First-year defensive coordinator Zach Orr wasn’t exactly a fan favorite for Baltimore Ravens fans earlier this season. When the Ravens’ defense struggled to stop big plays and looked lost in coverage, plenty of fingers pointed at Orr.
But with the playoffs just around the corner, the narrative has completely flipped. Now, Orr is getting credit for overseeing one of the most dramatic defensive turnarounds in the NFL this year.
NFL.com’s Jeffri Chadiha recently highlighted Orr’s impact, listing him among his “Three Up” for Week 16. “The Ravens’ first-year defensive coordinator should be much happier about what he’s seen from his unit of late,” Chadiha wrote. “Baltimore’s defense dealt with a variety of issues earlier this season… That same bunch has allowed only one team to gain more than 300 yards in the last four games.”
The Ravens’ defense went from a liability to a strength, and the numbers back it up. From Weeks 1-9, Baltimore ranked 28th in EPA allowed per dropback. Over the last seven weeks? They’re No. 1 in the league.
Ravens EPA allowed per dropback rank
— Seth Walder (@SethWalder) December 23, 2024
Weeks 1-9: 28th
Weeks 10-16: 1st
Zach Orr is turning the Ravens defense into a nightmare for opposing offenses
Orr deserves credit for making adjustments that have helped his defense reach its potential. Early in the season, the Ravens struggled with miscommunication in the secondary and inconsistent tackling. Those issues led to big plays and frustrating losses, with critics questioning whether Orr was ready for the job.
Fast forward to now, and the Ravens look like a completely different team on that side of the ball. Marlon Humphrey’s pick-six against Pittsburgh and Ar'Darius Washington’s forced fumble on Russell Wilson were just two examples of the big-play ability this unit has rediscovered.
Baltimore is finally playing with the swagger and aggression that has defined its defense for decades.
Players like Kyle Van Noy, Kyle Hamilton, and rookie cornerback Nate Wiggins have stepped up at crucial moments. Orr’s ability to develop young talent and put veterans in positions to succeed has been a major factor in this resurgence.
What’s most encouraging for Ravens fans is the timing. As the postseason approaches, this defense looks like it’s finally coming together. Opponents are averaging just 18.3 points over the last four games, and the Ravens are forcing turnovers at key moments.
Peter Schrager even named Orr his Coach of the Week after Baltimore’s dominant win over the Steelers. “When it’s mattered most the last few weeks, the Ravens defense has come together,” Schrager said.
Each week @PSchrags awards his Coach of the Week. Week 16's winner is 32-year old @Ravens DC Zach Orr 👏@ZO35 | #RavensFlock pic.twitter.com/o0qe3i8rFx
— Good Morning Football (@gmfb) December 23, 2024
With Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry anchoring the offense, Baltimore is dangerous. But it’s the defense, led by Orr, that could be the difference between another early exit and a Super Bowl run. For all the criticism Orr faced earlier in the year, he’s proving he’s more than ready for this moment.