No one wants to discuss the blame shifting tactics critics took to destroy the morale of Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Zach Orr early on in the 2025 NFL season. However, it turns out that Orr’s unit has been more consistent and competitive than the struggling Ravens’ offense led by offensive coordinator Todd Monken.
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - NOVEMBER 27: (L-R) Roquan Smith #0 and Kyle Hamilton #14 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrate a turnover on downs against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first quarter in the game at M&T Bank Stadium on November 27, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)Quarterback Lamar Jackson said last week in a press conference "we're leaving our defense on the field too long," an argument analyst have offered well before the implications of the team shortcomings became evident. The Ravens rank No. 20 in the NFL in third down conversion percentages and with Jackson, all-pro tight end Mark Andrews, running back Derrick Henry, and Zay Flowers at wide receiver, Monken's lack of success needs to be microscopically addressed. Meanwhile, Orr didn’t just survive the slander, he salvaged the circumstances and tried to change the statistics. However, there’s a reciprocal contingency that goes into preventing the opposing offense and if Monken can’t get a first down, why is Orr being asked to save every game with an exhausted defensive unit?
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Ravens defense spent 38:46 minutes on the field versus the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 13. That’s a whopping 80 total plays on defense. Still, quarterback Joe Burrow had 22 incompletions, and the Bengals were held to just 12 first-half points despite finishing the game with 32 on the scoreboard. It's called attrition, and these hidden statistics tell a daunting story that nominal fans are too presumptuous to understand. Orr has done his job; Monken has not, and these dynamics date back to week four, when the Ravens converted only three of their 10 third-down attempts against the Kansas City Chiefs. Want to take a wild guess at how many third-down attempts Monken failed on this past week?
When fans and critics accurately assess the statistics, there's a clear culprit for why the Ravens continue to come up short against competent opponents. That blame, however, does not belong with Orr but with the mastermind of Monken, who has continued to decline over his two years as the team's play caller.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens DC Zach Orr has shined amid Todd Monken's decline
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