Baltimore Ravens’ Secondary Struggles Ignite Alarm After Heartbreaking Loss to Steelers
The Baltimore Ravens’ recent defeat to their division rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers, has left fans reeling. The 27-22 loss in Week 14 was a bitter pill to swallow for a team that could ill afford a setback at this stage in the season. Just a few weeks prior, the Ravens’ offense was grappling with inconsistencies, but the defense had stepped up, carrying the team through tough matchups. However, as the season progresses, it appears the defense is beginning to falter, raising serious concerns about the secondary.
Defensive Woes Emerge
ESPN Ravens beat reporter Jamison Hensley recently highlighted a troubling trend for Baltimore’s defense. The secondary, once a reliable unit, is now surrendering big plays at an alarming rate. Hensley pointed out that during their recent matchup against the Steelers, the Ravens allowed quarterback Aaron Rodgers to complete all four of his passes that traveled at least 20 yards downfield. Earlier in the season, Baltimore had been formidable in this area, limiting opposing teams to a mere 26.9% success rate on such throws, which ranked them sixth in the NFL.
As the Ravens look ahead, they must prepare for a gauntlet of strong-armed quarterbacks, including Joe Burrow, Drake Maye, and Jordan Love, over the next three weeks. This looming schedule adds weight to the existing concerns regarding the secondary’s ability to perform under pressure.
Quarterback Challenges Ahead
The Ravens are well aware of Burrow’s capability to launch deep passes, a tactic he has effectively employed with talented receivers like Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase. Maye has also emerged as a strong contender for the MVP conversation, while Love recently showcased his deep ball prowess, throwing three touchdown passes against the Chicago Bears, each exceeding 20 yards.
In the loss to the Steelers, the struggles were particularly evident with veteran cornerback Marlon Humphrey and Nate Wiggins, who appeared overwhelmed by wide receiver DK Metcalf. Metcalf exploited the coverage, racking up seven receptions for 148 yards, consistently finding space to make significant gains. This lack of consistency raises critical questions about who will rise to the occasion as the Ravens head into their final stretch.
Assessing the Secondary
Humphrey has faced his share of challenges throughout the season, while Wiggins has established himself as a more effective shutdown corner. Meanwhile, Chidobe Awuzie has enjoyed a strong season, though his role is primarily as a slot cornerback. Given the current issues in the secondary, the Ravens may need to lean more heavily on their front seven to generate quarterback pressure and sacks, alleviating some of the burden from the defensive backfield.
With four pivotal games remaining, the Ravens face a crucial evaluation period for their cornerback situation. These matchups will significantly influence the direction they take in the offseason regarding personnel decisions.
As the Ravens navigate this turbulent phase, fans remain hopeful for a swift turnaround and a return to form as they prepare for their upcoming challenges. The pressure is on, and only time will tell how this season unfolds for Baltimore.
