Key defensive loss comes at a bad time for Ravens

The timing could prove problematic for the Ravens, who have a difficult upcoming slate. Next Monday, they host the Detroit Lions, coming off a 52-point effort in a win over the Chicago Bears, followed by a road game six days later at Arrowhead Stadium against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Those games are followed by ones against the Houston Texans and Los Angeles Rams, teams with quarterbacks who can exploit a depleted Ravens pass rush.

Van Noy's absence accelerates rookie second-rounder Mike Green's timeline. He played 66 total snaps against the Browns, including 45 on defense, and ended the game with three total pressures and two stops, or tackles that denote a failure for the offense.

When discussing Green's performance, head coach John Harbaugh told reporters, "I am happy with the way Mike’s playing. Mike’s playing good football for us and he just has to keep growing as a player.”

The Ravens will need him to step up while Van Noy recovers. The defensive front's ability to generate pressure could be even more important against Detroit when factoring in the status of corner Jaire Alexander, who was inactive in Week 2. On Monday, Harbaugh was noncommittal about his availability against the Lions, telling reporter, "I wish it was really black and white, but I think he'll be out there soon."  

Through two games, Baltimore leads the NFL in scoring (40.5 points per game). While it has an offense that can keep up with anyone, its defense has already given up 41 points in a loss to the Buffalo Bills, and it might experience more lapses with Van Noy sidelined.

But if the Ravens can weather the upcoming storm, they could be in excellent shape to run away with their third consecutive division title.