The stereotypical image for a top-ranked defense is a snarling beast that breathes fire and leaves a path of destruction in its wake.
The Ravens’ 2018 defense, which finished with a No. 1 ranking, certainly brought such a creature to mind at times. The Tennessee Titans have some stories to tell.
But while Defensive Coordinator Don (Wink) Martindale’s unit could punish opponents, I would submit that other qualities besides its physicality were just as integral to its success.
There was, for instance, the chemistry. The Ravens all but oozed that intangible on defense in 2018.