As the Baltimore Ravens enter a critical Week 6 matchup with the Los Angeles Rams, questions remain about their defense.
Baltimore carries one of the worst defenses in the NFL, and they've allowed the most points per game at 35.4. As a result, many wonder whether a change in defensive coordinators will be made if this continues.
Defensive Coordinator Zach Orr is in his second year as the head of the defense after Mike Macdonald left to be the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks. If Baltimore does move on from Orr, they have someone internally who might be interested.
Ravens May Have Internal Replacement Ready If Needed
Chuck Pagano was a part of the Ravens coaching staff from 2008 to 2011. He was the head of the secondary for three seasons before taking over for Greg Mattison as defensive coordinator in 2011. He led a ferocious defense that ranked third in yards and third in points. He would leave to become the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts the following season.
Pagano returned to Baltimore this year as an assistant coach in the secondary. Pagano also said he has no interest in becoming a head coach again after spending six seasons in Indianapolis. From 2019 to 2020, he served as the Chicago Bears' defensive coordinator. Chicago's defense ranked fourth in points allowed and eighth in yards allowed in 2019. In 2020, however, his defense took a step back. Pagano would bring an aggressive style of defense.
After Baltimore's loss to the Houston Texans, head coach John Harbaugh said scheme and lineup changes were in the cards. Harbaugh also emphasized that Pagano has been heavily involved in the defensive meetings.
With another tough game at home against the Rams, and the bye week next, a lot of pressure is on Orr to get the defense to play better. The unit is expected to get some pieces back with Kyle Hamilton and Marlon Humphrey, and Roquan Smith should be back after the bye.
If Orr can right the ship on defense, Baltimore can get back in the AFC playoff race. If the unit continues to struggle, Pagano is a viable candidate to be the defensive coordinator.