our defense looks like it has improved recently

[BmoreBird22]

This is part of what messes up what I want in the draft.  Jimmy and Webb haven't been horrible, they've been decent (if you expect Webb to be a #2 he's been good).  Wright has been good.  Then we'll get Will Davis back who looked very good in limited time.  As much as I want Hargreaves, I wonder how necessary it is to take a corner that early with a healthier Jimmy, Wright, and Davis as the top 3.

But, can you really rely on Jimmy to stay healthy and can you rely on Davis to stay healthy and come back fully from an ACL tear? The Ravens know the value of depth and Hargreaves and Jimmy, if he stays healthy and returns to form, are a tandem to be reckoned with.

[Purple_City39]

But, can you really rely on Jimmy to stay healthy and can you rely on Davis to stay healthy and come back fully from an ACL tear? The Ravens know the value of depth and Hargreaves and Jimmy, if he stays healthy and returns to form, are a tandem to be reckoned with.

Yeah, I agree.  But at the same time can anyone guarantee that a rookie draft pick stays healthy?  In just recent years Perriman, Urban, Lewis-Moore, etc have all missed their entire rookie seasons.

 

But yeah, Hargreaves is still my #1 pick but I wouldn't be surprised if they go pass rusher and then CB second

[BmoreBird22]

Yeah, I agree.  But at the same time can anyone guarantee that a rookie draft pick stays healthy?  In just recent years Perriman, Urban, Lewis-Moore, etc have all missed their entire rookie seasons.

 

But yeah, Hargreaves is still my #1 pick but I wouldn't be surprised if they go pass rusher and then CB second

It just depends who's there as a pass rusher. I'd only take Bosa top 5. I could see them going Stanley if Ramsey, Bosa, and Hargreaves are gone in the top 10

[The Raven]

I think we're doing a lot better on defense. If we could pursue and make tackles we'd be a solid defense. Looking at you again Mosley.

 

Our pass rush is figuring it out and our linebackers can play the run well. So many of our problems come from missed tackles by our backers and safeties.

Edited December 1, 2015 by The Raven

[Purple_City39]

I think a big part of what seems like an improvement is that corners are covering better.  It gives Pees the option to send different blitzes and leave a corner on an island on occasions.  For all the flack he gets from fans, he's really been trying to get the most out of his players.  They even pointed out yesterday how he the Ravens lead the league in DB blitzes.  Dean is just not as bad as people make him out to be and now that players are executing better, the defense "suddenly" looks better

[rmcjacket23]

Here's what I see...

 

1. Obviously lacking a pass rush. I would bet my house that the FO looks to add a pass rusher early in the draft or in FA. Part of this years problem is due to no Suggs, who will at least return.

 

2. I think the corners have been average to slightly above average, meaning I don't think they are the problem. Wright has played well the last couple weeks, and I think Webb has been generally outstanding. He's back to being a valuable run stopper and is getting back into being a better tackler, which has been a lot of the secondaries struggles.

 

Jimmy isn't playing well, but I think that's partially just year 1 back from an injury. Could be a mental problem there with being to "get over" the injury, and I'd expect him to play better next year.

 

I think we will have Jimmy, Webb, Will Davis back from injury (who the FO apparently likes) and perhaps add a bit of depth in the draft or FA there. I think the FO will largely be content with that group of corners. As an aside, looks to me like Arrington is being phased out of the defense all together... don't recall seeing him once last night. 

 

In short, I don't think corner is the major issue.

 

3. Will Hill is a solid player who sometimes makes big mistakes in coverage, and Kendrick Lewis sucks. I think FS falls in at #2 behind a pass rusher for things I think this team needs the most. I think its the #1 priority on the defense right now.

 

4. Daryl Smith played a terrible game, and I can see him losing snaps soon. He's horrendous in coverage against TEs and often gets lost in space in zone coverage. I suspect we will have a new MLB next season at that position.

[52520Andrew]

Our run D is fantastic.

Our secondary is the exact opposite.

Pretty much my exact thoughts, drafting all these run stuffing DTs must have paid off in the run defense lol

[757RavensFan]

Barnidge will eat us up.

Seahawks will torch us

We will lose out.

Pees will be gone

 

You were right on Barnidge  Glad you were wrong on the "We will lose out"!

[757RavensFan]

Here's what I see...

 

1. Obviously lacking a pass rush. I would bet my house that the FO looks to add a pass rusher early in the draft or in FA. Part of this years problem is due to no Suggs, who will at least return.

 

2. I think the corners have been average to slightly above average, meaning I don't think they are the problem. Wright has played well the last couple weeks, and I think Webb has been generally outstanding. He's back to being a valuable run stopper and is getting back into being a better tackler, which has been a lot of the secondaries struggles.

 

Jimmy isn't playing well, but I think that's partially just year 1 back from an injury. Could be a mental problem there with being to "get over" the injury, and I'd expect him to play better next year.

 

I think we will have Jimmy, Webb, Will Davis back from injury (who the FO apparently likes) and perhaps add a bit of depth in the draft or FA there. I think the FO will largely be content with that group of corners. As an aside, looks to me like Arrington is being phased out of the defense all together... don't recall seeing him once last night. 

 

In short, I don't think corner is the major issue.

 

3. Will Hill is a solid player who sometimes makes big mistakes in coverage, and Kendrick Lewis sucks. I think FS falls in at #2 behind a pass rusher for things I think this team needs the most. I think its the #1 priority on the defense right now.

 

4. Daryl Smith played a terrible game, and I can see him losing snaps soon. He's horrendous in coverage against TEs and often gets lost in space in zone coverage. I suspect we will have a new MLB next season at that position.

 

I don't know what was wrong w/ Buck last night.  He was god-awful and he missed easy tackles on crucial downs.  Quietly he's still one of our top defenders for the year, but yeah I could see him losing snaps to McClellan on passing downs. 

[balfan23]

Here's what I see...

 

1. Obviously lacking a pass rush. I would bet my house that the FO looks to add a pass rusher early in the draft or in FA. Part of this years problem is due to no Suggs, who will at least return.

Absolutely priority #1 in our offseason is to help the pass rush. Given our age at the OLB position, I do think it would be the preference to get that help in the draft. We need the heir apparent to Suggs - both physically and vocally - and getting that via FA or trade is not likely given the cap. I'm no expert talent scout - so I don't know if that person exists (and it won't be Bosa, because we'll not be drafting that high) ... but that would be the preference IMO. 

[757RavensFan]

Shareece Wright is last year's Rashad Melvin before the Pats game of course.  

[balfan23]

Here's what I see...

 

2. I think the corners have been average to slightly above average, meaning I don't think they are the problem. Wright has played well the last couple weeks, and I think Webb has been generally outstanding. He's back to being a valuable run stopper and is getting back into being a better tackler, which has been a lot of the secondaries struggles.

 

Jimmy isn't playing well, but I think that's partially just year 1 back from an injury. Could be a mental problem there with being to "get over" the injury, and I'd expect him to play better next year.

 

I think we will have Jimmy, Webb, Will Davis back from injury (who the FO apparently likes) and perhaps add a bit of depth in the draft or FA there. I think the FO will largely be content with that group of corners. As an aside, looks to me like Arrington is being phased out of the defense all together... don't recall seeing him once last night. 

 

In short, I don't think corner is the major issue.

After the first couple games, my thoughts were that if Webb continued his play, he'd be cut next year. Well, he's clearly playing himself onto the 2016 roster. I am also hopeful that this is just a down year for Jimmy and that he comes back next year looking a little more like himself. Wright has been one of the few bright spots of this season and I'm seeing him as a keeper. We only got a glimpse of Davis, but hopefully he can be of help.  

[balfan23]

Here's what I see...

 

3. Will Hill is a solid player who sometimes makes big mistakes in coverage, and Kendrick Lewis sucks. I think FS falls in at #2 behind a pass rusher for things I think this team needs the most. I think its the #1 priority on the defense right now.

FS has been a catastrophe since Reed's departure. I still am not sure which is a bigger priority ... someone who can keep us from getting torched deep and can ball hawk or an edge rusher. 

 

The biggest FO failure this season was the acquisitions Arrington and Lewis. We've grown accustom to the kinds of pick ups we've had like Cary Williams, Pollard and Cory Graham ... we needed these two to be in that mold and they've been largely a waste. 

[balfan23]

Here's what I see...

 

4. Daryl Smith played a terrible game, and I can see him losing snaps soon. He's horrendous in coverage against TEs and often gets lost in space in zone coverage. I suspect we will have a new MLB next season at that position.

We're getting killed in the short middle of the field. This is partly due to Hill's lapses, but our backers are really bad in coverage, including Mosely. At least with Mosely, he can close quickly on a short swing pass and he's young, so perhaps he can show improvement. 

 

This is where Arthur Brown being a complete disappointment hurts us. You have to think when the FO drafted him, they envisioned him on the field as a starter now and that Smith would be let go next year. Perhaps I'm remembering this wrong, since it feels like forever since he's been a relevant part of any conversation, but I thought that his ability to cover was a strength. I can't say I ever see him on the field. If they roll in an ILB other than our 2 starters, it always seems to be Orr. 

[rmcjacket23]

FS has been a catastrophe since Reed's departure. I still am not sure which is a bigger priority ... someone who can keep us from getting torched deep and can ball hawk or an edge rusher. 

 

The biggest FO failure this season was the acquisitions Arrington and Lewis. We've grown accustom to the kinds of pick ups we've had like Cary Williams, Pollard and Cory Graham ... we needed these two to be in that mold and they've been largely a waste. 

I think pass rusher is more important, but I think the FO could make an argument that FS is a more dire need, because there's no injury or reinforcement available on the roster.

 

The FO could at least argue that Suggs returning would boost the pass rush and that another year for Smith and/or Upshaw as a pass rusher would make the unit better, coupled with probably another mid-round pick or a cheap FA.

 

FS there is no solution on the roster that I see. Lewis is terrible and I can't see him coming back, and you can't just throw Terrence Brooks out there as a starter in 2016 and roll with that. I've seen nothing to suggest he's going to develop into a starting FS, so addressing the position is vital in my eyes.

[pizzle9249]

Ray Lewis for our Defence Coordinator. Who's with that?

[rmcjacket23]

Ray Lewis for our Defence Coordinator. Who's with that?

Nobody. 

[PurpleDoc]

has pees coached his way into another year of frustration and failure in baltimore? or do you all think bisciotti will force harbs to send him packing? i believe our recent "improvements" is a direct result of lesser competition and he needs to be fired, and if he isnt, we will regret it next year.

 During the 4th quarter of game last night, I made a bet with my dad.  I bet that Browns would pass their way all the way down the field and score a TD due to the "prevent defense" of pees.  I won the bet.  By a stroke of luck, we won of course with that amazing blocked FG.

 

But my point is, EVERY time the Ravens ahead, they start playing soft on D.  Zone, rushing 3 guys, 8 guys drop back and NONE of them are around a receiver - 5-10 yards off!  Every receiver wide open.  Every opponent passes their way to a score and this is every year for past several years - that is, ever since pees on board.

 

FIRE PEES!!!!

[Static]

Shareece Wright is last year's Rashad Melvin before the Pats game of course.  

 

Wright already had his "Pats game" It was the 49ers game.

 

But he was our best corner last night. I'd like to see Wright overtake Jimmy on the depth chart but that'll never happen.

[PurpleCity5]

Props to Pees and the players. I think they have done a much better job since the bye week.

[PurpleCity5]

As far as Pees job security goes. I think that will come up and they will decide about it. Harbaugh last season spoke about how he wanted the defense to not blow games in the 4th QTR, I'm sure him and F.O are going to evaluate the coaches.

Edited December 1, 2015 by PurpleCity5

[DenverRaven]

As far as Pees job security goes. I think that will come up and they will decide about it. Harbaugh last season spoke about how he wanted the defense to not blow games in the 4th QTR, I'm sure him and F.O are going to evaluate the coaches.

 

The way I see it, Pees has been somewhat on the hot seat all year. Not that it means he's going to be let go, but comments have been made about his ability to scheme and close at the half/end of games. If Harbs has another down year, he will be on the hot seat too. Something will have to give.

[Wildabeast88]

has pees coached his way into another year of frustration and failure in baltimore? or do you all think bisciotti will force harbs to send him packing? i believe our recent "improvements" is a direct result of lesser competition and he needs to be fired, and if he isnt, we will regret it next year.

that's what happens when you quit playing 10 yards off the WRs only been saying that sice last year glad Pees finally figured it out

[Wildabeast88]

We're getting killed in the short middle of the field. This is partly due to Hill's lapses, but our backers are really bad in coverage, including Mosely. At least with Mosely, he can close quickly on a short swing pass and he's young, so perhaps he can show improvement. 

 

This is where Arthur Brown being a complete disappointment hurts us. You have to think when the FO drafted him, they envisioned him on the field as a starter now and that Smith would be let go next year. Perhaps I'm remembering this wrong, since it feels like forever since he's been a relevant part of any conversation, but I thought that his ability to cover was a strength. I can't say I ever see him on the field. If they roll in an ILB other than our 2 starters, it always seems to be Orr.

You are right Brown was fast good in coverage and now keeps a bench warm

[Wildabeast88]

Wright already had his "Pats game" It was the 49ers game.

 

But he was our best corner last night. I'd like to see Wright overtake Jimmy on the depth chart but that'll never happen.

wwwwwwwwwhhhhhhhaaaaaaaaattttttttttt. Can I get a Come on man

[PurpleCity5]

The way I see it, Pees has been somewhat on the hot seat all year. Not that it means he's going to be let go, but comments have been made about his ability to scheme and close at the half/end of games. If Harbs has another down year, he will be on the hot seat too. Something will have to give.

I think in this situations, maybe the F.O and Harbaugh will talk it over. I do think he will be evaluated considering that this is his 4th season with us. I don't know if he'll be let go or not honestly. 

[harfordravenfan]

They are playing better as a unit but they all need to spend some time on the jugs machine. Even the announcer Monday night commented about them dropping about 14 this season (can't catch them all but it's sad how many have been dropped)

[Filmstudy]

I literally do not think Davis completed a pass to a man Jimmy was covering...

Or even targeted

 

Smith gave up a 16-yard play to Benjamin on the left sideline (Q4, 2:00).

[BmoreBird22]

Smith gave up a 16-yard play to Benjamin on the left sideline (Q4, 2:00).

I couldn't remember, but if that's the only one, then it's nearly as bad as many fans are trying to make it out to be.

 

I just know Hartline and Barnidge were doing a lot of damage in the game and obviously Benjamin caught that touchdown over Hill's zone

[Filmstudy]

Here's what I see...

 

4. Daryl Smith played a terrible game, and I can see him losing snaps soon. He's horrendous in coverage against TEs and often gets lost in space in zone coverage. I suspect we will have a new MLB next season at that position.

 

 

 

I don't know what was wrong w/ Buck last night.  He was god-awful and he missed easy tackles on crucial downs.  Quietly he's still one of our top defenders for the year, but yeah I could see him losing snaps to McClellan on passing downs. 

 

Hi folks.  not sure if you guys noticed, but Orr played a career-high 27 snaps versus the Browns and Daryl played just 45 of 68.  Orr was used in a far broader set of passing downs than simply 3rd and long where he was being used previously.

 

I have more detail in my weekly piece about the defense:

 

http://russellstreetreport.com/2015/12/01/filmstudy/brent-urban-ravens-debut-win-cleveland/

 

Effectively, the transition is already well underway to Smith as a 2-down player.

 

And not to pick, but McClellan's versatility to play ILB/OLB to go along with his solid ST play earned him a spot, but he's been used exclusively as an OLB this season since the injuries to Means and Suggs.  He's played 121 snaps this season as the 4th OLB behind Upshaw (557), Dumervil (513), and ZSmith (247).

Edited December 2, 2015 by Filmstudy