This isn’t the same Week 4 Ravens

Head Coach John Harbaugh argues a call during the Ravens 40-25 loss in Week 4.
Photo credit Photo Courtesy: USA Today

By Austin Medina  

It took the Ravens an ugly 40-25 loss to reevaluate their team identity.

In Week 4, the Ravens surrendered an alarming 535 yards and were gashed on the ground by Nick Chubb (165 rushing yards, 3 TDS).

Offensively, quarterback Lamar Jackson threw two interceptions and was sacked four times.

The sloppy performance may have looked like an embarrassment to some, but for the Ravens the loss served as nothing more than a humbling experience.

Since then, the Ravens have won 10 straight games including seven wins against winning teams. The Ravens defense has improved tremendously since week 4, increasing their rank from 27th to 6th in the NFL.

Heading into Wk 5, the Ravens ranked 27th in total def. (395.5 yards), 23rd in scoring def. (25.0 pts) and 30th in pass def. (302.0).Through 13 games, they are now 6th in total def. (314.6), 5th in scoring defense (18.2) and 9th in passing def. (219).Quite a turnaround

— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) December 9, 2019

But what has changed defensively? First, defensive tackle Brandon Williams missed the first matchup with the Browns. His presence in stopping the run is significant and Chubb exploited the defense up the middle.

Secondly, the Ravens were missing cornerback Jimmy Smith and have since added Marcus Peters. The secondary has been a staple of excellence during this win-streak, helping the team to a 337-157 point differential. Allowing just under 16 points per game has made life easier for the Ravens offense, which has exploded since their Week 4 loss.

The Browns will face a different Ravens team Sunday, one that leads the NFL in scoring (33.7) and rush yards (202.1).

The back-to-back AFC North champion Ravens can clinch the #1 seed and home-field advantage with a victory over Cleveland. The 6-8 Browns have seemingly checked out on the season, as multiple players have been seen telling opposing coaches to “come get them.”

The Ravens should look to strike early and put the defeated Browns behind them.

If nothing else, the Week 4 loss can be seen as the catalyst that sparkplugged Baltimore for an amazing season. The Ravens will look to win their 11th straight victory this Sunday in Cleveland.