OTL: Defense Optional When DC Visits Baltimore?

The Ravens have ripped off three straight wins to jump to the top of the AFC North standings. In a situation that’s still taking long-time Ravens fans some getting used to, it’s once again the offense doing the heavy lifting. Around here, we know that defense wins championships, and with the long defensive tradition that exists in Baltimore, watching that side of the ball get shredded, even in games that end in W’s, is hard to stomach.

On the one hand, we know that new defensive coordinator Zach Orr is still getting his feet wet, and some growing pains are expected. We saw the same thing with Mike Macdonald back in 2022.

I don’t know if it’s going to turn out the same, but what’s being said about Zach Orr after 5 weeks of his first NFL DC job is very similar to what was said about Mike MacDonald.

2022 D through 5 weeks (3-2 record):
1,451 pass yards allowed (Flacco, Tua, Mac, Allen, Burrow)
540…

— Cole Jackson (@ColeJacksonFB) October 8, 2024

On the other, as Cole points out in this video, there have been some questionable decisions regarding personnel on the field and defensive alignments, which have led to huge gaping holes in zones and breakdowns that good quarterbacks have exploited.

Speaking of good quarterbacks, it’s been a gauntlet. The Ravens have so far faced:

Pat Mahomes

Dak Prescott

Josh Allen

Joe Burrow (who was on FIRE)

(and yes, the recently-benched Gardner Minshew. That Raiders game is going to be one everyone looks back on with regret when the Ravens end up playing on the road in late January…but that’s a problem for another time.)

Things don’t get any easier this week, unfortunately. Though Washington QB Jayden Daniels is a rookie, OC Kliff Kingsbury has been absolutely in his bag so far this season, and the Commies’ offense is rolling.

EPA Per Passing Attempt

Ravens (0.24)
Commanders (0.17)
Falcons, Bengals, 49ers (0.15)
—
Panthers (-0.27)
Dolphins (-0.30)
Titans (-0.38) pic.twitter.com/y6CFyUz0qU

— Inside Edge NFL (@IE_NFL) October 9, 2024

EPA Per Rushing Attempt

Derrick Henry (0.18)
Chuba Hubbard (0.13)
Brian Robinson (0.12)
—
De’Von Achane (-0.16)
Devin Singletary (-0.20)
D’Andre Swift (-0.21)#KeepPounding pic.twitter.com/GbUwtfJDqG

— Inside Edge NFL (@IE_NFL) October 9, 2024

So in EPA on passing plays, the Ravens are first and Washington second. As for running backs, Derrick Henry is first and Washington’s Brian Robinson is third.

A rookie quarterback, playing the Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Lamar Jackson taking on an NFC squad. Usually, those things combine as quite the recipe for success. We’ll see though. ZO has his work cut out for him again.

Moving to the Baltimore offense, the Bat Signal has been UP in 2024. Though Rashod Bateman‘s numbers don’t jump out at you, the much-maligned wideout has been coming up with some critical catches, and had several of them in Cincinnati. He’s earning his quarterback’s trust, and he and LJ are getting on the same page more and more.

Both Bateman and Flowers made some tough catches in this game pic.twitter.com/sEIyDSbkpY

— MC (@abukari) October 8, 2024

Bateman’s talent has never been in question. RSR’s Dev Panchwagh, in particular, has been banging the table singing his praises for years. Need some proof?

From PFF: “Rashod Bateman has created separation on a league-high 72.73% of snaps against press coverage. The next-closest receiver is at 61.54% after five weeks.”

Bateman had 8 targets Sunday. That’s progress. Focus should be on getting him even more involved. https://t.co/lMqlLebWnr

— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) October 9, 2024

Bateman, per PFF, is the best WR in the NFL at creating separation when facing press coverage.

Hopefully he can keep getting open and bringing in big passes for his quarterback. By all indications, the Ravens offense should assume they’ll need at least 30 again this week.

The post OTL: Defense Optional When DC Visits Baltimore? appeared first on Russell Street Report.

Source: https://russellstreetreport.com/2024/10/09/out-to-lunch/otl-defense-optional-when-dc-visits-baltimore/