There has been one constant throughout the Ravens' five weeks of training camp and four preseason games -- the defensive line has to play well for the team to succeed this season.
Why?
Because the Ravens have inexperienced linebackers, a marginal to average secondary and an offense that is prolific but not efficient in time management.
Oh, and don't forget about depth. The Ravens have little.
"They are an important part because of the rush," Ravens coach Ted Marchibroda said of the defensive line, which probably will be without starting end Michael McCrary (knee) for the season opener next Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
"You need the rush and for them to dominate the line of scrimmage," Marchibroda said. "That's where the game is won. They are a big part of this ballclub."
Take a look at the four preseason games and one can see the Ravens were inconsistent in almost every area except on the defensive line.
It was never more evident than in Friday night's 31-28 loss to the Buffalo Bills at Memorial Stadium. The Ravens started all of their regulars except one on defense for the first time in the first half against Buffalo, and the Bills had only 89 yards of total offense, including just 29 rushing.
The pass rush limited the Bills' big plays in the first two quarters while linebackers Ray Lewis, Cornell Brown and Peter Boulware led the team in tackles.
When most of the first-string defensive line left at the end of the first half with a 16-3 lead, the Bills had time to throw, and they pummeled the Ravens' secondary for 234 yards passing to rally from a 28-3 deficit. A lot of the regulars were involved in the Ravens' dime coverage except safety Stevon Moore and cornerback Antonio Langham.
The Ravens' season depends on the legs and forearms of defensive tackles Tony Siragusa, James Jones and Larry Webster, and defensive ends Rob Burnett and McCrary.
McCrary, still recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery, didn't play Friday night, but imagine him teaming with Boulware and Burnett to pressure the quarterback.
"It's unbelievable at times," Lewis said. "This is the kind of line I had when I was [in college] at Miami."
Jones and Siragusa play off each other, and the young linebackers complement both of them. Jones or Siragusa will be drawing the double teams, which will allow Lewis and fellow outside rookie linebackers Boulware and Jamie Sharper to roam and make plays.
