The Ravens’ pass defense is struggling after Dennard Wilson’s departure.
Last season, the Baltimore Ravens’ defense was one for the history books. They finished the 2023 regular season with the best defense by points per game (16.5), most sacks (60) and most takeaways (31). Had nothing changed for them in the 2024 offseason, they’d still be bound for regression. The difficulty of repeating as a top ranked defense in any metric is of great difficulty. Since 2018, only the Buccaneers, Bills, Steelers and Cowboys have repeated in a single metric.
There are numerous reasons why the Ravens are struggling. The pass defense is greatly underperforming. The pass rush has failed to make plays. Frequent miscommunications are giving up big gains and/or touchdowns. Their third-down defense is third-worst in the NFL, allowing a 46.7% conversion rate. They’ve been in the wrong spots. They’ve been in the right spots, too, but failed to make a play – even when the pigskin hits them in the hands. You can point to many areas as to why they’re not playing to their standard. But chief among them is the absence of defensive backs coach Dennard Wilson.
The loss of Wilson was more impactful than any other loss for the Ravens this offseason. Wilson makes good players great and great players some of the best in the NFL. His track record proves is.
He helped turn Jamal Adams into a star with the Jets from 2017-2020, earning three Pro Bowls and a first team All-Pro. Marcus Maye developed into an impact player, too.
Wilson joined the Eagles in 2021 and Darius Slay returned to Pro Bowl form. In 2022, the Eagles’ defense was the best pass defense in the NFL, third in opposing quarterback rating (81.6) and had the fourth-most takeaways (17 INTs, 10 fumble recoveries). Slay made the Pro Bowl in both years of Wilson’s tenure and James Bradberry earned second team All-Pro honors.
After being slighted by the Eagles for their defensive coordinator position, Wilson joined the Ravens and his impact was immediate. He developed Kyle Hamilton – an ascending talent – into the best safety in the NFL and earning first team All-Pro honors. The Ravens’ 2023 defense was a top-tier unit by all metrics.
Wilson’s impact not only extends from when he joins a team, but when he departs, too.
When the Jets lost Wilson in 2021, they became the worst pass defense in the NFL. In 2023, the Eagles finished as the second-worst pass defense. Through eight games, the Ravens’ pass defense is the worst in the NFL.
Wilson is now with the Tennessee Titans as their defensive coordinator. What’s their pass defense rank this season, you ask? The best in the NFL, allowing 151.6 yards per game. Nearly half of what the Ravens are allowing (291.4).