The Baltimore Ravens’ calling card since their inception has been a smothering defense. They have pretty consistently had among the best defenses in the league year in and year out for most of their existence, and they have usually needed it because of a lagging offense.
The strengths of the team have shifted somewhat, particularly in the Lamar Jackson era, but there is no less pride on the defensive side, and no less respect from the Pittsburgh Steelers for what Baltimore can bring, particularly up front. Head coach Mike Tomlin talked about those “goons”, as he called them, on Tuesday.