Week 12 Grade: Baltimore Defense

Grade: A+

Baltimore Ravens Defense.

Much of the focus will be on the Eagles offensive failures in the wake of their benching of Donovan McNabb, and rightfully so given it may represent the end of an era in Philadelphia.

However, looking at Sunday's game between the Eagles and Ravens from only the Philadelphia perspective would be a disservice to an amazing performance by a Ravens defense that bounced back after getting run over by the Giants a week earlier.

Ed Reed was his normally spectacular self as he intercepted two passes, one that he took back 108 yards for the longest interception return for a touchdown in NFL history, breaking his own record in the process.

The Ravens forced five turnovers as both McNabb and his replacement, Kevin Kolb, threw two picks and combined to complete a paltry 18 passes on 41 attempts.

The run defense returned to dominance as well, limiting Brian Westbrook to 39 yards on 14 carries as the Ravens went to 7-4 in the first season of the John Harbaugh/Joe Flacco era in Baltimore.

If it wasn't for Reed's exploits, Jarret Johnson would have been the hero for a Ravens defense that held the Eagles offense without a point for the first time in three years. Johnson finished with a team-leading six tackles, 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble that he recovered after knocking the ball out of McNabb's hand.

Even the quarterback switch wasn't enough for the Birds against a Ravens defense that was ravenous at home.