Ravens Defense Still Strong, But Vulnerable

The Baltimore Ravens' defense may not be as dominant as it once was, but it's still the strength of a very good team. The Associated Press, courtesy of the Baltimore Sun, has the story, below.

Running back Isaac Redman #33 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs the ball in for a touchdown against safety Dawan Landry #26 of the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter of the game at M&T Bank Stadium on December 5, 2010 in Baltimore, Maryland.

Courtesy---AP/baltimoresun.com

In assessing the Baltimore Ravens defense, the statistics tell all: Ranked 10th in the NFL, this unit is better than most but not quite up to its usual standard.

Baltimore owned the league's third-ranked defense last season and has finished in the top six in each of the past seven years. The Ravens have maintained their reputation as a dominant defensive force the past decade despite changes in the coaching staff and player personnel.

"They've played at a high level for long period of time," said New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton, who will bring the defending Super Bowl champions to Baltimore on Sunday. "It's really hard to point to any other organization that's had that staying power.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/sns-ap-fbn-ravens-defense,0,463599.story