Many expect the Baltimore Ravens to contend for the AFC crown this season. But it's not the team's defense, which in 2018 ranked first in yards allowed and second in points allowed, that explains high expectations for Baltimore as much as the individual development of second-year quarterback Lamar Jackson and the ability of coach John Harbaugh to craft a unique offense that best utilizes his talents.
The Ravens, after all, finished 7-1 in the regular season after Jackson took over under center from longtime starter Joe Flacco, and made several additions this offseason who fit perfectly in the team's new scheme. Backup quarterback Robert Griffin III went so far as to say Baltimore's offense will “shock some people.”
Of course, the Ravens won't be able to conjure a winning season by rolling out what's likely to be the only run-first offense in football alone. Fortunately, pass-rusher Matthew Judon doesn't see his team missing a beat defensively despite the losses of multiple key performers. In fact, he believes Baltimore' defense has the chance to be “legendary.”
“We can be legendary, one of the best,” Judon said on 105.7 The Fan, per the Ravens' website. “You’ve got to say those things, and you’ve got to believe those things to obtain those things. You can’t be shy or timid to say we can be the best defense out there. … Some people are going to call you crazy. They might have called us crazy last year, but we did it, and we obtained it, so that’s what we are going to do again.”
All-Pro inside linebacker C.J. Mosley signed a record deal with the New York Jets in free agency. Franchise icon Terrell Suggs' time with Baltimore finally came to a close after he signed with his hometown Arizona Cardinals. Rising star pass-rusher Za'Darius Smith left for a big-money deal from the Green Bay Packers.
Even so, there's clearly no expectation in-house of the Ravens taking a step back defensively this season.
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