Embattled Ravens defensive coordinator Zach Orr isnât sweating his future, even as Baltimoreâs defense continues to yield points at an historic rate.
Orr said Thursday he isnât worried about the mounting criticism of his job or calls to have him replaced.
âIâm just focused on this Sunday,â Orr said ahead of the Week 6 game against the Los Angeles Rams, via ESPN. âAll I got to do is go out there and just continue to work day by day and put my best foot forward. And so, Iâm not really worried about what happens. Iâm just worried about finding a way to get a win on Sunday and stop a high-powered offense with LA coming in.â
Ravens’ Defense Off to Historically Poor Start
The Ravensâ defense has been among the worst in the NFL through the first five weeks, ranking 31st in yards allowed per game (408.8) and dead last in points allowed per game (35.4). They also are tied for second to last in sacks (six) and takeaways (two) and are on pace to give up the most touchdowns, passing yards and rushing yards in franchise history.
Head coach John Harbaugh reaffirmed his support for Orr after Sundayâs 44-10 loss to the Houston Texans, saying staff changes arenât the answer.
âYou try to do the most productive things, and I do not think thatâs the answer,â Harbaugh said, via ESPN. âWe got to go to work, is what we need to do. We need to stick together is what we need to do, and we need to find ourselves. It has to do with the coaches and players together.â
Even with that vote of support, Harbaugh may feel increased pressure if the Ravensâ defense continues to fail at an epic rate. Baltimore is on pace to break the NFL record for most points allowed in a season (534), set by the 2024 Carolina Panthers.
It wonât get any easier Sunday (1 p.m. ET) against the Ramsâ No. 2 ranked offense. Following that is a Week 7 bye.
Injuries Crippling Ravens’ Defense
Injuries havenât done the Ravens any favors. All-Pro defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike, who had 25 sacks over the last three seasons, is out for the season with a neck injury.
Linebacker Roquan Smith did not practice Thursday and is expected to miss another game because of a hamstring strain. Cornerback Marlon Humphrey (calf) was limited, while safety Kyle Hamilton (groin) returned to full practice.
The Ravens also just traded one of their top pass rushers, Odafe Oweh, hoping to plug holes in the secondary with the addition of safety Alohi Gilman.
Gilman, 28, had 22 tackles and three passes defended in five games with the Los Angeles Chargers.
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