The Ravens have the NFL’s best defense through the first two weeks of the preseason

The Ravens defense has been absolutely dominant through the first two games of the preseason, so dominant in-fact that it is the NFL’s best statistical unit. According to NFL.com, the Ravens are the NFL leader in total defense through the first two weeks of the preseason. The Ravens have allowed just 129.0 yards per game through the first two games, the best mark in the NFL by over 100 yards. The next closest is the New York Giants allowing 234.0 yards per game.

The Ravens haven’t just been stout against the run or just been stingy stopping opponent’s passing games, they’ve been stellar in doing both. The Ravens have allowed only 42.5 rushing yards per game, the fewest in the NFL by 13 yards per game over the Green Bay Packers. In addition, the Ravens are giving up just 86.5 passing yards per game, also the best in the NFL. The next closest is the Giants allowing 118.0 yards per game.

On top of this, the Ravens have allowed the least points per game (5), fewest yards per play (2.6) and the least first downs per game (8.5). Finally, the defense has allowed the lowest rate of third down conversions in the NFL (16%).

Yes, it’s the preseason, but these incredible numbers show the depth that the Ravens have on the defensive side of the ball. No matter if the Ravens are putting out the starters or the third stringers, the defense is getting the job done in dominant fashion. Ozzie Newsome appears to have built a roster that can withstand the type of injuries that have plagued the Ravens.

Throughout the offseason, the hype has been building for the Ravens defense. After signing Tony Jefferson and Brandon Carr, resigning Brandon Williams and spending the team’s first four draft picks on defensive players, this Ravens defense appeared, on paper to be among the NFL’s best. Now, in the preseason, the hype is reaching new heights.

Against the Bills in the third game of the preseason, we will a likely get the longest look at the starters out of all three preseason games. While the game still does not count, it will provide insight into whether or not the Ravens can keep up this level of dominance in the regular season.