Nnamdi Madubuike has been vital to the Ravens' No. 1 rush defense

Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike totaled 12.5 stuffs during the 2024 NFL regular season. Although his sack totals declined from a year prior from 13 (2023) down to 6.5 (2024), Madubuike’s involvement in stopping the run helped the team finish No. 1 in rush yards allowed per game in 2024.

The swarming Ravens’ defense excels, given the sure-tackling linebackers and defensive backs on staff who make sure to wrap up offensive players in the open field and at the second level. This is why  Offensive Coordinators and strategists have to decide early on whether to double or allow Madubuike to go one-on-one with the guard or center at engagement. If forced to double Madubuike, it’s almost sure that linebacker Roquan Smith will have a free run to make the tackle on inside zone plays.

Misdirection and counter schemes don’t seem to work much either versus the Ravens defense, which is filled with all-star talent who have the lateral speed needed to cover the field. Yet, some opponents, like the Philadelphia Eagles and Buffalo Bills, have used power run concepts to pierce the Ravens’ defense in short-yardage situations.

Power run concepts only work well versus the Ravens’ defense when they're fatigued and attrition sets in. Nevertheless, with an improved secondary (on paper), it’s unlikely that teams will be able to sustain long drives and threaten the Ravens' secondary the way they were able to this past season. Certainly, offensive coordinators better be sure to keep their game plan schemed to hold Madubuike at bay and prevent him from stuffing ball carriers in the backfield. Of course, this is easier said than done.

This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Nnamdi Madubuike has been vital to the Ravens' No. 1 rush defense