OWINGS MILLS, Md. – Baltimore Ravens Pro Bowl safety Kyle Hamilton publicly defended defensive coordinator Zach Orr on Thursday, asserting that it is unfair to place the blame for the team’s struggles solely on him. The Ravens are currently experiencing a challenging start to the season, sitting at 1-2, and Hamilton emphasized the need for collective accountability.
“It’s unfair to put all the blame on him when there are 11 guys out there on the field playing their hearts off,” Hamilton remarked. “He’s put us in the right positions. It’s just a matter of us doing the right stuff.” He underscored that while Orr cannot physically step onto the field to play, it is the players’ responsibility to execute the game plan effectively.
The Ravens’ defense is facing significant challenges this season, ranking last in the NFL for the first time in four years. They are also positioned in the bottom three for total yards allowed, run defense, pass defense, and points allowed. Historically, the Ravens have been known for their strong defensive line, featuring Hall of Fame players like Ray Lewis and Ed Reed. Since the team’s inception, they have finished outside the top 10 defensively on only eight occasions.
Ravens’ Defensive Struggles and Fan Reaction
Hamilton acknowledged the high expectations from Ravens fans, noting, “I feel like sometimes Ravens fans can be a little spoiled, just like the amount of success that this franchise has had. We lose five games in 2024 and the world is about to end.” This sentiment reflects the pressure on the team as they strive to return to their historical defensive prowess.
Orr, in his second year as the Ravens’ defensive coordinator, has dealt with similar challenges in the past. Last season, the team allowed an average of 25.3 points per game in the first 10 weeks, ranking 25th in the league. However, they rebounded in the final eight weeks, allowing only 15.4 points per game—the best defensive record during that period. “What are we going to do about it?” Orr stated. “You can either sulk and let it get you down or you can pick yourself up and figure it out.”
Despite the team’s recent 38-30 loss to the Detroit Lions, Hamilton noted that Orr has not pointed fingers at the players. “Having a leader like that, you gain respect,” Hamilton said. He reinforced that the season is long and that the team will continue to improve, emphasizing that they should not dwell on their current record.
Looking Ahead: Upcoming Challenges for the Ravens
The Ravens’ offense, led by quarterback Lamar Jackson, is performing at a high level, currently ranking first in scoring with an average of 37 points per game. However, they have faced some of the most formidable offenses in the league, including the Buffalo Bills and Lions, both of which are in the top three for total yards.
As the Ravens prepare for their next game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Hamilton stressed the importance of proving themselves each week. “We got to prove ourselves every week in this league and didn’t do a good job last week. But we got another week and it’s a big game and a big opportunity for us,” he said.
With games against the Chiefs, Houston Texans, and Los Angeles Rams lined up over the next few weeks, the Ravens are poised to address their defensive issues. Hamilton remains optimistic, stating, “The sky’s not falling. We’ll be all right.” The team is committed to turning their season around and re-establishing their defensive reputation.
