The Baltimore Ravens are the hottest team in the NFL. Although Lamar Jackson is creeping into the MVP conversation, he knows a stellar defense deserves considerable credit for their success.
During Wednesday’s press conference, the quarterback discussed how he benefits from opposing Baltimore’s defense in practice.
“Not trying to toot our own horn, but I believe our defense has no weakness,” Jackson said. “Just from the defensive line, the linebackers, the secondary, how they’re flying around and disguising defenses – making it look like one coverage, but it’s something else – and how they time up their blitzes, it helps us out a lot. Because when we’re playing other teams, they’re flying around and giving us their best shot. It’s like we’re seeing one of the best defenses every day.”
#Ravens QB Lamar Jackson: “Not to toot our own horn, but I believe our defense has no weakness.” pic.twitter.com/oA1gkiNkDL
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) November 8, 2023
Once the game starts, Jackson is happy to have that defense on his side. Only their upcoming opponent, the Cleveland Browns, has allowed more yards per game this season.
While the Browns are also above them in passing defense, the Ravens have relinquished an NFL-low 5.5 yards per pass attempt and 69.7 quarterback rating. They’ve allowed a league-best 13.8 points per game following last Sunday’s 37-3 win over the Seattle Seahawks.
An elite defense has helped Jackson steer the Ravens to a 7-2 start with the NFL’s highest point differential (+115) by a wide margin. They have quickly turned into the team to beat in the AFC North, if not the entire league.
Baltimore dominated the first meeting with Cleveland, procuring three interceptions off Thompson-Robinson and allowing 2.6 yards per play in a 28-3 rout. The Ravens will look to control their Week 10 rematch at M&T Bank Stadium.