NFL News: Ravens 'Prioritized' Defensive Fundamentals During Bye Week, Says Coach

Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh revealed some pain points that they worked on during the Bye Week, mainly on the defense.

Speaking to the media in their post-Bye Week press conference, Harbaugh was asked whether they prioritized marking their man and tackling him when the opportunity arises.

“We actually prioritize it all the time; it's not like we don't prioritize it. We've got to coach it better. There's a lot to it, and we'll be working on all those things. You [just] have to. You have to be fundamentally great. If you're not fundamentally great, you have no chance,” remarked the longtime Ravens coach.

The leaders of the AFC North division are coming off a much-needed Bye Week after losing to the Cincinnati Bengals in a 41-17 blowout due to a defense that collapsed under the pressure of a Joe Burrow-led offense.

Missed assignments and failing to tackle the ballcarrier were, but some of the mishaps that occurred on the usually outstanding Ravens defense.

The 2021-22 Ravens may be ranked at 10th in terms of defensive rankings, but this only gives a general picture as they rank dead last in passing yards allowed per game with 296.14.

Over their first seven games, they allowed a franchise-worst 2,073 passing yards, signaling the need for much better coverage across the depth of the field.

In the loss to the Bengals, rookie Ja'Marr Chase hung 201 yards on their heads, while Burrow threw for a career-high 416 yards.

Losing cornerback Marcus Peters has certainly affected the Ravens this season, but they do have reinforcement coming in at just the right time.

Offensive tackle Ja’Wuan James, linebacker Daelin Hayes, defensive end Derek Wolfe and cornerback Chris Westry are all set to return to the team for their Week 9 matchup against Kirk Cousins and the Minnesota Vikings.

Harbaugh also revealed that tight end Nick Boyle is also practicing with the team in preparation for his season debut against the Vikings.

Ravens fans can breathe a sigh of relief as his excellent run blocking abilities will give Jackson and the running backs more opportunities to gain big yards.

“I'm excited about where our offense could go; I just want to get it there. [T]here are other areas where we have a chance to make a jump, maybe, because of guys getting healthy. All those things, kind of at the Bye [Week], you take stock of,” mentioned the Super Bowl-winning coach.

The Ravens have a much clearer shot of taking the top spot in the entire AFC after NFL insider Ian Rapoport revealed that Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry has been placed on the sidelines due to a foot injury.

If Harbaugh’s comments are to be believed, expect the Ravens to bring out more rushing plays and complex packages on the defense to keep Cousins and Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer guessing.