Ravens defensive coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale believes in open communication. In the defensive meeting room, questions are encouraged and feedback, even if it’s negative, is entertained.



“This game is all about the players,” Martindale has said countless times since being promoted to his current position.



When the Ravens defense filtered into the meeting room on the afternoon of Oct. 1, two days after it was embarrassed 40-25 by the Cleveland Browns, there wasn’t much in the way of conversation. Martindale did just about all of the talking and the players did the listening.



There wasn’t a whole lot, though, that needed to be said. The Ravens had just given up more than 500 yards of total offense in back-to-back games for the first time in team history. They ranked 27th in the NFL in total defense, 30th against the pass and 23rd in points allowed per game. It was unfamiliar territory for an organization known for...