OTL: Is Defensive Answer Somewhere on Trade Market?

Well, the winning streak was fun while it lasted.

The Ravens’ five-game winning streak ended Sunday in Cleveland.

Let it be a reminder: Sometimes, Lamar Jackson won’t be enough. Sometimes, he’ll need saving, too. https://t.co/aYuQTU8yHo

— Jonas Shaffer (@jonas_shaffer) October 28, 2024

In a vacuum, Sunday’s game against the previously 1-6 Browns looked like it should’ve been a cake walk for the Ravens, but around Baltimore media, it felt like there was a significant undertone of this matchup being trouble. Not only were Baltimore’s top corners down, but they were also going to have to lock horns with one of the better defenses in the league. Combine that with the fresh-armed Jameis Winston, who has always had a propensity for slinging the ball down field, and Baltimore fans knew there was a potential for disaster.

Is it a trap game if everyone calls it a trap game? Lol

— Cole Jackson (@ColeJacksonFB) October 27, 2024

Despite it being a close contest, the things we feared came to fruition, and the issues that we’ve collectively recognized led the Baltimore’s third loss of the season. So, as we approach the midway mark of the ‘24-’25 campaign, what can be done?

In yesterday’s Out to Lunch, our guy Chris highlighted times when the offense got a little too cute, and I wholeheartedly agree that it has to stop. Cleveland may have stopped Derrick Henry up the middle a few times in the early going, but with a lead at halftime, the Ravens could have done more with Henry to control the game. It also certainly didn’t help that the O-line’s struggles popped back up against Myles Garrett and Company.

Pressures allowed by the #Ravens OL, Per PFF:
6 – Daniel Faalele
5 – Ronnie Stanley
4 – Roger Rosengarten
2 – Patrick Mekari
1 – Tyler Linderbaum#Ravensflock

— Cole Jackson (@ColeJacksonFB) October 28, 2024

I think it’s obvious to everyone, though, that the defensive side of the ball has been a glaring issue, and the grace period for adjusting to a new coach and some personnel changes is well and truly over.

Seriously. How do you fix Ravens DEF? A pass rusher helps, but would it fix it? IF(even though they won’t) Ravens fired Zach Orr, they’d promote someone from within(a DL/LB/DB coach) to take over, but wouldn’t it essentially be the same scheme? Sooooo what would that do? How…

— Ingravenvids (@IngravenVids) October 27, 2024

Safety Eddie Jackson said repeatedly that Ravens are in a “funk.” Took responsibility for his role in it (missed INTs, winning TD).
Kyle Hamilton and Roquan Smith were gone from locker room before media was in, but defense didn’t think communication was issue.Other things were.

— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) October 27, 2024

I guess it’s good to hear that the players don’t feel like communication is an issue. From the outside looking in, I would’ve said otherwise, so I appreciate the clarification… but if communication isn’t the cause for so many glaring problems, then what is? Several players cited execution, and with as many near-misses that they’ve had on turnovers, it’s easy to agree, but is that alone accounting for a historically good defense last season now becoming one of the worst in the league?

Ravens defense needs to look itself in the eye.

And, yes, it’s both the players and defensive coordinator Zach Orr.

The players dropped numerous easy interceptions, including a game-winner by Kyle Hamilton.

Meanwhile, the whole unit looks confused week-in and week-out…

— Sarah Ellison (@sgellison) October 27, 2024

Hindsight’s 20/20, but they’re missing Mike Macdonald and Anthony Weaver badly right now. Granted, Seattle’s defense hasn’t exactly been lighting the world on fire the last few weeks, but Mike Mac has different duties now. Meanwhile in Miami, Weaver has had that unit humming, especially on pass defense.

I’m not advocating for Zach Orr to be removed from his position, nor do I think the front office would make that move, but I feel like the promotion was too much too quickly for ZO. He’s a sharp guy with a lot of potential, but I just don’t know if he was ready to be where he is now, and the challenge is that you’re not going to have anyone walking in off the street that solves these issues. I think everyone knew Dean Pees was never going to be a fix-all. Robert Saleh unfortunately got scooped up by the Packers after the Jets let him go. Unless Bill Belichick plans on making a crazy WrestleMania-style surprise entrance, I doubt you see a coaching change happen, and even if someone loses their job, a midseason replacement is likely not going to change much.

Meanwhile, if we are talking about a player personnel issue…

The Ravens have made a move or reportedly tried to each season with DeCosta.
Traded for Marcus Peters 2019
Traded for Calais Campbell in 2020
Reportedly tried to trade for Xavien Howard in 2021. Traded for Roquan Smith in 2022
Reportedly had a deal for Derrick Henry in 2023. https://t.co/GMdHHezpVg

— Kyle Phoenix (@KylePBarber) October 28, 2024

…where does the big swing for the fences go, and what team does that player come from? For my money, a big-time pass rusher would do wonders, but with the recent injuries to Brent Urban and Michael Pierce, you wonder if that becomes an EDGE or a defensive tackle. The safeties have looked really rough the last few weeks as well, and I’m disappointed that Ar’Darius Washington’s impressive preseason and Training Camp haven’t shown up on Sundays (at least not yet).

Coverage stats, per PFF:

Eddie Jackson: 6/10, 79 yards, 2 TD, 1 PBU, 2 Dropped INT
JAD: 6/7, 76 yards, 1 TD
Stephens: 3/4, 58 yards
Hamilton: 5/8, 57 yards, 1 PBU, 1 Dropped INT
Roquan: 4/4, 37 yards
Maulet: 2/2, 20 yards
Washington: 1/2, 7 yards

— Cole Jackson (@ColeJacksonFB) October 28, 2024

If reports from Vegas are to be believed, Maxx Crosby isn’t available. Then again, Mark Davis did similar hemming and hawing before Davante Adams was dealt, and look how that ended up. If the front office can swallow their pride with how the last negotiations unfolded with Za’Darius Smith, he makes for an intriguing piece, as would a reunion with Jadeveon Clowney. Meanwhile, a move in the secondary would be unlikely without spending beaucoup bucks, and I still contend that this group is way too talented from an individual standpoint to be struggling like this. The depth issues have certainly shown with Marlon Humphrey and Nate Wiggins hurt, but I don’t think that justifies going all in on a player like Jaycee Horn unless the Ravens view them as part of the long-term plan.

The trade deadline is a little over a week away. By then, I’m hoping that the Ravens can pull it together, crush the Broncos, and make a few moves that will have us all feeling a little better.

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