The sample size is small, but the Baltimore Ravens defense has seemed to figure some things out in the past three weeks. As you can see from the CBS Sports screengrab below, defensive coordinator Zach Orr has led a significant turnaround on his side of the ball in weeks 11-14.
Well then 👀 #RavensFlock pic.twitter.com/CymPos7WOe
— 𝙕𝙖𝙘𝙝🦦® (@NewEraZach) December 13, 2024
Orr, head coach John Harbaugh, and the rest of the defensive coaching staff made some changes, especially in the secondary, which have paid off. Due to his multiple capabilities and skill sets, the staff has also found the most optimal ways to utilize Kyle Hamilton, the unit’s “Swiss Army Knife. ”
The defensive backs position group was under special scrutiny, as the Ravens’ pass defense ranked dead last in the NFL for weeks 1 through 10.
However, they moved up to #2 in the league in yards passing allowed per game for the last four games. The Ravens still have the best run and worst pass defense for the 2024 NFL season.
But the marked improvement over the past four games is not a matter of jacking weaker opposition. BThisspan of games has seen Baltimore play host to Cincinnati (5-8) and Philadelphia (11-2), in addition to traveling to Pittsburgh (10-3) and the L.A. Chargers (8-5).
The defense should continue to pad their stats this week against a weak offensive unit in the New York Giants. The Giants have declared that they will start Tommy Devito at quarterback. Devito is an incredible, feel-good story of a guy who defied long odds to become the QB1 for his hometown team, but he’s not an elite quarterback.
The Ravens’ defense should feel pretty good about facing Devito and the poor offensive line blocking in front of him.