Defensive Revamp: “Play with Heart or Sit”; Ravens’ Defensive Mantra Yields…

Almost a month ago, the Ravens defense was scorched by the Cincinnati Bengals in a 35-34 win. After the game, cornerback Marlon Humphrey said it was getting harder to enjoy the wins because of the pass defenses’ performance, which allowed Joe Burrow to throw for over 800 yards and nine touchdowns against the Ravens.

According to Humphrey, the defense came together and held each other accountable and it’s working.

“The biggest thing after whatever game that was [Cincinnati], it was time to play Ravens defense, and ‘defense’ and ‘Ravens defense,’ there’s a big gap between that, and the message kind of became a little bit clear; ‘If you want to play ball, then we’ll get you out there, but if you don’t, you’re going to have to sit on the sidelines,’” Humphrey said. “I think guys responded really well to what was being preached amongst the coaches, amongst the players, and we’re holding guys more accountable now. The brand [of defense] we were playing, it’s disrespectful to be in this Ravens uniform and play like that, and I feel like we’ve turned that corner. It’s not perfect, [and] I still think there are more corners to turn, but the mindset has really changed, the mindset has really, really changed, and that’s kind of where it starts.”

The Ravens’ personnel changes were notable. They didn’t bring safety Eddie Jackson with them to play the Pittsburgh Steelers and cut him the next week. Safety Marcus Williams has been on the sideline the past two games and downgraded to inactive against the Eagles.

With those changes the Ravens’ defense has allowed fewer points per game, fewer yards per game and a lower third-down conversion rate than their earlier selves. Now, if only the offense will step up the way the defense has to be on the same page and perform to the level they can be after their Week 14 bye.