OTL: What Happened? Ravens’ Putrid Defense Searches for Answers

Coming off a blowout victory over the Browns in Week 2, the vibes were high entering Monday night when the Ravens hosted the Detroit Lions. The league’s two highest-scoring offenses from a season ago, the fan-favorite blackout theme, and a primetime matchup at M&T Bank Stadium had everyone buzzing.

The Ravens defense, however, was decidedly NOT buzzing. It was yet another lackluster performance from a unit that, on paper, has endless potential. It’s a problem that has become all too familiar in Baltimore, a franchise once known for its relentless play on the defensive side of the ball. The Ravens ranked 31st in passing YPG in 2024, and through three weeks of 2025, Baltimore’s defense ranks 31st in YPG allowed (420.3), 31st in passing YPG allowed (266.0), 30th in rushing YPG allowed (149.0), and 31st in points allowed (32.0).

GM Eric DeCosta addressed key needs on defense through the draft this offseason, yet the play on the field continues to regress. DeCosta and the front office have done their due diligence to produce a competitive football team, but is their most crucial piece to the puzzle coaching in Seattle?

The Baltimore Ravens rehired former linebackers coach Mike Macdonald in 2022, bringing him on as defensive coordinator after a stint at the University of Michigan. It was a match that almost seemed perfect in year one, as the Ravens finished the season ranked 3rd in points allowed per game, 3rd in rushing yards allowed, and 10th in total yards allowed. The success in year one grew into one of the most dominant defenses in NFL history a season later in 2023. Macdonald and company finished the season with a “triple crown,” leading the league in sacks (60), points allowed (16.5), and takeaways (31). The defensive dominance propelled the Ravens to their first AFC North championship since 2019, and their first AFC Championship game appearance since 2012. Following their AFCCG  loss to Kansas City in 2023, the Baltimore Ravens granted permission to Macdonald to interview for head coaching vacancies around the league. Accepting the position in Seattle, the Ravens watched as one of the most sought-after young coaching minds in the league walked right out their door. Inside linebacker coach and former Raven linebacker Zach Orr took over as the next man up, being handed an already dominant defense.

It was a slow start for the defense under Orr, with coaches putting the emphasis on scheme and discipline. Fans watched as Marcus Williams, Eddie Jackson, and Brandon Stephens became liabilities, the pass rush dropped, and EPA/play skyrocketed.

It seems to have been a complete downhill slide since, as the Ravens defense has become a dummy for teams to push around. The front office delivered on retooling the secondary, bringing in Jaire Alexander and drafting rookie safety Malaki Starks, after finishing 31st in passing yards per game in 2023. Through three games, the Ravens have allowed 814 passing yards and five touchdowns, taking the ball away just once. EPA/play has taken off under Zach Orr, climbing from -0.21 in 2023 under Macdonald, to +0.06 entering Week 4 in 2025.

Head coach John Harbaugh preached limiting explosive plays this week, after the Ravens surrendered two on the ground to the Lions on Monday night. With the future of defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike uncertain and the health of the remaining defensive line in question, the underwhelming performances could get worse.

The Ravens have games with the Chiefs, Texans, and Rams ahead of what could be a much-needed bye week in Week 7. You’d have to figure the Ravens need to come away, at least, 2-1 from this remaining stretch, and it’s going to rely on at least some improvement from Baltimore’s defense.

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