One statistic which caught peoples attention in last Mondays game was sacks. Since many were worried about how well the Ravens would fare with pressure on the quarterback, sacking Cincinnatis Andy Dalton four times made many happy.
But that stat was helped because the Ravens didnt have to worry about the run for a good part of the second half since they had jumped out to a 21-point lead late in the third quarter. Defensive coordinator Dean Pees said the pass rush is still evolving and trying to get better and do more this season.
I think its OK, Pees said when talking to the media earlier this week. Its now where we want it to be yet. For the four-man rush, we got some pressure on him the other day. We got a couple of sacks. Were still working on it. I think its still a work in progress.
Pees said the coaches are still going to work on shifting people and parts around to find the best spots.
Thats normal for any team in any season. Its even more typical of a team thats lost a pass-rusher like Terrell Suggs. Hes out, and the Ravens cant complain about that they certainly know this but theyve got to adjust to life without Sizzle.
At least for now.
Weretrying to find out who really belongs where and who can give us the best effect and maybe what we can do scheme-wise to help some of those guys, Pees said. I think were OK, just have to keep improving in that area, too.
Sunday will give the defense and its pass rush another test with the always-mobile Michael Vick under center for the Eagles in the seasons second game. This is one of those games where getting pressure could be almost as good as getting a sack. Rush him, get in the guys face, and dont let him sit back there and do whatever. Sacks would be nice, but the pressure would be almost as effective.