As Ravens coach John Harbaugh gathers with his coaches for end-of-season meetings, I anticipate that defensive coordinator Dean Pees will return for another season, and he has earned that right. Despite criticism from some fans, Pees had the defense playing better at the end of the season and the Ravens have a good nucleus for a strong defense in 2016.
According to a source in The Castle, Pees is preparing for next season and there are no indications a change will be made in his position.
Why should there be?
After eight regular-season games, the Ravens were ranked No. 25 in the league in total defense and they were ranked No. 8 by the end of the season. In Baltimore, the 2000 championship team and its defense will always be used as a barometer for other defenses here. There are certain things that defense and other great defenses have in common. All great defenses have at least one dynamic pass rusher and they can get consistent pressure with their front four, which allows them to drop more into coverage.
Secondly, all great defenses have at least one shutdown cornerback. In the case of the Ravens, they didn't have a great pass rusher or top-quality corner. That's not Pees' fault, that's just a lack of talent.
The Ravens' best pass rusher, Terrell Suggs, was out for the season after Game 1 with a leg injury forcing the team's other top rusher, Elvis Dumervil, to play out of position on the other side. Because of his size, Dumervil was overmatched playing against left offensive tackles. The Ravens' two top cornerbacks, Jimmy Smith and Lardarius Webb, didn't play up to their potential and the Ravens shuffled cornerbacks in and out of the lineup throughout the season.
To finish where the Ravens finished in total defense was pretty impressive. I'm still not sold on the secondary for next season and there has to be some changes made there as far as personnel and position coaches. The lack of communication and breakdowns were unforgivable early in the season. The Ravens might need to find players with stronger football IQs as well.
But I like the Ravens' front seven, especially young linemen like Brandon Williams, Timmy Jernigan and Carl Davis, and linebackers C.J. Mosley and Za'Darius Smith. I think the Ravens' first-round draft pick should be a pass rusher, and then they need to find a cornerback. And if they do, they could really be on to something.
The least of their problems is Pees. He is honest, intelligent and his players believe and play hard for him. Removing him now would be a big mistake, especially with linebackers coach Ted Monachino, Pees' planned successor, possibly becoming a defensive coordinator elsewhere. I think it's a good move by the Ravens to stay the course with Pees.