The NFL Divisional Round is gearing up for some fierce defensive clashes. The Ravens’ defense will zero in on taming Josh Allen and the Bills’ explosive offense, while the Bills’ crew will look to throw Lamar Jackson and the Ravens’ wild rushing game off track. Over in the NFC, the Philadelphia Eagles—packing one of the league’s toughest defenses—brace for a showdown with the Los Angeles Rams’ high-octane attack. These defensive face-offs will decide who moves on in these do-or-die playoff battles. Lucky for us, we’ve got coaches from each squad breaking it down today, giving you the inside scoop.
RAVENS
The Ravens’ defense thrives on grit and aggression, and it’ll be front and center against the Bills. At the heart of this unit is their relentless linebacker group, shaped by coach Mark DeLeone. He’s spent months sharpening their skills with hands-on drills—think speed, quick cuts, and tackling precision. That work will be clutch as they try to corral Josh Allen and Buffalo’s firepower.
Watch: Linebacker Footwork Drills
Back from his college coaching days, DeLeone has always made the most of one-on-one time. His drills build the tools you’ll see in action—blitz paths that hit just right and tackling angles to snag a slippery QB like Allen. This clinic dives into those tricks, showing how the Ravens plan to rattle and grab hold of him.
BILLS
Keeping the quarterback in check cuts both ways—each team wins big if they can shake the other’s signal-caller. Sure, the edge rushers matter for containment, but the real chaos brews up the middle. The Bills’ pass rush, powered by a nasty defensive line, loves to mess with timing and force fast choices.
Watch: Interior Rush Principles
What really turbocharges that rush, though, is tight coverage. When the secondary clamps down on receivers and shuts passing lanes, the line gets to go all out—ears pinned back, chasing sacks and forcing fumbles. It’s that combo of pressure and blanketed targets that can turn the game for Buffalo.
EAGLES
Great coverage is the secret sauce behind any killer pass rush. When defensive backs stick to receivers like glue and choke off options, the front line can cut loose. No quick throws to bail out the QB means more time for rushers to crash the pocket. That teamwork between coverage and pressure breeds backfield mayhem and coughed-up balls. Enter Eagles safeties coach Joe Kasper and his man-coverage magic.
Watch: Man Coverage – The Cheetah Technique
At this stage, all three levels—line, linebackers, secondary—have to sync up to dominate. Want a leg up? Kick off your offseason prep with your whole staff by tapping into these top-tier coaches’ insights. Start this weekend and get ahead of the game.
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