Scary Thoughts and Happy Thoughts

After viewing the first two games this season, I can't help but realize some of the talking heads were right. (That is a scary thought in and of itself.) I kept hearing about how Rex Ryan and Bart Scott leaving the Ravens would be the demise of last years #2 overall defense last year.

I always reply with the fact that there were a few defensive coaches who left the Ravens in the past and the Ravens survived just fine. A few of note include Mike Nolan, Marvin Lewis, Jack Del Rio, Mike Singletary, and Mike Smith.

This time I may be wrong and here is why (again bulleted for your convenience):

• 17th rank in yards per game allowed by the defense
• 23rd rank in points per game allowed by the defense
• 26th rank yards allowed per play
• 14th rank in forced fumbles
• 25th rank in fumbles recovered
• 21st rank in sacks

Come on defense what is up with that? How does that happen considering the secondary was mildly improved in the off-season with the acquisition of Foxworth. Was Rex's defensive schemes that important? Is Mattison's milder attack to blame? Perhaps they are letting up because the pressure is off? Oh yeah, the Ravens have an offense, and a good one, too! How good? See below:

• 2nd rank in points scored per game (2nd only to the ridiculous NO offense)
• 2nd rank in total points scored (again to NO)
• 2nd rank in total touchdowns scored
• 2nd rank in first downs (to NE)
• 2nd rank in 1st down percentage
• 5th rank in QB sacks allowed

I guess a W is a W and I will take it. Maybe it's just me, but this is strange...

Go Ravens!