While its offense lacks consistency, Baltimore’s defense has been steady all year.
Captained by linebacker C.J. Mosley, the Ravens entered Sunday’s game against Philadelphia ranking in the top five of the National Football League in rushing defense (75.5 ypg), total defense (311.5 ypg) and scoring defense (18.2 ppg). Though it gave up 169 yards rushing and a touchdown, Mosley accounted for a game-high 13 total tackles and a forced fumble. He anchored a group that held Eagles’ quarterback Carson Wentz to 170 passing yards (247 ypg), while limiting his completion percentage to 52.4% (22 of 42) in Baltimore’s 27-26 win.
After leading the team in tackles during his rookie season (2014) and falling second last year, Mosley stands third in total stops with 59. He’s second in tackles for loss with four, and has compiled seven pass breakups with three interceptions. The former Alabama standout, 2013 Butkus Award winner and two-time All-American (2012-13) has the Ravens at 8-6, heading into the final two games of the regular season.
Should Baltimore (8-6) win out, it clinches a playoff spot as AFC North division champions.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
