Ravens DC Zach Orr ‘Crushed’ by Unit’s Performance vs. Bengals, Knows ‘Time is Clicking’ to Fix Issues
Baltimore, MD – Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Zach Orr expressed his disappointment and frustration following the team’s dismal performance against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 18. The Ravens allowed a season-high 41 points and surrendered 500 yards of total offense, including 326 passing yards and four touchdowns to Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow.
‘Crushed’ by Unit’s Performance
In a post-game press conference, Orr did not mince words in describing his feelings about the defense’s display. “I’m crushed,” he said. “That was an embarrassing performance. We played undisciplined, we missed tackles, and we gave up big plays. It’s not acceptable.” Orr went on to emphasize the urgency of addressing the unit’s shortcomings.
“Time is clicking,” Orr said. “We have to fix these issues now. We have a lot of work to do, but we have to do it quickly. We have to get better at playing together and executing our game plan. We have to be more physical and more aggressive. We have to find a way to stop the run and put pressure on the quarterback.”
Background and Context
The Ravens’ defense has struggled throughout the season, ranking near the bottom of the league in several key categories. They have allowed an average of 24.9 points per game (28th in the NFL), surrendered 373.3 yards per game (27th), and recorded only 25 sacks (31st). The unit has also been plagued by injuries, with several key players missing significant time.
The loss to the Bengals was particularly disheartening because it came at a crucial time. The Ravens entered the game with a chance to clinch a playoff berth, but their defeat eliminated them from contention. It was also the team’s second consecutive loss, following a disappointing performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 17.
Key Issues and Potential Solutions
Orr identified several key issues that the defense needs to address. One area of concern is tackling, as the Ravens have missed numerous tackles throughout the season. Orr said the team needs to work on its technique and physicality in this area.
Another issue is the defense’s inability to generate pressure on the quarterback. The Ravens have struggled to get to the quarterback consistently, and they have recorded only 25 sacks this season, which is one of the lowest totals in the NFL. Orr said the team needs to find ways to create more pressure, whether it’s through blitzing or scheming.
The Ravens also need to improve their communication and discipline. Orr said the team has been making too many mental mistakes and has not been playing together as a unit. He said the team needs to work on its communication and focus on the details.
Looking Ahead
The Ravens have a short offseason to address their defensive issues. The team will begin preparing for the 2023 season in the coming weeks, and Orr said he is confident that the defense can improve.
“We have a lot of good players on this defense,” Orr said. “We just need to find a way to put it all together. I’m confident that we can do that. We’re going to work hard to make sure that we’re ready for next season.”