Former QB sharply criticizes the Baltimore Ravens defense

It’s hard to imagine a bigger year-over-year decline than what the Baltimore Ravens defense is currently experiencing.

Last season, the Ravens’ defense was one of the best in franchise history, as they led the league in points allowed (16.5 per game) and takeaways (31) while also ranking among the top in many other key statistics.

The story couldn’t have been more different this season. In Week 8, Baltimore has allowed the most passing yards in the league (291.4 yards per game) and ranks near the bottom in most key statistics. The run defense was solid, but the pass defense was just terrible.

After permission 29 points and 401 yards to the Cleveland Brownswho brought in a new quarterback and a pushy offensive line, Baltimore’s defense faced even more criticism. Much of that criticism was directed at defensive coordinator Zach Orr, who is on his team first year on the job.

On ESPN’s “First Take,” former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky sharply criticized Orr’s defense for being “predictable,” specifically noting how he applied pressure late in six straight games.

“I think some of that late loss should be blamed on their defensive coordinator Zach Orr,” Orlowski said. “I think their defense has become predictable… I think from an offensive perspective, six times in a row you put full pressure on, at some point you become very predictable and I count on you to do that, and I think it puts your defense at a disadvantage “

Orr, 32, has not been able to maintain the same level of success as his predecessor Mike Macdonald, who became head coach of the Seattle Seahawks in the offseason. On the one hand, its shortcomings were obvious, and not only in terms of encouraging play. For example, the Ravens weren’t properly set up for one of Cleveland’s touchdowns on Sunday, and it’s hard to blame that on anything other than coaching.

On the other hand, players are not without blame either. Just in Sunday match solo, there were a lot of missed coverages and a few missed interceptions.

The Ravens defense has a lot of problems to solve, and while Orr’s first season wasn’t the best, it seems unlikely that they will shut him down mid-season.

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