The Ravens defense is looking to do better. Theyve given up 38 points in the first two games plus lots of yards and havent been quite as effective yet as last year.
But when talking to the media on Wednesday, tackle Haloti Ngata may have summarized the defenses situation in the best way.
It definitely is a work in progress, Ngata said. We have a lot of new faces in our front seven. Were just trying to get used to each other. Once we continue to jell more, I think well seem more dominant.
Last year, the Ravens were near the top of the NFL in many defensive categories. But that hasnt been the case so far this season. Theyve struggled at times in each of the first two games and are looking to improve sooner rather than later.
Theyll certainly be tested on Sunday night against the Patriots, one of the NFLs top offenses.
I think we can improve in a lot of things, Ngata said. We are not used to having teams try to run on us as much, and a lot of it starts up front, like I said earlier. So, if we can stop that run early and just try to pressure the quarterback better, I think once we can do that, our defense can be more dominant.
The Ravens are having problems against the run and pass. As has been well documented, the Ravens lost some key players to free agency and injuries and need younger more inexperienced guys to step upnot an easy task. They've got some holes to fill and are still working on getting everyone playing at the level the team made it to in 2011.
But coach John Harbaugh said this week is just their next challenge.
You tackle the challenges in front of you, he said when talking to the media on Wednesday. And our challenge right now is the Patriots offense, which speaks for itself. We have to go out there and play the best defense we can.