Ravens report card versus the Vikings: The defense and special teams
The Baltimore Ravens and Minnesota Vikings had a tough time on defense. For those of you who missed the report card on the offense you can find it here.
Defensive Line: For a second week in a row the defensive line failed to record a sack. That is not good at all. Arthur Jones had another good day for the Ravens and this unit did great in stopping the run except for one long run by Toby Gerhart. Grade B
Linebackers: Terrell Suggs and Daryl Smith both had solid games. Smith had seven tackles and defended two passes. Arthur Brown had a good day, he was in on the tackle that cause Adrian Peterson to leave the game and recorded two other tackles. Elvis Dumervil missed this game due to injury which hurt the pass rush. Grade B
Secondary: For the most part this unit played great but late in the game they faltered again. Poor tackling led to the Gerhart touchdown and Cordarrelle Patterson scored on a screen pass that Ravens defenders could barely get their feet set. Lardarius Webb was picked on for most of the game and he ended up recording four pass defensed. Jimmy Smith continues to play well along with James Ihedigbo, Ihedigbo led the team in tackles with 12. Grade B+
Overall: The weather could explain some of the missed tackles and the long touchdown that Patterson had. The defense needs to have more pressure on the quarterback. I was impressed by how they stopped Adrian Peterson when he was in their. Grade B+
Special Teams: Jacoby Jones had another great return for a touchdown taking a kickoff back 77 yards this time Mike Tomlin did not get in his was. Justin Tucker did not have a field goal but got all his extra point attempts. Sam Koch also had a good game including a monster punt early in the game. Grade A
Coaching Staff: The coaching staff never let the Ravens give up and we ended up having one of the most exciting finishes to a game I have ever seen. Grade B
