This was the Ravens’ third consecutive solid defensive performance, even though they lost two of those games.

The Ravens have stopped giving up big plays in the passing game, and their secondary has improved significantly since Ar’Darius Washington became the starting safety. Roquan Smith led the Ravens with 12 tackles and showed no signs of the hamstring injury that forced him out of the lineup for one game.

In the fourth quarter, Barkley finally scored a 25-yard touchdown that gave Philadelphia a nine-point lead. However, the Ravens appear to have found some answers defensively that will help them win games down the stretch as the offense finds its rhythm.

“After whatever game that was (Cincinnati), it was time to play Ravens defense, and there’s a big gap between ‘defense’ and ‘Ravens defense,'” cornerback Marlon Humphrey said. “The message became a little clearer: ‘If you want to play, we’ll get you out there, but if not, you’ll have to sit on the sidelines.’

“I think the boys have responded really well to what has been preached by the coaches and by the players and we are taking more responsibility off the boys now.”