Ravens Power Rankings: Defense 'Lights Out'?
The Baltimore Ravens are hosting the Houston Texans on Sunday, and the defense hopes to give rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud a warm welcome to the NFL.
Even without cornerback Marlon Humphrey, who is nursing a foot injury, the Ravens' defense is expected to be among the best in the league.
That's a big reason why the Ravens clocked in at No. 11 in Sports Illustrated's power rankings ahead of Week 1.
"Baltimore’s success this season hinges on the streamlining of its new offense, which may look wildly different, or will just present a different way to overwork Mark Andrews into exhaustion. The Ravens come in at No. 11 because, as exciting as their roster is on paper, there is still the whole business of breaking in a rookie wide receiver to be a focal point in an offense. The Ravens’ defense, on the other hand, will begin the season lights out."
As the offense undergoes some changes under new coordinator Todd Monken, the established defense will be tasked with holding the fort down while the kinks are ironed.
Luckily, with former MVP Lamar Jackson under center, there's hope that the Ravens will eventually get into their rhythm on the offensive end ... but while they go through the trial-and-error process, the defense may be able to bail Baltimore out of games in which they would have otherwise lost.
The Ravens begin their season on Sunday as they host the Texans. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. at M&T Bank Stadium.
