Roquan Smith & Ravens DC Zach Orr will need an effective QB spy scheme in 2024

Ravens DC Zach Orr may and LB Roquan Smith need a plan to stop the list of dual-threat QB’s on their season schedule.

Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Zach Orr isn’t staffed with the same personnel his predecessor, Mike MacDonald, had last season. Yet, Orr still has all-pro inside linebacker Roquan Smith, and the mastermind needed to recalibrate his team after a historic defensive showing in 2024.

Orr’s understanding of the linebacker position makes him privy to the mindset of the opposing quarterback. However, with an NFL schedule full of mobile quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes, Jalen Hurts, Russell Wilson, Josh Allen, and C.J. Stroud, Orr may need to deploy a quarterback spy or use the blitz more heavily to neutralize these dual-threat quarterbacks.

 

Sitting in Cover 3 and Cover 2 zone won’t be nearly as effective as it used to be, given that NFL quarterbacks can now extend plays with their legs. That is if the defense can’t get home with the front four.

Defensive tackle Justin Madubuike is likely to see more double teams in 2024, so Orr will need to locate and commit to a go-to blitz guy from the second level of the defense. This is where rookie defensive end Issac Adisa or even signee safety Eddie Jackson may deploy.

Orr will want to end opponents’ offensive drives as quickly and efficiently as possible to keep his defense rested and tenacious. His success will also give quarterback Lamar Jackson and the Ravens offense more time of possession to work on extending leads and/or dictating the pace of the game.

Should the Ravens have interest in QB Tyler Huntley after he’s released by Browns?

Cleveland Browns release former Baltimore Ravens QB Tyler Huntley

The Baltimore Ravens will enter the 2024 NFL season with just two quarterbacks on the 53-man roster, but a familiar face is available heading into Week 1.

Mary Kay Cabot is reporting that the Cleveland Browns have released former Ravens Pro Bowl quarterback Tyler Huntley. The team will move forward with Jameis Winston and Dorian Thompson-Robinson as the backup quarterbacks on the roster as it prepares for its Week One matchup with the Cowboys.

Huntley signed with the Ravens as an undrafted free agent out of Utah in 2020. After season-ending injuries to Jackson, Huntley took over as the team’s starter to finish the 2021 and 2022 seasons. He almost succeeded in leading Baltimore to an upset victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in the playoffs.

Through four seasons with the Ravens, Huntley completed 221 passes for 1,957 yards, eight touchdowns, and seven interceptions.

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John Harbaugh can trust Ravens DC Zach Orr with blitz scheme

Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Zach Orr isn’t content with just sitting in zone coverage versus opponents.

Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Zach Orr isn’t content with just sitting in zone coverage versus opponents. Orr’s aggressive play-calling may be pivotal to the Ravens down the stretch in close games.

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Having played linebacker in the NFL, Orr understands how extended plays and pass protection play into the effectiveness of opposing offenses.

Like Orr’s predecessors Wink Martindale and Mike MacDonald, Orr is happy to risk getting beat over the top rather than simply allowing the opposing quarterback to sit comfortably in the pocket.

The departure of linebacker Patrick Queen means the Ravens will need a second linebacker to step up big next to Roquan Smith in both run stop and pass protection. In 3-4 and nickel packages, Orr has been showing a strong willingness to blitz, which means he will hold his defensive backs responsible for playing man coverage effectively.

We’ll see if Orr continues to blitz heavy when the Ravens play the Kansas City Chiefs in week 1.

Is Todd Monken the best OC Lamar Jackson has had in Baltimore?

Under OC Todd Monken, Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson has seen an increase in completion percentage and decrease in fumbles.

The Baltimore Ravens ranked No. 4 in the NFL in points per game last season, their highest ranking since 2019. The dynamics in offensive coordinator Todd Monken’s scheme mesh well with the team. Is Monken the best offensive coordinator quarterback Lamar Jackson has had?

Jackson finished the 2023-24 NFL season with a completion percentage of 67.2, the highest in his career. Monken has intentionally gotten Jackson quick read out of the backfield, frequently working him in three-step drop pass concepts that allow him to play rhythmically.

Monken has also found ways to get the ball to team-leading wide receiver Zay Flowers on quick hitches, crossing, and screen routes. Flowers produced 858 receiving yards on just 77 receptions in his rookie season, or 11.1 yards per catch.

Unlike in Jackson’s 2019 MVP season, Monken has found ways to lessen Jackson’s tendency to run as a last resort. Instead, Monken has designed runs specifically for Jackson in short-yardage situations and inside the red zone. The designed runs for Jackson have helped him decrease his fumble totals, a problem fans saw frequently early in his career.

Lastly, Jackson has a powerhouse to hand the ball off to Derrick Henry, running back. Henry’s expected high volume will preserve Jackson’s run-threat ability, making him even more explosive down the stretch in games when defensive attrition begins to set in. Hiring Monken has ultimately paid dividends for the Ravens.

Nelson Agholor or Devontez Walker: Who will be WR No. 3 on the Ravens Depth Chart?

Baltimore Ravens WR Nelson Angholor and rookie WR Devontez Walker should create a healthy dilemma as far as the depth chart goes.

The Baltimore Ravens signed Nelson Agholor to a one-year $3.25 million deal this off-season but the emergence of rookie wide receiver Devontez Walker should create a healthy dilemma as far as the depth chart goes.

Agholor’s four touchdowns last season was impressive. He possesses the physicality to defy the usually undersized slot cornerbacks in the NFL. The problem is however, so does Walker.

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Walker also runs a faster 40-yard dash time of 4.36 seconds and stands six-foot two-inches making him slightly taller than Agholor as well. With opponents likely to crowd the line of scrimmage due to the Ravens’ tendency to run the football, Walker could be a vertical threat in the slot at speeds slightly quicker than Agholor.

Contrary to popular belief, it is in fact the passing attack that may be most important for the Ravens in 2024. Opponents will likely focus in on slowing down Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry in the ground game so assuring that offensive coordinator Todd Monken deploys the best possible personnel on the field when the Ravens go to 3 WR sets is very important.

Will Agholor’s veteran savvy play-style grant him more reps or will Walker’s youth and athleticism help him solidify as No. 3, we will find out soon.

Ravens edge rusher Odafe Oweh is ready for a huge 2024 season

Baltimore star edge rusher Odafe Oweh says he’s ready to have a huge 2024 NFL season for Ravens

After watching Patrick Queen bet on himself in 2023 and depart, the Ravens took steps to secure Odafe Oweh’s future by picking up his fifth-year option.

The former Penn State pass rusher returned to training camp focused on the prize, and when asked by the media on Monday, Oweh made it clear that he’s ready for a big season.

Baltimore drafted Oweh in the first round of the 2021 NFL draft out of Penn State. He started in 13 games last season and registered five sacks, tied for the most in his career. He also had 23 tackles, 12 quarterback hits, and two forced fumbles.

Oweh had his 5th-year option picked up despite just 13 career sacks in 3 years and an average of 19 pressures a season; they’re betting on his upside and potential while trying to avoid any hard feelings with the pass rusher. Oweh has also never had more than 19 pressures in a season.

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Ravens land in top 2 of a three-year future power rankings projection for all 32 NFL teams

ESPN says Baltimore Ravens have the NFL’s second best three-year projection

After a disappointing finish in the AFC title game, the Baltimore Ravens have regrouped, retooled their roster and coaching staff, and now sit among the NFL’s top elite teams heading into 2024.

Ravens GM Eric DeCosta has built a competitive roster full of dynamic young talent and All-Pro skill players.

ESPN recently revealed their annual three-year future power rankings projections for all 32 NFL teams. Thanks to Lamar Jackson and one of the league’s top defensive units, Baltimore landed inside the top five at No. 2 on the list.

Adding Derrick Henry to the run game should make it even more formidable, and wide receiver Zay Flowers’ rookie-season connection with Lamar Jackson showed a ton of promise. There has been a lot of change on the offensive line (including rookie Roger Rosengarten now set to start at right tackle) and the defensive coaching staff, but even if the Ravens take a little step back in 2024, they are a steady and well-run organization that’s used to managing through change.

Baltimore’s offensive line was named the biggest concern, with John Harbaugh needing to replace three starters, but only Kansas City has a more positive outlook as we advance.

Ravens defensive backs may benefit from upcoming joint-practice vs. Packers

With Green Bay Packers QB Jordan Love ranked No. 2 in the NFL pass TD’s last year, joint practice may benefit the Baltimore Ravens DB’s.

Did you know Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love ranked No. 2 in pass touchdowns and No. 7 in passing yards last season? Perhaps the Baltimore Ravens will benefit by having their defensive backs run practice reps in Wisconsin next month.

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Keep a close eye on rookie defensive backs Nate Wiggins and T.J. Tampa in the upcoming joint practice with the Packers. The Packers’ wide receiving core includes Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, and Dontayvion Wicks, targets shown to be serviceable in head coach Matt LaFleur’s offense.

With the addition of running back Josh Jacobs, the Packers will be the perfect offense for the Ravens to test their defense versus play-action

Ravens inside linebacker Roquan Smith will be responsible for familiarizing the rookies with pre-snap identifiers and playcalling. With new intricacies to be introduced in defensive coordinator Zach Orr’s playbook, the rookies must prepare by studying film and getting many practice reps.

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The Ravens will get back to it when training camp begins Jul. 20. Orr knows that with the departure of a few key players on defense, the world will be watching to see how the team reinvigorates. 

Chris Canty describes ‘fear factor’ for Ravens fans going to Pittsburgh

Former Ravens DE Chris Canty has now provided more fuel to the Baltimore-Pittsburgh rivalry

Ravens-Steelers is arguably the best rivalry in football, and this summer has provided lots of material supporting that argument. Former Ravens DE Chris Canty has now provided even more.

Canty played his final three seasons in Baltimore, and since retiring, he’s found a successful second act as a talk radio personality.

After first establishing himself in the nation’s top market, New York City, Canty went national. He’s teamed with Evan Cohen and Michelle Smallmon to host ESPN Radio’s morning drive show Unsportsmanlike with Cohen, Canty, and Michelle.

On the most recent episode, Smallmon ranked her top five NFL fan bases, placing the Steelers first. While Canty did not say whether he agreed or disagreed with the ranking, he did offer an eye-brow-raising comment.

Canty articulated how intimidating it is for opposing team fans to visit Acrisure Stadium.

“The Pittsburgh Steelers fans had that fear factor when it comes to rolling up in there if you’re a fan of the visiting team,” Canty said.

“There is that fear factor—that uneasiness associated with rolling up into Heinz Field or whatever that they’re calling that stadium now.

“You just ain’t stepping in there any kind of way, you better come correct and you better keep your head on a swivel if you’re rooting for the visiting team.”

That sounds pretty scary, Ravens fans. If you’re making the trip to Steel City for the game on Nov. 17 this year, consider this your warning.

Canty played 148 games in the NFL, racking up 22 1/2 sacks, 234 tackles, and five forced fumbles.

Here’s why the Ravens have a top 5 backfield in the NFL

The Ravens ranked No. 1 in rush yards per game last season. Their success may continue with Derrick Henry & Justice Hill.

The Baltimore Ravens ranked No. 1 in rush yards per game during the 2023-24 season so it’s logical to assume their success will continue with the signing of running back Derrick Henry.

Earlier this summer, Bleacher Report endorsed the Ravens’ rushing attack, giving accolades not only to Henry, but running back Justice Hill also.

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It’s hard enough for defenses to account for the scrambling ability of Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. Now, Jackson will finally be accompanied by a top running back (Henry) who can handle a volume of 23 plus carries per game. With 280 carries last season, no running back in the NFL had more rushing attempts than Henry in 2023.

Hill is expected to shine as the supporting cast to Henry but Hill’s 84 rush attempts last season rendered an impressive 4.6 yards per carry. Basically, the Ravens’ rushing attack has become a three-headed monster that will be nearly impossible to contain, especially if their play-action pass game is exceptional in 2024.

With training camp just weeks away, the Ravens’ running back room will prepare for endless hours of study with running back coach Willie Taggert who after two decades of coaching professionally, will enjoy the most talent he’s ever had.

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