How can the Baltimore Ravens overtake the New England Patriots in the AFC?

Secondary

Jan 10, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) carries the ball as Baltimore Ravens strong safety Will Hill (33) defends in the first quarter during the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

One of the few weak points on the Ravens’ team last season was the secondary. Despite ranking eighth in overall defense, the Ravens were a disappointing 23rd in passing defense, giving up an average of 248.7 yards per game in the air.

Baltimore gave up 22 passing touchdowns in 2014, with only 11 picks — ranking 25th in the NFL for interceptions.

In the AFC North, with two games a year against Ben Roethlisberger and Andy Dalton, it’s crucial to be able to slow down the passing game.

The Ravens gave up 301 passing yards to Andy Dalton in a 23-16 week one loss. Against the Pittsburgh Steelers in week nine, they allowed 321 passing yards and six touchdown passes to Roethlisberger in a 43-23 loss.

Against one of the best passing attacks in the AFC, the Indianapolis Colts, they conceded 305 yards to Andrew Luck in a narrow 20-13 defeat.

And then there was the title game itself on the road to New England. The Ravens’ offense was rolling, but in the end the secondary couldn’t slow down Brady, who completed 33-of-50 passes for 367 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. Even wide receiver Julian Edelman completed a 51-yard pass to Danny Amendola.

So how can they improve?

First off, let’s look at the players already on their roster.

Jan 1, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Landon Collins (26) on the field against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the fourth quarter of the 2015 Sugar Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports

Cornerback Jimmy Smith will be hoping to return from his season-ending foot injury in time for training camp. Should he return fully healthy, he will already give the secondary a lift. In the eight games he played, he had 28 combined tackles, eight pass defenses and one interception. He looked like a possible Pro Bowl contender before his injury.

Another hobbled cornerback in 2014 was Lardarius Webb, who missed training camp with a back injury. He struggled early in the season but looked healthier late on. Webb is due for a $12 million cap hit in 2015, so the Ravens may look to try and restructure his deal.

Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome could turn to the draft, which runs from April 30 through May 2, for reinforcements to the secondary.

Washington’s Marcus Peters and Michigan State’s Trae Williams lead the cornerback class; these two could be off the board as early as the first round.

Later on, the Ravens could find value with the likes of Wake Forest’s Kevin Johnson and Miami’s Quinten Rollins.

As for safety, Alabama’s Landon Collins is the standout in this year’s draft class, but he could be gone by the time the Ravens are on the clock in the first round.

TCU’s Chris Hackett could be available to them in the second round.

For the Ravens to compete in the AFC next year, they will need to be able to slow down the likes of Tom Brady, Andrew Luck and Peyton Manning. To do that, they have to improve their secondary.

Next: Should they re-sign Forsett?