Last year, the Baltimore Ravens had a top 10 defense and were the best in the NFL at stopping the run. Things are much different now.
Not only is Baltimore 1-5 after losing two-time MVP Lamar Jackson to injury, the other side of the ball is considered among the worst defenses in the NFL.
This is the second year for 33-year-old defensive coordinator Zach Orr, who is taking some heat for his squad’s performances as of late.
One NFL executive told an NFL insider that he has the solution.
The Solution is Bring Back Dean Pees: Insider
According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, an anonymous league executive told her that the solution is the same as it was last year: Bring back Dean Pees.
The 76-year-old defensive guru came out of retirement last season to stabilize the team, and even Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin acknowledged Pees’ role in revitalizing Baltimore’s defense.
GettyORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 02: Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Dean Pees looks on during warm ups prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on January 02, 2022 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Kevin Hoffman/Getty Images)
“The Ravens have built their defensive reputation on stopping the run, especially out of their signature split-safety looks,” one head coach told Russini. “But this season, that calling card has faded. Baltimore’s struggled to consistently control the ground game, forcing them to commit more bodies to the box and lean on run pressures. They haven’t been able to take anything away, and opposing offenses are staying balanced against them.”
There were encouraging signs last week. The Ravens turned in their best defensive showing of the season, limiting the Rams to just 17 points and 241 total yards. It’s a performance they’ll hope to build on as they head into the bye.
However, a major issue remains — the turnover margin. Over the past four games, Baltimore sits at minus-8, the worst in the NFL. The offense hasn’t provided enough support for a defense that’s still trying to find its rhythm.
Zach Orr Played For Dean Pees
Pees was the Ravens defensive coordinator from 2012 to 2017. He coached Orr as a player. Last season he returned in a senior advisor role, and attended practices and defensive meetings.
“If you get a guy I’m real close with and a guy who knows the culture and is a great football mind, and he’s down for it, to me, it’s a no-brainer,” Orr told The Athletic last year.
Pees was retired before returning to the Ravens. He was the Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator during the 2021 and 2022 seasons. He’s also had defensive coordinator stints with the Tennessee Titans (2018-19) and New England Patriots (2006-2009). Pees was the defensive coordinator for the Ravens during their last Super Bowl win in 2012.
When Pees returned to Baltimore last season, the Ravens ranked near the bottom of the league — 31st against the pass, 25th in red-zone defense, and 26th in points allowed per game. By season’s end, though, they had climbed among the NFL’s best. The turnaround came despite the team losing several key coaches to promotions elsewhere and parting ways with multiple impact players before the season began.
The Ravens don’t play again until Sunday, Oct. 26, when they host the Chicago Bears.
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