Call this ‘advanced warning’. No one should panic. You’re being told this now because a train is coming. See, if you’re someone who likes to plan ahead, you’re probably also someone who expects the same of the Baltimore Ravens. That being said, it seems Eric DeCosta and company may have misread the mark on one minor detail.

All offseason, something was discussed. Upgrades were needed along the EDGE. Sure, Baltimore had produced the highest sack total a season ago, but that seemed misleading. Questions were asked about ‘timely sacks’ and whether Zachary Orr’s defense could push the issue and create consistent pressure.

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Few knew the answer to that, so we all put on our imaginary general manager caps and searched for viable options, just like an experienced Fantasy football manager. DeCosta did the same. He drafted Mike Green, someone seen as a ‘potential steal’ after character concerns forced a presumed first-round draft choice to slide to the Ravens in Round 2. That only whetted appetites. Ravens fans and the media thought a veteran signing would provide the icing on the cake.

Two available options made sense: Za’Darius Smith and Jadeveon Clowney. After all, they were familiar faces who had enjoyed success here. Nothing materialized as Smith signed with the Philadelphia Eagles. Days later, we were informed by Jerry Jones that Clowney would be joining the Dallas Cowboys.

That wouldn’t have been awful news had it not been for issues with the Ravens’ pass rush. Through two games, they have tallied three sacks. That ties them with four other teams for 25th league-wide. Only three teams have fewer. To make matters worse, Mike Green has been an early disappointment, and Kyle Van Noy is now injured.

Smith shone in his Eagles debut. No one thinks Clowney is cooked. Did DeCosta miss the mark? Those conversations will continue. Baltimore needs an improved pass rush, and now, it seems free-agent options are limited.

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Again. We’d advise everyone to avoid the temptation to panic. Yes, we’re all aware of what happened to the Ravens in Week 1. Yes, we know they rebounded in Week 2, and most will say, ‘Well, they’re supposed to beat the Cleveland Browns.’ This is a good team, but they’ll need this pass rush to step up and do so quickly.

This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens are left with limited choices for defensive reinforcements