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Buffalo Bills: 4 questions with Ebony Bird ahead of AFC Divisional Round

By Brandon Croce

ORCHARD PARK, NY - DECEMBER 08: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens moves behind the line of scrimmage with the ball against the Buffalo Bills during the third quarter at New Era Field on December 8, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. Baltimore defeats Buffalo 24-17. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY - DECEMBER 08: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens moves behind the line of scrimmage with the ball against the Buffalo Bills during the third quarter at New Era Field on December 8, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. Baltimore defeats Buffalo 24-17. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /
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NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – JANUARY 10: Anthony Firkser #86 of the Tennessee Titans runs with the ball against the Baltimore Ravens in the Wild Card Round of the NFL Playoffs at Nissan Stadium on January 10, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – JANUARY 10: Anthony Firkser #86 of the Tennessee Titans runs with the ball against the Baltimore Ravens in the Wild Card Round of the NFL Playoffs at Nissan Stadium on January 10, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Question 2: In the last six weeks of the regular season, the Ravens gave up 20 or more points once after giving up 20 or more points four times in a five game stretch from Week 6 to Week 11. What changed for the Ravens defense to end the regular season on a strong note?

Injuries were a real problem. The Ravens had to go a stretch without Calais Campbell, who when healthy is a difference-maker. Brandon Williams missed time and he’s crucial for run defense. Jimmy Smith finally came back in the playoffs and that helped the secondary against the Titans. Then there was the outbreak of Covid-19.

Everything changed after the outbreak though. That refocused the Ravens and gave them something to rally together for; adversity made this team more dangerous in my opinion.

Don Martindale has been on point. Yannick Ngakoue and Matt Judon started to turn it on a bit and, the overall play has been better. Things just started going right. Some of it is because the Ravens made adjustments. Some of it is because the defense got more healthy. Most of it though is probably the team just getting hot at the right time. They’re surely feeling it.

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