Ravens pass defense ranking: The biggest flaw Baltimore needs to fix before AFC playoffs
The 2024 Ravens have very few flaws, but their most noticeable issues might cost them down the line.
The Baltimore offense averages the most yards per game (445.9), with the rushing game averaging the most yards per contest (191.9) and the aerial attacker accounting for the third-highest yards per game (254.0). It accounts for the second-most points per game, clicking at a rate of 31.4.
On the other side of the ball, the Ravens’ rush defense gives up the least amount of yards per game (75.7). However, when it comes to the pass defense, it is undoubtedly the biggest weakness in the Charm City.
While the rush defense is superb, the pass defense is anything but. The secondary has been susceptible to giving up chunk plays through the air, creating a number of high-scoring affairs.
At 6-3, the Ravens remain one of the top teams to beat in the AFC. However, it’s been proven that the pass defense is an issue that must be addressed if John Harbaugh’s team wants to make a Super Bowl appearance.
Here’s more on Baltimore’s pass defense and how it is the team’s biggest weakness.
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Ravens pass defense ranking
The Ravens pass defense is the worst in the league — literally.
Baltimore is allowing the most passing yards per game this season, with the unit giving up an average of 280.9 per game. That’s more than a collection of 2-7 teams like the Jaguars, Saints, and Panthers. As expected, the 2,718 passing yards allowed are the most in the NFL.
The 18 passing touchdowns given up by defensive coordinator Zach Orr’s crew are tied for the third-most in the league. The Ravens only trail the Jaguars and the Texans in that unfortunate category and are tied with the likes of the Panthers and the Buccaneers.
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Quarterbacks are averaging a rating of 100.7 against the Ravens, which is the seventh-best mark in the league. However, those QBs are only completing 66.4 percent of their passes against Baltimore, which is the 14th-highest completion percentage.
Stat | Ravens | NFL Rankings |
Passing Yards/Game | 280.9 | 32nd |
Passing Yards | 2,718 | 32nd |
Passing TDs Allowed | 18 | T-28th |
Opposing Completions | 227 | 31st |
Opposing Attempts | 342 | 32nd |
Opposing Comp % | 66.4 | 18th |
Opposing QB Rating | 100.7 | 26th |
Opposing TD% | 5.3 | 24th |
The problem is that opponents know the run defense in Baltimore is stout, so as a result, the offense takes advantage of the poor pass defense. No other team has faced as many pass attempts through nine weeks as the Ravens, and only the Buccaneers’ defense has allowed more completions.
Baltimore added Rams CB Tre’Davious White at the NFL deadline. While he isn’t the cornerback he once was, White gives the unit some depth at the position and a veteran presence.
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Still, if the Ravens want to win a Super Bowl, the pass defense must be better. Going up against Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, C.J. Stroud, Justin Herbert, or Joe Burrow in the AFC playoffs is going to be a bad time if the unit does not improve.