NFL Playoffs 2016: 5 reasons Baltimore Ravens will make it

Dec 4, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Terrell Suggs (55) reacts after a play during the second half against the Miami Dolphins at M&T Bank Stadium. Baltimore Ravens defeated Miami Dolphins 38-6. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Stopping The Run

As is tradition, Baltimore’s defense has been quite dominant this season. They have been especially impressive against the run. Baltimore allows merely 75.5 rushing yards per game, the fewest in the NFL. How do they do it? By going back to their roots and playing smash mouth football.

In 2000, Baltimore had Sam Adams and Tony Siragusa clogging up the middle. Haloti Ngata did so in 2012. This season, they have Brandon Williams leading the way. He is one of the highest rated nose tackles in the NFL, namely against the run. Not only is Williams strong, he’s deceptively quick and has excellent hands. The Ravens defensive tackle is setting himself up for a huge payday.

Ray Lewis was the heart and soul of Baltimore’s defense. Filling his shoes has been quite difficult, but they’ve found a way to do it. C.J. Mosley is very good in coverage, much like number 52 was in his prime. However, he isn’t nearly as good against the run as Ray. That’s fine because Baltimore has former special teams ace Zach Orr, who leads the team in tackles with 122.

When they’re at their best, they can make teams one dimensional and help their secondary make plays. Baltimore plays the tough kind of defense you need to win in the playoffs.

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