Partially agree and partially disagree.
1. The 2012 Ravens defense was nothing special. They were highly inconsistent and a lot of the "name" players on that team weren't major contributors. The offense was the best unit on that team.
2. I think we can and still will run the ball effectively, but it makes no sense to go back to a 2008 style running game. We need a balanced offense that plays to the strengths of everyone, and I think we are heading in the right direction there.
3. We need to improve on defense, no question. But we certainly don't need a Seattle/Denver level defense in order to win a SB.
The goal in my eyes is to build a balanced team. Good on both sides of the ball, not necessarily great on both.
As true as all this is, anything less than shooting for the most dominant team we are able to produce, on either side of the ball, in my opinion is aiming too low. Sort of like the bend but don't break philosophy ! If your sights are set on anything less than domination you end up chasing a playoff chances. Hoping for other teams to help you get into them. Sound familiar?