The Baltimore Ravens have seen struggles with their defense over the course of the 2024 season. While the unit has been a top rushing defense, their passing defense ranks at or near the bottom in multiple different categories.
In response to the struggles, Baltimore brought in long-time veteran coach Dean Pees to help with his experience, particularly as the Ravens’ defensive coordinator during their Super Bowl season in 2012-2013. When Baltimore cornerback Marlon Humphrey was asked about Pees, he said that he brings an extra set of eyes and ears, also saying that it’s helped them out in multiple ways.
“[Dean Pees] has just brought an extra set of eyes, an extra set of ears. He’s pulled guys to the side. It’s a real, surreal moment for me. I remember when I was a rookie, Pees pulled me up to the office. He was like, ‘Look at everybody else on the defense and then look at you.’ It wasn’t too good, so it’s been a surreal moment for me, just [seeing] how far I’ve come [and] how I’ve kind of been doing this job for a long time, but I think Pees coming in has been a really good help for us. The knowledge he has there, and then being that Zach [Orr] was already communicating with him throughout the season, it’s been really good [to] just give it a fresh set of eyes on some of the things he’s said. He’s doing this for the love of the game. That’s what I really like, so I think it’s only helped us. I really felt like the past week or so, he’s really kind of started to help out a little bit more.”
While not everything has been solved in regards to the Ravens’ defensive unit, there was promise following their 10-point showing agains the Denver Broncos. Baltimore needs their defense to hit on all cylinders, and hopefully Pees can contribute to that.