Baltimore Ravens: 3 Weaknesses Entering the 2015 Season

4 of 4

Aug 13, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Garett Grayson (18) carries the ball in front of Baltimore Ravens defensive end Lawrnce Guy (67) during the third quarter in a preseason NFL football game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports

Defensive Line

There were some bright spots in the preseason opener, but for the most part, the defensive line play was not up to par. Ozzie might have found a next gem with Carl Davis. Davis was rated the best player on the field for the Ravens in the preseason opener by Pro Football Focus. Davis started at defensive end with Chris Canty sitting out the contest, and was disruptive in his first action as a Raven. Baltimore looks to have struck gold with the first-round talent falling to them in the third round.

The problem is outside Davis, the team is thin at the defensive end position. Losing Brent Urban was a big blow to the depth on the line. Kapron Lewis-Moore looked nothing like the player we saw at Notre Dame after spending the past two seasons on injured reserve. Lawrence Guy is a solid option, but his play will not wow you either. Canty’s best years are now behind him.

The Ravens do shift to four down lineman on passing situations and typically it is Suggs and Dumervil that handle those snaps. You then figure to see Brandon Williams and Timmy Jernigan lined up on the inside and Davis spelling those two guys. The question is who puts pressure on the passer when Suggs or Dumervil is off the field?

This is the year Courtney Upshaw needs to earn his draft selection. The 2012 second-round pick has as many sacks (3) as years of NFL experience. While defensive ends are more know for stopping the run in a 3-4 defense, Upshaw needs to become at least some kind of a presence when he’s out there.

Every team has its weaknesses, but the Ravens are a team blessed with very few of them. That’s part of the reason why many feel the Baltimore Ravens are serious Super Bowl contenders this season.

Next: Ravens Set at Running Back for a Long Time

More from The Baltimore Wire

Home/Baltimore Ravens