DeCosta’s first point of improvement was the pass rush. He mentioned this in his Tuesday press conference.
Two teams only had fewer than 30 sacks, a dramatic drop from the Ravens previous season where they had the second most sacks in the league (54)
DeCosta stated, “I believe that we need to create more pressure on the defense.” DeCosta said, “I think that will help the secondary. Being complementary on defense in this way. “Getting after it and] affecting [the quarterback] – affecting his pocket would be something huge.”
The Ravens were ranked 31 thin the league for pass defense, despite investing heavily in this area in the last two offseasons. They drafted cornerback Nate Wiggins in the first round and safety Malaki starks in the second. The Ravens also invested in cornerbacks and have Kyle Hamilton, one of the NFL’s best safeties.
The secondary and pass rush must be married. This didn’t happen this season. In two games, the Ravens sacked Steelers’ quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Both were huge losses. At the beginning of the season, they had only two combined sacks against Josh Allen, Jared Goff and Patrick Mahomes.
DeCosta described the loss of Nnadmi madubuike due to a neck injury that ended his season as a “horrible” situation for the Ravens. It also had an impact on the rest the pass rush. DeCosta was unable to share any more information about Madubuike this week. However, the Ravens will be able plan for Madubuike in the offseason. Broderick Washington, Jr. has also signed a contract and is set to return following a reported Achilles injury that ended the season in Week 3.
In the trenches, getting help for Travis Jones who led the Ravens in sacks with five would also help him unlock more.
“God bless Travis.” “I think he did his best, but had he been paired with Madubuike, he would have been singled the entire year, while instead they were able double him,” Bisciotti stated.
As a rookie, Mike Green, drafted in the second round at outside linebacker saw extensive action and recorded 3.5 sacks. Tavius Robinson is returning after an injury that cut short his career. The Ravens must decide whether or not to bring back Kyle Van Noy, and trade acquisition Dre’Mont Jones.
In this year’s draft, the Ravens may again select a defensive tackle or an outside linebacker. Odafe Oweh was the last Ravens first-round selection at defensive end/outsidelinebacker in 2021. Baltimore could also add veteran players (or several pieces) via free agency or trade to strengthen the pass rush.