When the Baltimore Ravens began the year, they didn’t figure to face as many problems on the defensive side of the ball as they have so far. It’s hard to expect anything less than the best from a defensive unit that has done nothing but take pride in completely destroying opponents on a weekly basis, and this season isn’t the one that fans want expectations to diminish.

Then came the cold truth; A defense without Rex Ryan at the helm was not going to have the same bone-crushing impact that many were expecting. The schemes were not going to be as complex, the blitzing was going to be more conservative, and the whole operation was going to seem closer to a standard NFL defense than most would like it to be. We wanted a pack of wolves, and we received a domesticated group of dogs.

Then there are the injuries. It seems as if every game brings a new, devastating injury that leaves the Ravens seeming even more weak on the side of the ball that has faced enough problems already. First, it was Terrell Suggs, who was forced to sit out a couple of games due to injury for the first time in several years. While Suggs was able to return to the lineup, the luck wasn’t in the cards for Fabian Washington and Lardarius Webb. Both cornerbacks suffered season ending knee injuries, which, in turn, has severely depleted the Ravens’ secondary. Ed Reed has also faced the injury bug this season, and the most recent rumors are saying that his season may be in jeopardy as well.

But, with all the discussions about how the Ravens’ defense isn’t as good as it used to be, how the secondary gets burned almost every game, and how they have allowed more than one 100+ yard rusher this season after a season and a half of not providing the opportunity for one, it’s easy to look over the consistency that still exists. While stats aren’t everybody’s cup of tea, some arguing that the only stat that counts are the wins and losses, it’s hard to ignore how quietly the Ravens have produced some of the league’s best production on the defensive side of the ball.

The Ravens' defense has steadily returned to form as the season has continued. Have they saved the best for the games that really count?

For starters, Baltimore has allowed the second fewest points per game, giving up an average of only 16 a contest. That number is most directly contributed to by the 299 total yards of offense that opponents are allowed, giving the Ravens the 4th best average across the NFL. While teams have had more success running the ball this season against Baltimore than in the past, the defense still ranks 7th for least rushing yardage allowed. The air attack hasn’t been overly successful for the opposition either, seeing as the Ravens give up only 200 yards via the pass, putting them at 6th best.

But containment is only part of the game for the defense. Causing turnovers can also lead to points; Just ask the New Orleans Saints, who hold the top notch for most defensive touchdowns with eight, five of those as returned interceptions. Forcing opposing teams to turn the ball over for the Ravens has not been an issue.  Baltimore has caused opposing quarterbacks to throw 20 interceptions this season, leading to two returned for touchdowns. There has been no shortage of forced fumbles either, as Baltimore has created 11 of those.

Despite the woes that seemed to go hand in hand with the 2009 defense, the worries seem to be unnecessary. Once again, in the face of adversity, the Baltimore Ravens’ defense has found a way to step up their game and get the job done. With an offense that sputtered as much as the Ravens’ did during the middle of the season, most teams would find themselves playing for a draft position rather than a playoff spot. After watching the NFL Network’s Sound FX special on Haloti Ngata, it’s hard to think that the passion and the fire has disappeared from a defensive unit that utilizes their motivation to the fullest.

The fact is, if the Ravens can get the offense moving on a consistant basis (and there have been good signs over the past two weeks that the production is back), the defense knows how to handle itself to keep the game in check. There is no need to doubt Ray Lewis and friends, because they strive off of these types of situations. Besides, it’s always good to have a little faith in the team that has fielded a demolishing defense year and year again.