Prisco: Here's why the Ravens run defense stinks

[WoodysGirl]

By Pete Prisco | Senior NFL Columnist



Numbers usually don't lie.

The tape never does.

Both say the Baltimore Ravens are struggling on defense in a lot of areas, but surprisingly one of them is against the run. The Ravens are 20th in rushing yards per game, which is so not like them.

So what's wrong?

It's really simple. They aren't getting off blocks and they aren't tackling.

Inside linebacker Ray Lewis is a big part of the problem, but he's not the only part. The down linemen are getting blocked. The linebackers are getting mauled at times, including Lewis. And the safeties aren't tackling like they should on some long runs.

The end result is games like we saw last week from the Chiefs, who ran for 214 yards with Jamaal Charles getting 140 of those on 30 carries. That's 4.7 yards per rush.

Who are those guys in the purple uniforms?

One play from that game best illustrates the problems for the Ravens. It was a 25-yard run by Charles that came in the first quarter. The pictures below will tell the problematic story for the Ravens.

Read the rest: http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/story/...eview-heres-why-the-ravens-run-defense-stinks

 

[erod]

If Dallas can run the football and not turn it over, the Cowboys have a decent shot on Sunday.

If not, I feel a very long day coming.

 

[Gaede]

If Dallas can run the football and not turn it over, the Cowboys have a decent shot on Sunday.

If not, I feel a very long day coming.

Definitely.

It all hinges on being able to run the ball well enough to keep the Ravens from pressuring on every play.

If Murray can get some running room, I like our chances.

If not, and we revert to shotgun catch-up mode, it's going to be another blowout

 

[InDakWeTrust]

This team needs to start running single back sets. I don't remember seeing more than maybe 5% of our plays run from them. No shotgun, single back with Romo under center. We can still spread teams out with 3WR and Witten and still run the draw, or run 3/5/7 dropback throws with Romo.

Also, sprinkle some Tanner in at RB. He is doing good enough on ST's to warrant some playing time on offense IMO. Stop having Murray be in on 95% of snaps..

 

[Terpsnation]

I think one of our main problems right now is that we truly have lost quite a bit of talent on the line since last year.

Obviously losing Suggs has a massive impact, but we also lost Jared Johnson and Terrence Cody. Suggs warranted double coverage on almost all plays, which has now switched to Haloti Ngata. We also have a rookie in Courtney Upshaw, who looks good for a rookie, but is not a top lineman (yet).

With a lack of pass rush, and an inability to set the edge or collapse the pocket, our opponents are finding it a lot easier to rush against us.

Not to mention that Ray Lewis is a lot lighter this year, which doesn't exactly help him when a huge running back is trampling over him.

 

[pugilist]

I think one of our main problems right now is that we truly have lost quite a bit of talent on the line since last year.

Obviously losing Suggs has a massive impact, but we also lost Jared Johnson and Terrence Cody. Suggs warranted double coverage on almost all plays, which has now switched to Haloti Ngata. We also have a rookie in Courtney Upshaw, who looks good for a rookie, but is not a top lineman (yet).

With a lack of pass rush, and an inability to set the edge or collapse the pocket, our opponents are finding it a lot easier to rush against us.

Not to mention that Ray Lewis is a lot lighter this year, which doesn't exactly help him when a huge running back is trampling over him.

nice insight. never seen a ravens fan on this board before, welcome.

 

[Terpsnation]

nice insight. never seen a ravens fan on this board before, welcome.

I'll be back in 4 years when we play again

 

[pugilist]

I'll be back in 4 years when we play again

cool, please take our offensive line (minus Tyron) with you as a parting gift

 

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

I'll be back in 4 years when we play again

Nah you'll be back sooner than that. I'm thinking February of 2013.

 

[Bluestang]

This team needs to start running single back sets. I don't remember seeing more than maybe 5% of our plays run from them. No shotgun, single back with Romo under center. We can still spread teams out with 3WR and Witten and still run the draw, or run 3/5/7 dropback throws with Romo.

Also, sprinkle some Tanner in at RB. He is doing good enough on ST's to warrant some playing time on offense IMO. Stop having Murray be in on 95% of snaps..

We've actually ran the ball quite well in the 11 formation.

 

[jobberone]

I think one of our main problems right now is that we truly have lost quite a bit of talent on the line since last year.

Obviously losing Suggs has a massive impact, but we also lost Jared Johnson and Terrence Cody. Suggs warranted double coverage on almost all plays, which has now switched to Haloti Ngata. We also have a rookie in Courtney Upshaw, who looks good for a rookie, but is not a top lineman (yet).

With a lack of pass rush, and an inability to set the edge or collapse the pocket, our opponents are finding it a lot easier to rush against us.

Not to mention that Ray Lewis is a lot lighter this year, which doesn't exactly help him when a huge running back is trampling over him.

I love it when nice fans drop by and give us insight into the game.