Ravens defense has been historically bad through five games

The Baltimore Ravens defense had another forgettable performance on Sunday in a 44-10 loss to the Houston Texans. It was a real "get right" game for C.J. Stroud and the Texans offense, as they did whatever they wanted to do from the opening series with little to no resistance from the Ravens. 

It not only continues what has been the worst start defensively for the Ravens in their franchise history, but it is now one of the worst starts through five games in the history of the NFL. 

Nearly uncharted territory for Ravens defense

After Sunday's debacle, the Ravens have now allowed 177 points through the first five games of the season.

That includes four games where they have allowed at least 30 points, and two games where they have allowed at least 40 points. The only team that did not score at least 30 points against them was a Joe Flacco-led Cleveland Browns team in Week 2 of the season. 

Just how bad are those numbers?

• In the history of the Ravens franchise (going back to the 1996 season), the 177 points against are by far the most they have ever allowed through the first five games of the season.
• Before this season, their worst start through five games was 137 points during the 2015 season.
• Only 10 teams in NFL history have ever allowed more than 177 points through the first five games of a season. None of the previous 10 teams ended up finishing that season with a winning record. The only non-losing team out of that group was the 2002 Buffalo Bills, who finished 8-8. 

(All data via Pro-Football-Reference StatHead database)

So, obviously, this is all bad news for the Ravens, and it has put them into a 1-4 hole in the AFC that is going to be incredibly difficult to climb out of. 

Injuries are playing a big role, but can not be the only excuse

The Ravens defense has been absolutely gutted with injuries this season and played Sunday's game without several key starters, including cornerbacks Marlon Humphrey and Chidobe Awuzie and middle linebacker Roquan Smith. Safety Kyle Hamilton and defensive tackles Nnamdi Madubuike and Broderick Washington Jr. were also out on Sunday after being placed on injured reserve this week. 

That is obviously a lot of impact talent out of the lineup and a lot of key starters. There are a lot of Pro Bowls sitting in street clothes right now. 

While that will obviously negatively impact any team's defense, it shouldn't take them down to a point where they are historically bad and not even competitive. Especially not against a Texans offense that entered play on Sunday looking completely lost for much of the season and struggling to find its own rhythm. 

The Ravens have a lot of problems on defense right now, and everybody has to own it.