave up some big plays. Elam is having trouble reading plays and has let receivers get behind him. Jimmy Smith was the only player in the Ravens secondary to play well. Asa Jackson also played well. Grade D
Overall: The defense played well but the secondary really has let them down. Pressuring the quarterback more will greatly help the secondary but until them something has to be done to stop the big plays. Grade B
Secondary: The Ravens special teams has been solid once again. The Ravens did not have any big returns but did now allow any either. Justin Tucker won the game and went three for three on field goals. Grade A
Coaching Staff: With all the distractions the coaching staff helped the Ravens win on the road. Can not ask for much more from these coaches. Grade A
