The Ravens' defense came under criticism after not playing to its usual high standard earlier in the season, having struggled in consecutive October losses to New England, Cincinnati and Minnesota. But this is still an above-average group, especially against the run. And the defense's overall play since the beginning of November has been quite good.

The Ravens entered Week 12 ranked in the top 10 in yards allowed per game, rush defense and points allowed per game. They took care of business against the feeble Browns, shutting down their out-of-sync offense and forcing QB Brady Quinn into mistakes. They also impressed in a 30-7 win over Denver, limiting the Broncos to a meager 200 yards on 58 plays. And in even in losses at Cincinnati in Week Nine and Indianapolis in Week 11, the Ravens' defense did enough to keep the club in the game. The Ravens remain strong up the middle, with NT Haloti Ngata one of the NFL's best at his position, ILB Ray Lewis still an intimidating force (if not quite the tackler he was earlier in his career, according to one evaluator, speaking on condition of anonymity) and safeties Ed Reed and Dawan Landry playing well.

Certainly, though, this is a defense that still has some flaws. Don't overlook the effect of the losses of valuable reserves like LB Brendon Ayanbadejo and S Haruki Nakamura has had on the club's depth. And losing LCB Fabian Washington to a season-ending knee injury robs the secondary of an athletic, experienced corner and forces rookie Lardarius Webb into a more prominent role. Perhaps Webb is ready for the challenge, but the word before Washington's injury was that the club didn't want to give him too much responsibility too soon. Even if Webb thrives, a source close to the club suggests the Ravens might draft a cornerback early in 2010 after opponents have attacked with the pass with repeated success. Also, the Ravens will almost certainly look to get younger along the D-line. Starting DE Dwan Edwards is an unrestricted free agent at season's end, and Trevor Pryce, who subs in on passing downs for Edwards, may not be back.

Overall, though, the changes figure to be those of a team tinkering to find the right mix on "D," not one tearing up the blueprint.

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