The Baltimore Ravens lead the entire NFL in team sacks with 47 on the season. In a AFC conference filled with offensive juggernauts, the Ravens have contrarily built their core on defensive excellence as the top AFC seed through week 12.
A combination of key signings like the one-year $2.5 million contract for outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney and five-year $100 million deal with inside linebacker Roquan Smith are notable references for the defenses’ success. Clowney has recorded 7.5 sacks on the season and Smith has recorded 126 total tackles.
COUNT EM’
3 games 12 sacks
: 12/10 1 pm FOX pic.twitter.com/1YUCz5Fzrq
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) November 30, 2023
The formula for success seems to be clear in the 9-3 start. When the Ravens are able to gain the early scoring lead, they nullify their opponents’ rush attack and wreak havoc in the pass rush. For this strategy to continue, the Ravens cannot afford to allow opponents to get sizable scoring leads. This is important as they prepare for the higher tiered teams.
If scoring leads are surrendered. Ravens’ team sacks may lessen as opponents begin to run the ball at a higher rate. The Ravens offense must help the both win the time of possession and avoid scoring deficits so that the defense avoids attrition.
Ranking No. 21 in passing touchdowns, the Ravens offense has not shown an ability to win games by primarily passing the ball. Thus, the Ravens need to avoid offensive shootouts, control the game clock, and let their defense unleash the pass rush that has been the staple of their success in 2023.
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