The Baltimore Ravens historically are a team with great linebacker play. The 2015 group sent two players to the Pro Bowl and another should have joined them.
2015 Grades:QB|RB|WR|TE|OL|DL| LB |
Baltimore Ravens football has always been about hard-hitting linebackers and a pass rush that strikes fear in the opponent. Some of the best linebackers since the turn of the century have played here.Ray Lewisis the best of the recent era.Peter Boulware,Adalius ThomasandJarret Johnsonwere all great at rushing the passer.Bart ScottandJamie Sharpermade names for themselves while playing with the Ravens.
The linebackers on this current team have the ability to be just as dominant as in years past. The Ravens have two great pass rushers inTerrell SuggsandElvis Dumervil.C.J. Mosleyis one of the best young linebackers in the game andDaryl Smithhas never gotten the recognition he deserves. What this team is missing is depth behind those guys.
The Ravens defense generated very little pressure once Suggs went down with a torn Achilles. A year after racking up 17 sacks last season, Dumervil had just six sacks this year without his pass-rushing partner. Opposing teams could put the focus on stopping Dumervil because Baltimore had no other consistent threat to get to the quarterback. We also learned that Mosley and much of the group can be exposed in coverage. That’s a problem in today’s NFL that features playmaking tight ends and running backs that are receiving threats.
The Denver Broncos showed in Super Bowl 50 just how valuable it is to have a great pass rush.Von MillerandDeMarcus Warewrecked havoc the entire game and the Carolina Panthers had no answer for them. The Broncos also have a formidable duo in the middle like the Ravens. Baltimore has the foundation to have a dominant defense similar to that of the Broncos. They just need to fill a few holes.
The Ravens will be looking for a pass rusher at some point this offseason as both Dumervil and Suggs are on the back ends of their careers.Za’Darius Smithstepped up down the stretch for Dean Pees, but it’s too early to rely on him. They could also use a cover linebacker for those matchup problems outlined above.
The lack of depth is why the Ravens linebackers receive an average grade. Follow the slideshow for our grades for each player during the 2015 season.
Next: The Pro Bowl Alternate
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