Right Off Russell

The Ravens defense in 2009 has not been the dominant unit we have come to know and love.  They have lacked the ability to shut down opposing receivers, to rush the passer with consistency and to display the toughness and aggressiveness that have been their trademarks.  The Ravens defense has been scored upon, penalized and now fined, when is enough, enough?  The Ravens are entering a crucial portion of their schedule with many question marks.  Most importantly is whether or not this years defense is talented enough to impose it’s will on opponents.  The Minnesota Vikings are a big test. They feature a veteran quarterback, speedy receivers and the most dynamic running back in the league.  What do the Ravens need to do to slow down the Vikings in Minnesota?

Defensive Line: The defensive line was thought of a as strength heading into the season, but 5 weeks in the unit looks old and vulnerable.  Lacking a pass rush all season, the Ravens also struggled to contain the run game against Cedric Benson and the Bengals.  Now the line faces Adrian Peterson and a strong o-line and one has to wonder if Peterson is not going to have a field day.  It seems as if Trevor Pryce has been a step slow, Kelly Gregg has not returned to form and Haloti Ngata has been neutralized in the 2nd halves of games.  In order to contain Peterson this group will have to get penetration int he backfield and make Peterson have to break his stride before he gets going.  Justin Bannan and Dwan Edwards will also have the opportunity to come up big defending the run.

Linebackers:  The Ravens linebackers continue to be unsettled and now their leader ha come under fire after being fined $50,000 for two “dirty” plays.  I did not see the play where Ray Lewis was accused of kicking a Bengal, but I am still amazed that the hit on Chad 8-5 was flagged.  You add the fine in and you wonder who is watching these replays and whether or not they need to be replaced.  Regardless, the backers will be called upon to control the middle of the field, something they struggled with in the run game last week.  Too many missed tackles and assignments.  Jarrett Johnson and Terrell Suggs will need to e active in setting the edge defending the run.  Also, who is ready to step up in the middle next to Ray.  Gooden made some plays last week, between and Jameel McClain the Ravens are still looking for someone to step up and claim the majority of playing time.

Defensive Backs:  The Ravens will definitely be committed to stopping the run.  That will put a lot of pressure on the secondary to chase the Vikings wideouts.  Odds are Bret Favre will make the Ravens pay for stacking the line.  What the Ravens need to have happen is for Farve to give as much as he takes.  Farve is a risk taker and that can bode well for Ed Reed.  Reed and to an extent Dawan Landry need to make Farve and the Vikings pay for questionable decisions.  The Ravens also need to have their corners step up and play more physically.  I also feel a change needs to be made replacing Chris Carr in nickle situations.  Give me Lardarius Webb or Frank Walker.  Carr just doesn’t seem able to compete.

Do the Ravens have a dominant effort in them?  I am not so sure.  Can they at least make life difficult for the Vikings, I think so.  The Ravens have a lot of pride and they realize what this game represents heading into the bye week.  After giving up a home game the Ravens need to steal one on the road, especially with tougher games ahead on the schedule.  I expect John Harbaugh to have the Ravens ready to give their best effort on Sunday.