[News] John Harbaugh Comes Down Hard On Run Defense

[BR News]

The starting defense gave up long drives when quarterback Andrew Luck was in the game, but also came up with a valuable turnover.

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[whobilly]

Williams and Jernigan were invisible last night as was Mike Wallace. I know its only preseason but if our 2nd round pick was as legit as he was hyped up to be I'd hoped that we would see his presence a lot more. Other than the deflected pass he seems to get handled rather easily at the line.

[blackandpurple20]

Per usual, it's our CB play we need to worry about, not our run defense. Jerraud Powers and Shareece Wright both looked awful.

Edited August 21, 2016 by blackandpurple20

[harfordravenfan]

Harbs commenting about dB's playing too loose finally. If we feel better about our safeties, why can't the dB's play closer than 10 yards off?

With the exception of the canady off sides flag, seemed we did well Everytime we played press

[EdTheMythicalOne]

Thought I saw Brandon Williams limping around a bit early in the game and Jernigan isn't a run stuffer on the line anwyay. Even though they might not be game planning and running vanilla defense and offense, that doesn't excuse the failure of fundamentals. Guys are getting blown off the ball, whiffing on tackles, falling down in coverage, and simply not making plays. All I heard about all camp long is how Correa is being so disruptive and going to be a force. Haven't seen him make a play yet. Our kick off returns have been awful and our special teams coverage has been poor.

It was an ugly game for the most part filled with penalties which I don't see ANYONE talking about. Yet again the team is making multiple stupid penalties that extend drives.

[The Greek]

i know its preseason but i am not impressed with the starting defense thus far in both games. no pressure on the qb and the secondary has been weak, run defense needs to tighten up as well

[stixfix69]

Once again slow starts on both sides of the ball, Indy shot themselves in the foot with bad penalties or this game would have looked a lot different.....Aiken showed he is a solid WR, and is sneaky fast as he continues to find ways to get open on deep routes, he dd it last year a few times as well, Moore showed strong hands, kind of like Boldins hands......Our TE's were quiet....Was hoping they could take their game up a notch in the 2nd game, but they didn't so not happy with this effort....I think Harbs feels the same....

[Moderator 3]

24 minutes ago, The Greek said:

i know its preseason but i am not impressed with the starting defense thus far in both games. no pressure on the qb and the secondary has been weak, run defense needs to tighten up as well

Our "starting defense" has yet to include either Suggs or Dumerville.  Not really the starting defense.

[ravlivie]

What do you expect when our defensive coordinator is named Dean Pees.
Expect more of the same in the weeks to come.

[law215]

As far as the run defense, I think that was a shot at the starters on the defensive line to let them know guys like DT Pierce or Henry, might beat them out. Carl Davis has done next to nothing. Jernigan needs to stop worrying about the jersey and get it done.

On the secondary, they are getting toasted with crossing routes. It’s like Pees can’t adjust. I don’t care how much of a pass rush you get. If the CBs are 7-8 yards off the ball, its pitch and catch. I thought the point of the draft was to add playmakers at the skill position and they wait until round 4 to get a CB. OZ just don’t value the skill position (Wr or CB) and it shows. They plug in these mid round picks and undrafted free agents against a team best receivers and that’s what you’ll get.
When are they going to learn to stop looking for diamonds in the rough at the skill positions and improve their scouting and dig a little deeper in the pocket to get top talent in a passing league.

[Bruce_Almty]

13 minutes ago, Moderator 3 said:

Our "starting defense" has yet to include either Suggs or Dumerville.  Not really the starting defense.

People are putting way too much hope and faith in the play of Suggs and Dumerville. They may be an upgrade over the preseason starters but neither is a worldbeater anymore.

[Drew P]

1 hour ago, blackandpurple20 said:

Per usual, it's our CB play we need to worry about, not our run defense. Jerraud Powers and Shareece Wright both looked awful.

No doubt about it..jimmy looked lost as well..I sure hope they have a contingent plan for the #2 CB.

[stixfix69]

I get Suggs and Doom not being in, but the two bright spots have been Z and Judon...I believe Judon has 3 sacks, and Z is putting pressure, and his backside chase down to make a tackle looked like Suggs in his prime, the front line is the concern, last year they over pursued which allowed running backs to cut back, they have to stay discipline, and not over pursue, and maintain their gap responsibilities, and trust the ILBer will shoot the gaps....

[balfan23]

Harbs is right to go off here. Yes, we're missing Suggs and Doom, but our interior line getting pushed off the ball is unacceptable no matter who is on the edge. The 3rd and 1 that went for about 7 yards in one of those opening drives sounded like the interior D got manhandled.

The FO is contemplating a big payday for B Will, so he's going to need to show he's worth it. And TImmy ... I'm going to say it 100 times but our defense is depending on him elevating his game.

Our secondary concerns me enough ... the D line needs to not make itself a concern as well.

[fusuymada]

1 hour ago, Bruce_Almty said:

1 hour ago, Moderator 3 said:

Our "starting defense" has yet to include either Suggs or Dumerville.  Not really the starting defense.

People are putting way too much hope and faith in the play of Suggs and Dumerville. They may be an upgrade over the preseason starters but neither is a worldbeater anymore.

I don't know that I agree with that. If the loss of Suggs last year taught us anything, it taught us that he is far more impactful than people give credit for and worldbeater or not, he drives this defense. He doesn't get near enough credit for his ability to set the edge, and because of his rushing ability his coverage is overlooked yet he always gets critical interceptions. With the attention Suggs gets it puts Dumervil up against one on ones which he can dominate against. Once they have to worry about those two additional pieces, Z Smith, Judon and company will get better match ups as offensive lines look to help on the outside. With that extra pressure the secondary can play more aggressive, where now they are covering for 4 and 5 seconds. I am sorry, now that I think about it, I think your assessment is totally inaccurate. I think there will be a significant upgrade in the defense with Suggs and Dumervil in there and hopefully next week will determine that I am correct in my evaluation.

Edited August 21, 2016 by fusuymada
Spelling

[stixfix69]

Honestly i want them to being Melvin back, he was coming back from injury last year, and didn't give hIm much of a chance to get back into it before cutting him, prior to his injury he was playing great...Wright is just getting beat to often and his cushion on 3rd and long is ridiculous....I don't think he is the answer at the #2 spot....If anything throw Webb at that spot over the next 2 pre-season games to see how he does....I just don't see the answer with who we have...

[ellicottraven]

I agree with Harbs. The Ravens fundamentally have been a great defense by virtue of their run defense. That is what made their reputation as a defensive juggernaut. However, lately that hasn't been the case. Teams have run on us consistently and it isn't helping. So, once you shore up the run defense, it tends to make offenses more one dimensional and gives plenty of opportunities for the defense to play tight coverage and the pass rushers more opportunities to get to the QB resulting in sacks, fumbles and fumble recoveries and interceptions of course...

[J.O.14]

2 hours ago, Bruce_Almty said:

People are putting way too much hope and faith in the play of Suggs and Dumerville. They may be an upgrade over the preseason starters but neither is a worldbeater anymore.

Agree 100%. We had Suggs and Doom in '14 and we still had one of our worst secondaries. Yes we had injuries that year,  but nothing has changed in our secondary that makes me think we won't have issues.  Weddle and Webb won't give up a lot of deep balls, but we will get picked apart underneath by the looks of it so far. Unless  Suggs and Doom get to the QB under 2 secs they won't make that big of a difference. Leadership? Yes. But when the QB can get the ball out so quick it doesn't make a difference who you have rushing the passer. That's why the bengals have been so successful against us. Dalton gets the ball out so quick. Maybe we aren't disguising enough or are playing to soft, but if we let teams dink and dunk our defense will have a long season, a long with the rest of the Ravens.

[J.O.14]

1 hour ago, fusuymada said:

I don't know that I agree with that. If the loss of Suggs last year taught us anything, it taught us that he is far more impactful than people give credit for and worldbeater or not, he drives this defense. He doesn't get near enough credit for his ability to set the edge, and because of his rushing ability his coverage is overlooked yet he always gets critical interceptions. With the attention Suggs gets it puts Dumervil up against one on ones which he can dominate against. Once they have to worry about those two additional pieces, Z Smith, Judon and company will get better match ups as offensive lines look to help on the outside. With that extra pressure the secondary can play more aggressive, where now they are covering for 4 and 5 seconds. I am sorry, now that I think about it, I think your assessment is totally inaccurate. I think there will be a significant upgrade in the defense with Suggs and Dumervil in there and hopefully next week will determine that I am correct in my evaluation.

I haven't really seen a QB hold the ball 4 or 5 seconds on our defense this preseason. The ball is getting out quickly, which makes it tough on the pass rush to make a difference. 

[dirtybird66]

yeah,he's very right.when we had SAM ADAMS and GOOSE on the front,they could fill the running lanes and drop anchor and it made the linebackers job much easier,we now seem to get pushed around alot and yeah SUGGS and DOOM aren't in there but theyr'e pass rushers more and not run stoppers,so i'm concerned.

[dirtybird66]

  1 hour ago, fusuymada said:

I don't know that I agree with that. If the loss of Suggs last year taught us anything, it taught us that he is far more impactful than people give credit for and worldbeater or not, he drives this defense. He doesn't get near enough credit for his ability to set the edge, and because of his rushing ability his coverage is overlooked yet he always gets critical interceptions. With the attention Suggs gets it puts Dumervil up against one on ones which he can dominate against. Once they have to worry about those two additional pieces, Z Smith, Judon and company will get better match ups as offensive lines look to help on the outside. With that extra pressure the secondary can play more aggressive, where now they are covering for 4 and 5 seconds. I am sorry, now that I think about it, I think your assessment is totally inaccurate. I think there will be a significant upgrade in the defense with Suggs and Dumervil in there and hopefully next week will determine that I am correct in my evaluation.

I haven't really seen a QB hold the ball 4 or 5 seconds on our defense this preseason. The ball is getting out quickly, which makes it tough on the pass rush to make a difference. 

yeah,and i'd say thats exactly why we need to stop the run when they do run the ball and put them in third and long,they have to stand back they a couple more seconds.

[law215]

Even the announcers stated Luck had all day to throw the ball no matter the down and distance. There were several third and long situations that the Colts converted even with the back up QB. Front office, for better or worst, has invested a lot on the defensive side of the ball with drafts , contracts, free agents brought in. It's time to look at the coordinator.

[stixfix69]

At this rate, maybe we should see more 4-3 in pre-season....

[hen826957]

Dean Pees man Dean Pees. They need to get rid of him. While he's here the defense will continue this way throughout the season especially the secondary. Keep leaving corners off the receivers. They need to hire Leslie Frazier as our DC.

Edited August 21, 2016 by hen826957

[FloridalovesRavens]

We couldn't stop a clock the last two games with their starters in the game. I am starting to get a little on edge about this. I know we don't have everyone out there but boy they were running every which way on the field. Wake up players. Two more games to get it together. Go Ravens!

[FloridalovesRavens]

Dean Pees man Dean Pees. They need to get rid of him. While he's here the defense will continue this way throughout the season especially the secondary. Keep leaving corners of the receivers. They need to hire Leslie Frazier as our DC.

I don't see that as a solution. The players need to step up and do their jobs as well.

[hen826957]

  22 minutes ago, hen826957 said:

Dean Pees man Dean Pees. They need to get rid of him. While he's here the defense will continue this way throughout the season especially the secondary. Keep leaving corners of the receivers. They need to hire Leslie Frazier as our DC.

I don't see that as a solution. The players need to step up and do their jobs as well.

I agree but most of the problem has happen more than not was the DC. Not adjusting the defense properly. Let's hope they fix the issue or it might be a return of the 2015 Raven defense but better 2015 offense.

[EvilWayz]

We can't continue to play this way on defense. We will start the season looking like we looked last season. It's good though to finally hear Harbaugh say something about the defense not doing there jobs.

I don't know what you do as of right now, but I think it's time to go after some jobs. I hope he wasn't just talking to the defense, but also talking to the DC as well. Every has to step up and do better. Very conservative on the defense this not Ravens defense. I know we don't have Suggs and Dumerville out there right now, and yes it is preseason, but I still need so something better than what we are seeing from the defense.

I also question how long can you or should I say how long can Suggs play? How many more years does he have before he retires? I mean although while dishing out pain and punishment, his body has taken a beating as well. Sooner or later we are going to have to find someone to fill a major hole once he does leave. The one and only T-Sizzle aka Hacksaw/ Terell Suggs will not be a easily replaced once he says goodbye to the game.

Our secondary is getting toasted once again. I can't believe how our defense is playing this pre season. Every team in the NFL is going to coming after our secondary, because they know as of right we do not have one. They got to do something fast to get this thing fixed.

Everyone always it's just preseason and that's true, but it much more than that. These are guys who are your back ups to your favorite starter. Some of these guys will actually get to play during the season. I want to see them play like there is no tomorrow, because for a lot of them, let's be real it isn't.

One last thing, it's taking our offense way to long to get on the board. Not to score a point in the first quarter, I cant believe it. Everyone needs to get on the same page and lets pick up our play a notch. I know we can play better than what we are and I believe we will.

[EvilWayz]

Maybe they should get on the phone or a plane and Talk to Ray Lewis about being a DC. Nobody knows the Baltimore Defense better than him. I will bet, no I guarantee you we will see better results. Find Ed Reed and make him secondary coach. I believe they will do it if Ozzie asked them. These are two legends of the game that we would have on our sideline. I really do believe this would work.

[hen826957]

We can't continue to play this way on defense. We will start the season looking like we looked last season. It's good though to finally hear Harbaugh say something about the defense not doing there jobs.

I don't know what you do as of right now, but I think it's time to go after some jobs. I hope he wasn't just talking to the defense, but also talking to the DC as well. Every has to step up and do better. Very conservative on the defense this not Ravens defense. I know we don't have Suggs and Dumerville out there right now, and yes it is preseason, but I still need so something better than what we are seeing from the defense.

I also question how long can you or should I say how long can Suggs play? How many more years does he have before he retires? I mean although while dishing out pain and punishment, his body has taken a beating as well. Sooner or later we are going to have to find someone to fill a major hole once he does leave. The one and only T-Sizzle aka Hacksaw/ Terell Suggs will not be a easily replaced once he says goodbye to the game.

Our secondary is getting toasted once again. I can't believe how our defense is playing this pre season. Every team in the NFL is going to coming after our secondary, because they know as of right we do not have one. They got to do something fast to get this thing fixed.

Everyone always it's just preseason and that's true, but it much more than that. These are guys who are your back ups to your favorite starter. Some of these guys will actually get to play during the season. I want to see them play like there is no tomorrow, because for a lot of them, let's be real it isn't.

One last thing, it's taking our offense way to long to get on the board. Not to score a point in the first quarter, I cant believe it. Everyone needs to get on the same page and lets pick up our play a notch. I know we can play better than what we are and I believe we will.

Great post. You made great points. ?