How different will the Ravens’ defense look under new DC Zach Orr?

We’re looking at five ways the Baltimore Ravens defense will look different under new defensive coordinator Zach Orr

The Ravens quickly replaced Mike Macdonald as defensive coordinator, promoting inside linebackers coach Zachary Orr.

Orr, who played for the Ravens from 2014-2016, is a fast-rising star in the coaching ranks.

The 31-year-old Orr has been on the Ravens staff since 2017, save for one season with the Jaguars and Urban Meyer in 2021.

An undrafted player from North Texas, Orr was forced to retire because of a neck/spine condition. During his final season in 2016, Orr had his best year, finishing with 133 tackles, three interceptions, and two fumble recoveries.

The Ravens introduced Orr to the media on Tuesday, and with the former NFL linebacker firmly entrenched, we’re looking at the multiple ways this defense will look different.

Studs and duds from the Ravens 2023 season

We’re looking at studs and duds from the Baltimore Ravens 2023 NFL regular season

The Baltimore Ravens have concluded their 2023 season, and the focus now shifts to what’s shaping up to be a franchise-altering offseason for general manager Eric DeCosta.

Where things currently stand, Baltimore expected to have roughly $7,328,828 in cap space, via OverTheCap, which is the 20th most in the NFL.

That number could grow if the team opts to part ways with some expensive contracts (perhaps Ronnie Stanley and/or Marlon Humphrey.

With the offseason underway, we’re looking at studs and duds from the 2023 regular season.

2024 NFL Free Agency: 7 Ravens that will flourish on other teams

We’re looking at seven Baltimore Ravens 2024 NFL Free agents that’ll flourish on another team

General manager Eric DeCosta, Ozzie Newsome’s successor, has grown increasingly aggressive in handing out contracts, and he’s now built a Super Bowl hopeful for 2023 and beyond.

The Ravens are 20th in the NFL in cap space, with $7.3 million available, and there will be critical decisions regarding several vital contributors and two All-Pros. And they’re spending about $120+ million plus on the offensive side of the football.

PFF recently did an early ranking of the top 50 free agents for 2024, and John Harbaugh’s squad had four players make the list.

The overall positional spending will change in the coming years after Lamar Jackson signed a massive five-year, $260 million contract extension, making him among the three highest-paid players on average in NFL history.

With the NFL offseason fast approaching, we’re looking at seven players that’ll flourish on another roster.

These 29 Ravens players are slated to be free agents in March

We’re taking an early look at 29 Baltimore Ravens who are slated to be 2024 NFL free agents in March

After last Sunday’s 17-10 loss to Kansas City in the AFC Championship, Baltimore faces an offseason of change after Mike Macdonald bolted for the Seahawks job, Anthony Weaver landed the Dolphins defensive coordinator job, and 29 players are set to be free agents, headlined by Patrick Queen and Justin Madubuike.

The Ravens are 20th in the NFL in cap space, with $7.3 million available, and there will be critical decisions regarding several vital contributors and two All-Pros.

With an urgent offseason set to begin, we’re looking at the 29 players testing some form of free agency via Over The Cap.

Ravens players share praise for new Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald

For what it’s worth players seem to adore the Seahawks’ new head coach Mike Macdonald.

Players don’t have to love their coaches in order to be successful in the NFL. However, for whatever it’s worth Ravens players seem to adore new Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald.

Here’s what Baltimore players are sharing about their former defensive coordinator, starting with what Kyle Van Noy posted on Twitter last night.

Perhaps the best player that Macdonald had over the last two years was safety Kyle Hamilton, who’s currently at his second Pro Bowl in as many seasons. Hamilton called Macdonald super-cerebral and probably the smartest guy in the room.

Baltimore’s stellar linebacker duo of Patrick Queen and Roquan Smith also have nothing but good things to say about Macdonald this year.

Additionally, three-time Pro Bowl cornerback Marlon Humphrey recently talked about what makes Macdonald a great coach on his podcast.

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Seahawks fans react to Mike Macdonald as new head coach

Ravens players endorse Mike Macdonald as potential head coach in the NFL

Ravens players endorse Mike Macdonald as potential head coach in the NFL

With the announcement that both Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and Houston Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik will be returning to their respective teams, Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald remains one of the hottest names on the market for teams still looking to fill their head coach vacancy.

“[Defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald] deserves everything that’s coming his way,” safety Kyle Hamilton said. “If that is a head job somewhere, then we’re all super proud of him. I think everybody has their own journey [and] own time in this league, and he’s a hot name in this league right now, and deservedly so. He’s done a great job with us for the past couple years, and he’s earned it, and it hasn’t been given to him. I’m happy for him. If he stays here, that would be dope, too.

I think [Mike Macdonald’s] the best [head-coaching] candidate out there right now,” inside linebacker Patrick Queen said. “I don’t think anybody does it like him. Nobody cares like him. Nobody will do what he does. He will not rest until he has everything right. Whoever gets him, if he leaves, they’re getting the best candidate out there. The guy is all around just the best person I’ve ever been around, coach-wise [and] person-wise. He really cares and truly cares about the players, the people around the organization and the fans.

[Defensive coordinator] Mike [Macdonald] is going to do a really good job,” outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy said. “If he gets a head-coaching job, he’s going to be really, really good. [He’s a] very solid coach, [who’s] very good at Xs and Os [and] very good at communicating and getting the team galvanized in the right direction for the main goal – and he loves football. I think that [it’s] awesome for him to get looked at as [a] head [coach] at such a young age that he has – I guess – in the league. But hats off to him. He called a great season as a D-coordinator, and I think whoever gets him – if he gets [hired] this cycle, this year … If [he doesn’t get hired this year], he’s going to be at the tops next year and the year after that. So, I expect big things out of him.

Macdonald has orchestrated elite defenses in both of his first two seasons as an NFL defensive coordinator and has emerged as one of the most promising young coaches in the game. Several Ravens defenders endorsed Macdonald for a head coach position following the end of Baltimore’s season.

Ravens will face Texans in divisional round of AFC playoffs

The Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans will face off in the divisional round of the playoffs in a rematch of a Week 1 meeting

The Ravens are back from their first-round bye, and they know their opponent after the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 31-17 loss to the Buffalo Bills.

Thanks to the dominant play of Josh Allen, Baltimore will host the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium in a rematch of a 25-9 season-opening win.

In that game, rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud completed 28 of 44 passing attempts for 242 yards in his NFL regular-season debut but didn’t lead any touchdown-scoring drives.

Odell Beckham had two catches for 38 yards as he deferred to the rookie Zay Flowers in his debut.

Playing in his first game after a ten-month absence, Lamar Jackson was 17-22 passing for 169 yards and one interception while finishing with a 79.5 rating.

Jackson looked rusty at times but was efficient, had 38 yards rushing, and avoided nasty hits.

This is a different Houston team, and the Texans are flying high after dismantling the Cleveland Browns in the wild-card round opener.

Looking at the top 5 Ravens free agents Eric DeCosta must re-sign in the offseason

We’re looking at the top five in-house free agents that the Baltimore Ravens need to re-sign in the 2024 NFL offseason

General manager Eric DeCosta, Ozzie Newsome’s successor, has grown increasingly aggressive in handing out contracts, and he’s now built a Super Bowl hopeful for 2023 and beyond.

Baltimore currently has about $19,485,086 in salary cap space per Over The Cap, and they’re spending about $120+ million plus on the offensive side of the football.

The Ravens also have 27 players scheduled to hit free agency, and some tough decisions will be made regarding who returns to Baltimore.

PFF recently did an early ranking of the top 50 free agents for 2024, and John Harbaugh’s squad had four players make the list.

The overall positional spending will change in the coming years after Lamar Jackson signed a massive five-year, $260 million contract extension, making him among the three highest-paid players on average in NFL history.

With the NFL offseason fast approaching, we’re looking at five players the Ravens have to re-sign.

Ravens OLB Kyle Van Noy reminds team to stay locked in: ‘Turn the page and let’s go’

Kyle Van Noy on Ravens win over 49ers: ‘Turn the page and let’s go’

No team in the NFL is currently riding higher than the Baltimore Ravens after convincingly defeating the San Francisco 49ers on Christmas Day, 33-19, to improve to a league-best record of 12-3.

While the team enjoyed the victory in the locker room following the game, veteran outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy reminded them of the need to stay locked in.

“Please enjoy this win,” Van Noy said. “They are hard to come by. But just know, we got more unfinished business to do. So take your time, enjoy this, because it’s real. Love it, appreciate it, but turn the page and let’s go.”

After spending years with the New England Patriots earlier in his career and being a part of two Super Bowl victories, the now 32-year-old Van Noy knows what it takes to reach the ultimate goal of feeling the confetti rain down in February.

Van Noy has been a major contributor to one of the league’s top defenses after being signed by the Ravens a few weeks into the season. His seven sacks rank third behind defensive tackle Justin Madubuike and fellow veteran edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney.

Staying locked in is as important as ever for Baltimore, with the AFC’s No. 1 seed on the line in a game against the Miami Dolphins this Sunday on a shortened week of preparation.

 

Where the Ravens currently rank in 2024 Pro Bowl voting

Where the Baltimore Ravens currently rank in 2024 Pro Bowl voting

Early results for the ongoing voting process for the 2024 Pro Bowl were revealed on Wednesday.

The Baltimore Ravens are looking to be well-represented in the Pro Bowl with the fourth-most votes among all 32 teams with 16 players in total making the top 10 of their position in the AFC.

Where does each player rank in the AFC?