Ravens report card: The defense and special teams 9/7/2014
The Baltimore Ravens lost against the Cincinnati Bengals 23-16. For the report card on the offense go here. (I apologize for having the report card up so late.)
Defensive line: The defensive line played very well but still needed to get more pressure on Andy Dalton. The Ravens did not record a single sack and only had one tackle for loss. DeAngelo Tyson and Chris Canty were the most impressive on the defensive line. Haloti Ngata only had two tackles and was out of a lot of plays. The defensive line did help shut down the Bengals’ running game, giving up only three yards per carry. Grade B
Linebackers: Daryl Smith lead the Ravens in tackles with nine and C.J. Mosley had seven, both playing very well. The outside linebackers needed to add more to the pass rush but this group was solid for the Ravens. Grade B
Secondary: The secondary played better than expected but still not great. The Ravens were short at corner and have a thin safety group. Darian Stewart had nine tackles but missed against AJ Green and Chykie Brown was a bit overmatched covering Green as well. Matt Elam needs to be more involved. Grade C
Overall: The defense kept the Ravens in the game. They only allowed one touchdown but it was a long one and, unfortunately, the game winner. A lack of sacks and turnovers is concerning. Grade B
Special Teams: Justin Tucker missed a long 55-yard field goal and Jacoby Jones had a long 47-yard return. The Ravens also had a blocked punt and didn’t allow any long returns. Grade B
Coaching staff: The offense did not get off on the right foot. Dropped balls need to be addressed. Grade C
