BALTIMORE -- The Baltimore Ravens have managed to stay atop the AFC North with a 5-1 record despite fielding a suspect run defense that has at times been subpar this season. Maintaining that success likely became an even more improbable challenge Sunday.
The Ravens fear linebacker Ray Lewis and cornerback Lardarius Webb suffered significant injuries during a 31-29 win over the Dallas Cowboys. The Ravens are awaiting MRIs on Monday to more thoroughly diagnose the injuries, sources said.
Specifically, the Ravens fear a torn triceps for Lewis and a torn anterior cruciate ligament for Webb, two injuries that could cripple the team in run and pass coverage. Lewis was unable to finish the game's final series because of the injury.
Even before Lewis' injury occurred, it was clear the Ravens needed to find a way to be better in the run game -- particularly since the Cowboys successfully exposed the unit after watching the Kansas City Chiefs do the same one week earlier.
Dallas rushed 42 times for 227 yards. DeMarco Murray anchored the attack until he left the game with a sprained foot. Things didn't get much better with Murray out, however; Felix Jones, Phillip Tanner and Lance Dunbar all took turns tiring down the Ravens' front seven.
Lewis has drawn considerable criticism for what appears to have been diminished play -- but the team has, to this point, been able to dismiss such concerns because of a record rivaled by few others in the NFL.
Without Lewis, though, those concerns only will heighten as the Ravens try to keep their season on track. Jameel McClain is the most likely candidate to replace Lewis inside, should his torn triceps be confirmed Monday.
Follow Jeff Darlington on Twitter @JeffDarlington.
