How about the defense!

I have to admit, coming into this game I was convinced that the solid performances from the defense was part improvement since the bye (and Suggs' return) and part competition. Even with a Swiss Cheese O-line I thought Rivers would be able quickly get the ball out to Gates, Alexander and Floyd allowing to make plays like last year. But the pressure dialed up and the coverage on the back end (which lead to a couple of sacks) proved to be a deciding factor

Art Jones-Came through in a big way this game with two sacks after having a non-existent first few years, way to respond to Reed's challenge!

Cary-In spite of the touchdown (Pollard seemed to bite up a little) its good to see him successfully bumping guys at the line.

BA-Came in as the second option after Bynes and immediately looked the like the solid cover LB he was a couple years back

Graham-Still making plays

The best byproduct, imo, of all the injuries to the defense is that now we see what we have on the bench and we know that there are playmakers all over the defense.

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Originally Posted by Justlovemybirds

The best byproduct, imo, of all the injuries to the defense is that now we see what we have on the bench and we know that there are playmakers all over the defense.

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This!!!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Justlovemybirds

I have to admit, coming into this game I was convinced that the solid performances from the defense was part improvement since the bye (and Suggs' return) and part competition. Even with a Swiss Cheese O-line I thought Rivers would be able quickly get the ball out to Gates, Alexander and Floyd allowing to make plays like last year. But the pressure dialed up and the coverage on the back end (which lead to a couple of sacks) proved to be a deciding factor

Art Jones-Came through in a big way this game with two sacks after having a non-existent first few years, way to respond to Reed's challenge!

Cary-In spite of the touchdown (Pollard seemed to bite up a little) its good to see him successfully bumping guys at the line.

BA-Came in as the second option after Bynes and immediately looked the like the solid cover LB he was a couple years back

Graham-Still making plays

The best byproduct, imo, of all the injuries to the defense is that now we see what we have on the bench and we know that there are playmakers all over the defense.

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Agree. I watched a show on NBC Sports over the weekend (Turning Point or something like that) and they credited the Ravens' ability to "next man up" in the victory over the Steelers

Break out game for Arthur Jones with inside pressure throughout. Now he just needs to keep building and showing some consistency. I admit I was about ready to write him off as a career backup/rotation guy but hoping he has finally turned the corner. Will be huge if he can continue to get pressure along with Suggs so the Ravens only need to bring 4 guys on the rush.

I think Suggs being back and drawing attention is a big key to freeing up these other guys. it's good to see them stepping up and making plays.

Don't forget Kruger, he's been a beast as of late.

Pees obviously has more confidence in this defense with Terrell Suggs back and the less experienced players are benefiting from that.

The defense is coming on......stay tuned.