After their five-game winning streak was surprisingly snapped in Cleveland, the Ravens are looking to turn their momentum around Sunday against the Denver Broncos.

Here are my thoughts on the game, all in 50 words or less:

• The Ravens defense ranks 26th in the NFL in points allowed per game (26.1). They have only once finished lower than that in franchise history, dating back to their inaugural 1996 season. At the season's midpoint, going against a rookie quarterback and 25th-ranked offense, it's time to stand up.

• It's a fine line to walk for first-year Defensive Coordinator Zach Orr when it comes to making changes versus trusting the process and what's been built. You don't blow up the scheme mid-season, but it sounds like there have been some communication changes made, among other tweaks.

• The Ravens' troubles at safety (other than Kyle Hamilton) have been the most surprising struggle of the defense. They tried changing personnel last week with Eddie Jackson/Ar'Darius Washington getting the nod over Marcus Williams and it didn't work. Now Williams will get another shot and needs to make some plays.

• Bo Nix isn't just any rookie quarterback. He's the October Offensive Rookie of the Month. But the Ravens' history against rookie signal-callers isn't a fluke. There's been a lot of chatter about Baltimore's ineffective disguises this week, but I expect they'll work better against Nix if executed properly.

• This defense isn't broken. It's capable of lights-out performances and proved it with the rout of Josh Allen and the Bills, who have the league's fifth-highest scoring offense. I still have faith in the pieces that are there, from players to coaches, even if that sounds like a broken record.

• If Baltimore's defense doesn't play better Sunday afternoon, more personnel changes could be on their way before Tuesday's trade deadline. Owner Steve Bisciotti, General Manager Eric DeCosta, and Head Coach John Harbaugh had a long chat after Friday's practice. They don't want this year's special offense to be spoiled.

• This year's offense may stub its toe every once in a while. The Browns' defense is a matchup problem. But over the course of the season, Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, and Co. are going to torch more challengers than not. Denver's No. 3-ranked defense will get its toughest challenge yet.

• Did you really think Jackson wasn't going to play this week after missing a couple practices? It would take a lot to keep the hyper-competitive quarterback off the field. Jackson spiked his helmet into the turf after the Cleveland loss. Watch for a spike in the end zone this week.

• I agree with the Ravens' approach to give Jackson's body a rest for two practices this week. Baltimore needs to beat the Broncos, but the next two games against the Bengals (on a short week) and Steelers will go a long way in deciding the AFC North.

• Diontae Johnson dove into the Ravens playbook this week. He also spent time in the locker room vibing with Jackson, Zay Flowers, and others. He's fitting in well. Injecting Johnson and Keaton Mitchell's speed (sometime soon) into this offense at midseason is borderline unfair to the rest of the league.