Jets vs. Ravens: AFC Showdown Proves Defense Must Carry Baltimore in 2011

The NFL has had nothing but fantastic offense the first few weeks of the 2011 season, but the Baltimore Ravens and New York Jets reminded us that a strong defense can make all the difference. 

Sunday night's game would have been awful if it weren't for the four total defensive touchdowns, and even a kick return for a touchdown that added some spark to a less-than-stellar offensive performance by both teams. 

The Ravens were held to 267 total yards, which is almost as much as Joe Flacco threw for in Week 1 against the Steelers. 

The Jets were held to 150 total yards, which is mostly because of Mark Sanchez. New York only had 38 rushing yards on Sunday night, and they rank 30th in the league averaging 71 rushing yards per game. 

However, the big story of Sunday night's AFC battle was the Ravens scoring three defensive touchdowns, setting a franchise record. 

It's just further proof that Baltimore must consistently rely on their defense to win games.

Sure, the Ravens have scored 119 points this season and are averaging just under 30 points per game, but the defense is the reason they will go far in 2011. 

Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Haloti Ngata and Terrell Suggs are the true leaders of this team because they make the biggest impact. 

Flacco is still average at best, and whenever anyone speaks of his career, they'll always mention how he had a spectacular defense that bailed him out from time-to-time. 

Baltimore is one of the top teams in the NFL right now, but their defense has gotten them there. In no way am I discrediting their offense because they have a great deal of talent.

However, the Ravens defense will be the reason this team reaches the playoffs this season.

When the Ravens play elite teams it's the defense that comes through the most for them.

Baltimore should win the AFC North this season, but when they reach the postseason they'll look for the defense to carry them, and this is no secret.