Zach Orr’s Challenges and Strategies as Baltimore Ravens’ Defensive Coordinator

Zach Orr, the defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens, is facing significant challenges as the team navigates the 2024 NFL season. One of the most glaring issues under Orr’s leadership is the Ravens’ pass defense, which has been identified as the team’s biggest weakness. The Ravens are allowing the most passing yards per game this season, with an average of 280.9 yards, and have given up 18 passing touchdowns, tied for the third-most in the league.

Despite the stout rush defense, which gives up the least amount of yards per game (75.7), the pass defense has been susceptible to chunk plays through the air. This vulnerability has led to high-scoring affairs and is a critical area that needs improvement if the Ravens are to make a Super Bowl appearance. Orr’s unit has faced the most pass attempts through nine weeks, and only the Buccaneers‘ defense has allowed more completions.

To address these issues, Orr and the Ravens have made some roster moves. The team acquired cornerback Tre'Davious White from the Rams at the NFL trade deadline, hoping his veteran presence would add depth to the secondary. However, White’s impact remains to be seen, as he is not the same player he once was.

Orr is also experimenting with different defensive strategies, including varying blitz packages and using more physical coverage to impede receivers. Against teams with singular downfield threats, such as Ja'Marr Chase of the Bengals, Orr’s defense may employ more aggressive tactics like jamming receivers at the line of scrimmage to disrupt their routes.

Despite these challenges, there is optimism among some analysts that Orr can find the right subpackages to make the Ravens’ defense effective enough to support a championship run. The presence of quarterback Lamar Jackson, who is having a standout season, and a strong supporting cast on offense, adds to the belief that the Ravens have the potential to go all the way if their pass defense can become even average).