With Dennard Wilson gone, the Ravens’ pass defense is having trouble.
The Baltimore Ravens’ defense was legendary the previous season. They had the most sacks (60), takeaways (31) and points per game (16.5) at the end of the 2023 regular season. They would still be destined for regression if nothing had changed for them during the 2024 offseason. Replicating as a top-ranked defense in any statistic is extremely challenging. Only the Bucs, Bills, Steelers, and Cowboys have replicated in a single metric since 2018.
The Ravens are having trouble for a variety of reasons. The pass defense is doing far too poorly. There have been no plays from the pass rush. Big gains and/or touchdowns are being lost due to frequent misunderstandings. They have the third-worst third-down defense in the NFL, giving up a conversion rate of 46.7%. They have been in the incorrect places. Even when the pigskin struck them in the hands, they were in the appropriate places too but were unable to make a play. There are numerous reasons why they are not performing up to par. The most significant of these, however, is Dennard Wilson’s absence as defensive backs coach.
Wilson’s departure affected the Ravens more than any other offseason loss. Great players are among the best in the NFL, and Wilson elevates good players to greatness. His history demonstrates this.
Between 2017 and 2020, he helped make Jamal Adams a star with the Jets, winning three Pro Bowls and being named to the first team All-Pro. Marcus Maye also became an important player.
In 2021, Wilson joined the Eagles, and Darius Slay got back to his Pro Bowl ways. The Eagles’ defense finished third in the league in terms of opposing quarterback rating (81.6), had the fourth-highest number of takeaways (17 interceptions, 10 fumble recoveries), and was the greatest pass defense in the NFL in 2022. James Bradberry was named to the second team All-Pro, while Slay was selected to the Pro Bowl in both of Wilson’s years.
Wilson joined the Ravens after being passed over by the Eagles for the defensive coordinator position, and he made an instant impression. He helped young player Kyle Hamilton become the NFL’s finest safety and earn a spot on the first team All-Pro. By every measure, the Ravens’ defense in 2023 was among the best in the league.
Wilson’s influence is felt both when he joins a squad and when he leaves.
The Jets were the NFL’s worst pass defense when Wilson left them in 2021. The Eagles had the second-worst pass defense in 2023. The Ravens have the poorest pass defense in the NFL after eight games.
Wilson is now the defensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans. You might wonder how they rank in terms of pass defense this season. the NFL’s top, giving up 151.6 yards per game. Almost half of the amount that the Ravens are permitting (291.4).
