Perfect Ravens' DC replacement is busy enjoying bromantic getaway in Green Bay
By Matt Sidney
The Baltimore Ravens' defense is atrocious.
The same problems that plagued this team in Week 1 are still holding this team back in Week 9: miscommunication, missed assignments, unforced errors, and blown coverages.
Baltimore's pass defense gives up nearly 300 yards per game (291.4). Their third down conversion percentage ranks fourth-worst. They own the league's fourth-worst estimated opponent's offensive points per game (how many points a team's defense gives up per game, ignoring points from offensive turnovers or special teams mistakes). They are bad.
While we never want to see a coach lose their job due to poor performance, it's part of the business. Now, we’re not suggesting the Ravens should fire Zach Orr, but if they did, his ideal replacement is in Green Bay, having a grand old time with his buddy.
Robert Saleh can take this Ravens defense to places Zach Orr can't
Robert Saleh’s been living the good life in Green Bay lately - part bromance, part brilliant strategy by Packers head coach Matt LaFleur.
Just weeks after the Jets axed Saleh, LaFleur swooped in to reunite with his old friend, this time bringing him on board as an offensive consultant.
It’s not the role you’d expect for a defensive mastermind, but it makes sense when you consider LaFleur’s plan: use Saleh’s elite defensive brain to give Green Bay’s offense an edge against top-tier defenses.
The backstory here is almost as interesting as the move itself. LaFleur and Saleh have deep roots. They were roommates back in college, best men at each other’s weddings, and now they're back to work together.
LaFleur couldn’t resist throwing a little shade at the Jets during a presser, saying it wasn’t the right call to fire Saleh. He’s right, of course. And while LaFleur benefits from Saleh’s presence in Green Bay, the rest of the league, cough - the Ravens, has to be wondering if this is just a pitstop before Saleh finds a defensive coordinator gig elsewhere.
It’s a clever way for Saleh to stay involved, stay sharp, and maybe add a little fuel to the fire for his next move.
Ravens fans should be watching closely because if Baltimore ever needs to shake up its own defensive room, the perfect candidate might just be wrapping up a bromantic getaway in Wisconsin.
Baltimore isn't not thinking about Orr's defensive struggles. It's already added Dean Pees as an advisor to assist the first-time DC. So it's reasonable to suggest Baltimore understands the defense could and should be performing better.
Zach Orr is undoubtedly a talented coach, but at 32 years old with limited experience, he could benefit from more mentorship. Bringing in a defensive guru like Robert Saleh could be the ideal solution. It would be a win-win-win: Baltimore’s defense improves, Saleh gets a chance to re-establish his reputation, and Orr receives guidance from one of the best minds in the game.
That way, when Saleh ultimately leaves for another head coaching position, Orr is truly ready to take the reigns and lead this defense back to the tops of the NFL.
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