OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — For years, the Baltimore Ravens have won because of their defense. Now they’re winning in spite of it.

That does not sit well with defensive coordinator Dean Pees, who says the performance of the unit “makes me sick.”

Baltimore is 5-1, no thanks to a defense ranked 26th in the NFL. The Ravens allowed 200 yards rushing to Kansas City and Dallas over the past two weeks.

Safety Bernard Pollard says, “I think it’s to a point now where we have to take a stand.”

The Ravens are gearing up for a matchup Sunday against Houston (5-1) and standout running back Arian Foster. Worse, the Ravens will be without linebacker Ray Lewis, the team’s leading tackler, and shutdown cornerback Lardarius Webb, both of whom are injured.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)