Tag: Zach Orr defensive coordinator

Much maligned Ravens defense has significantly improved in recent weeks

defensive coordinator Zach Orr has led a major turnaround on his side of the ball in weeks 11-14.

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.

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 theĀ 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.

 

Patrick Queen might get the last laugh after joining the Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers already have a two-game lead in the AFC North over the Baltimore Ravens and LB Patrick Queen has feel ecstatic.

The Pittsburgh Steelers already have a two-game lead in the AFC North over the Baltimore Ravens and linebacker Patrick Queen has to be feeling good.

The Steelers are undefeated in 2024 with a defense ranking No. 2 in the NFL in points allowed per game. Queen might not like Baltimore’s seafood that much, but him, linebacker Roquan Smith, and defensive coordinator Zach Orr had a very close bond before he left.

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Queen was there inside the Ravens’ locker room in 2023 as he watched what seemed to be a perfect season and potential Super Bowl get hindered by the stubbornness of the teams’ offensive coordinator.

Angered and frustrated with a lack of team accountability, Queen joined the Steelers this off-season for an opportunity to play under head coach Mike Tomlin and next to all-pro linebacker T.J Watt.

Queen’s decision to leave was initially questionable, but incentives, including a pay raise and an a opportunity to covertly get revenge by playing against the team that ruined his dreams in 2024, are extremely valid.

The Ravens defense hasn’t been terrible this season, but they do rank last in the NFL in opponent pass yards allowed per game. Queen definitely play as a factor versus those underneath passes as Raven last season, hurrying running backs on flat routes, and disturbing tight-ends inside the hash marks.

Sure, it’s only week three in the NFL, but after a 0-2 Ravens’ start, Queen has to feel good about his decision to leave Baltimore.

Roquan Smith wishes Patrick Queen success until he plays the Ravens

Baltimore Ravens LB Roquan Smith didn’t ask former teammate Patrick Queen to cross enemy lines, but it’s a reality he’ll face in 2024.

Baltimore Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith didn’t ask former teammate Patrick Queen to cross enemy lines, but it’s a reality he’ll face in 2024.

Smith visitedĀ The Rich Eisen Show earlier this spring to discuss his thoughts on Queen departing for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Tastefully, Smith gave Queen many accolades, pointing to his strengths as one of the reasons the Ravens’ defense was so successful last season.

Smith understands that Queen was extremely valuableĀ against opposing running backs on underneath routes, and the uncertainty of Queen’s replacement still lingers.Ā Ravens’ inside linebacker Trenton Simpson has received recent attention in the media for his work at OTAs,Ā but it would be premature to consider his skillset equivalent to Queen’s.

Ultimately, Smith, as the ” Mike” linebacker, will be responsible for assuring that defensive coordinator Zach Orr’s play-calling is precisely executed.

Smith will endeavor to lead the Ravens’ defense, which led the NFL in sacks last season, to newfound glory in 2024.

Ravens HC John Harbaugh was just one win away from SBLVIII

Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh was just one win away from coaching in SBLVIII, and a chance at his 2nd Super Bowl victory.

Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh was just one win away from coaching in SBLVIII, and a chance at his 2nd Super Bowl victory in 2024.

With NFL Training Camp under sixty days away, Harbaugh is prepared to coach in his 17th season with the Ravens.


Harbaugh continues to set the tone for the Ravens by leading a team-first mentality in the media.Ā When talking with Rich Eisen this spring, Harbaugh spoke highly about rookie defensive back Nate Wiggins from Clemson as well as NCAA transfer rules and other vitals.

Harbaugh needs to address changes at the offensive lineman position and coach alongside newly promoted defensive coordinator Zach Orr to relive last year’s historic output.

Obviously, a lack of camaraderie may have cost the Ravens last season when offensive coordinator Todd Monken decided to run a pass-heavy attack in the AFC Championship. Harbaugh and Monken are going into their 2nd season together and with new running back Derrick Henry acquired, things may flow more congruently for the team offense.

Harbaugh’s quest for another Super Bowl title has taken time but Ravens’ general manager Eric DeCosta and team administration still believe he is the guy. With just a 12-10 playoff career record, Harbaugh can only hope to change the narrative this upcoming season.

First year DC Zach Orr must carry on the Ravens tradition

After a record-breaking season for the Baltimore Ravens defense, new defensive coordinator Zach Orr will look to carry on the tradition.

After a record-breaking season for the Baltimore Ravens defense, new defensive coordinator Zach Orr will look to carry on the tradition.

Last season, former defensive coordinator Mike MacDonald and Orr,Ā  who then operated as the linebackers coach, schemed the team to 60 sacks and 18 interceptions. Players who combined for 12 or more of those sacks are now wearing different uniforms, however, and Orr must be ready to pick up the pieces.

Orr watched painfully as the Ravens squandered an opportunity to advance to Super Bowl LVII. TheĀ loss in the AFC Championship has motivated him as he prepares for training camp in less than 60 days.

With safety Kyle Hamilton and defensive tackle Justin Madubuike returning, the only question mark remains how the shoes of inside linebacker Patrick Queen will be filled. Hopefully, Orr can develop rookie linebacker Adisa Issac relatively quickly. Issac’s height may be essential when they must slow down the more physically tight ends as the season progresses.

As a former Ravens linebacker and linebacker coach, Orr has the blueprint to ensure that Queen’s loss doesn’t damage the defensive infrastructure too much.

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Ravens promote Zach Orr to defensive coordinator to replace departed Mike Macdonald

The Baltimore Ravens are naming linebackers coach Zachary Orr as their new defensive coordinator after Mike Macdonald accepted the Seahawks job

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. He recently interviewed for the Packers defensive coordinator position.

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.