The Baltimore Ravens are charging into the final stretch of the regular season with one thing leading the way: defense. As the playoff picture begins to crystallize, Baltimore sits just a game behind the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC North, and with three games to go, the margin for error is razor thin. Sunday night’s clash against the New England Patriots isn’t just another game - it’s a litmus test for how far this defense can carry them.
Let’s be clear: since the bye week, the Ravens' defense hasn’t just played well - it’s set the tone. The offense has had its moments, but it’s the defense that’s kept Baltimore in the hunt.
And now, facing a Patriots team that ranks among the league’s top six offenses, Defensive Coordinator Zach Orr has his work cut out for him. This is the kind of game where coaching meets execution, and Baltimore needs both firing on all cylinders.
Injuries Could Shift the Defensive Front
The Ravens’ injury report this week reads like a who’s who of the defensive depth chart. While left tackle Ronnie Stanley (knee/ankle) is questionable, the real concern lies on the other side of the ball.
Cornerback Chidobe Awuzie is doubtful with a foot injury, and defensive linemen John Jenkins and Brent Urban are both battling illness. Safety Kyle Hamilton is also questionable with an ankle issue - though if his season so far is any indication, he’s likely to gut it out.
If Awuzie can’t go, expect rookie corner T.J. Tampa to step into a bigger role.
He’s shown flashes, and this could be a big opportunity for him to prove he can handle the spotlight in a critical divisional race. The bigger question mark is up front.
Jenkins and Urban have been key cogs in the Ravens’ run defense, and if either is limited or sidelined, Baltimore will need to lean on its depth.
That’s where Saturday’s roster moves come into play. The Ravens elevated nose tackle Josh Tupou and linebacker William Kwenku from the practice squad - a clear signal that they’re gearing up for a physical battle in the trenches. With the Patriots’ ground game heating up, Baltimore’s game plan is simple: stop the run and force New England to beat them through the air.
Making the Patriots One-Dimensional
That’s been the Ravens’ defensive identity all year - shut down the run, make teams one-dimensional, and then let the pass rush and secondary go to work. But New England isn’t the same team it was earlier in the season. Rookie quarterback Drake Maye has brought some juice to the passing game, but what’s really changed the equation is the emergence of running back TreVeyon Henderson.
Henderson has been on a tear, racking up 620 rushing yards and six touchdowns over the last seven games. He’s given the Patriots balance, and suddenly, they’ve become a lot harder to defend. That’s why Baltimore’s front seven - especially the interior - will be under the microscope Sunday night.
Travis Jones has been a steady presence at defensive tackle, but he’s going to need help. Jenkins and Urban, if healthy, are the tone-setters up front.
If they’re not 100%, Tupou could be more than just a depth piece - he could see real action. With C.J.
Okoye also in the mix, Baltimore now has five defensive linemen with a clear focus on stopping the run.
The Formula Is Simple - Execution Is the Challenge
This isn’t about reinventing the wheel. The Ravens know who they are.
They want to dominate the line of scrimmage, take away the run, and force quarterbacks into uncomfortable situations. When they’ve done that this season, they’ve looked like a playoff team.
When they haven’t, it’s been a grind.
Sunday night’s matchup is going to come down to physicality and discipline. If Baltimore can bottle up Henderson early and control the tempo, they’ll be in prime position to keep their playoff hopes alive - and maybe even make a move atop the AFC North.
Zach Orr’s defense has been the heartbeat of this team down the stretch. Now, in one of the biggest games of the season, it’s time to see if they can rise to the moment once again.