Smith led the Ravens with 12 tackles towards Philadelphia after lacking one recreation with a hamstring harm. His management and depth had been missed, however the Ravens additionally performed effectively with out him throughout a 30-23 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 12.
The Ravens do not assume their protection has arrived, nevertheless it’s shifting in the proper route. Baltimore has surrendered simply 4 touchdowns over its final three video games – an encouraging signal for a unit that struggled throughout the first half of the season.
The Ravens have stopped giving up large performs in the passing recreation and their secondary play is far improved since Ar’Darius Washington turned a beginning security. Snap counts have additionally been shaken up in the linebacker rotation. Tavius Robinson performed a career-high 93% of the snaps towards the Eagles, whereas Malik Harrison and Chris Board have seen their roles improve not too long ago.
Baltimore has made lineup, schematic, and angle modifications, and feels good about making extra progress following this week’s bye. After giving up 34 factors and making pricey protection errors towards the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 9, Marlon Humphrey challenged the Ravens’ protection, and people phrases have been taken to coronary heart.
“I believe guys responded very well to what was being preached amongst the coaches, amongst the gamers, and we’re holding guys extra accountable now,” Humphrey stated. “The model of protection we have been taking part in, it is disrespectful to be on this Ravens uniform and play like that, and I really feel like we have turned that nook.
“It’s not excellent, and I nonetheless assume there are extra corners to show, however the mindset has actually modified, and that is form of the place it begins.”
