There is no overlooking a defense that stars Terrell Suggs and Elvis Dumervil, two of the game’s top pass-rushers. The pair combined for 29 sacks last season, the most of any duo in the NFL.
But they aren’t the only ones to fear on a defense that ranked sixth in points allowed (18.9 per game) and second in opponent red-zone efficiency (42.6 percent) in 2014. This year, despite the loss of Haloti Ngata, the Ravens are again projected to have one of the league’s toughest defenses:
Defensive Line: Veteran nose tackle Ngata is out, traded to the Detroit Lions. Third-year player Brandon Williams is in. He might lack the athleticism of Ngata, but Williams proved in his second year in the NFL that he could be one of the best run-stoppers. He posted 48 tackles last season, helping Baltimore hold opponents to 88.3 yards per game on the ground, the fourth fewest in the league.
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Linebackers: Ravens made 49 sacks last season, tied for second most in NFL. Suggs and Dumervil weren’t the only ones who came up big. Inside linebacker C.J. Mosley was the NFL’s only player with at least 125 tackles, three sacks and two interceptions last season, enough for a Pro Bowl selection as a rookie.
Secondary: Baltimore’s loss is Denver’s gain. Darian Stewart, the Ravens’ fourth-leading tackler (53 total, 37 solo) in 2014 is now the Broncos’ starting free safety. Last season, the Ravens’ secondary dealt with a string of injuries and the defense gave up 248.7 passing yards, tied for ninth-most in the NFL. With cornerbacks Lardarius Webb and Jimmy Smith, and safeties Will Hill III and Kendrick Lewis, the unit might again be the defense’s weakest link, but Baltimore coach John Harbaugh has expressed confidence in the group.
Nicki Jhabvala: njhabvala@denverpost.com or
