ExtremeRavens Posted November 14 Posted November 14 Baltimore Sun columnist Mike Preston will answer fans’ questions in the middle of each week throughout the Ravens season. After a 35-34 win over the Cincinnati Bengals last Thursday night, Baltimore (7-3) is firmly in AFC North contention ahead of Sunday’s game at Pittsburgh (7-2). Here’s Preston’s take on a handful of questions from readers: (Editor’s note: Questions have been edited for length and clarity.) How much accountability do you place on the Ravens’ defensive coaching staff for having one of the worst passing defenses in the NFL? Also, do you anticipate a coaching change on that side of the ball before the end of the season? Is getting to average a possibility? — Chris Urban Chris, I don’t anticipate a coaching change on that side of the ball during the course of the season. When changes are made, it could take weeks or maybe a month to transition as far as scheme and verbiage. At this point, all of those involved in hiring Zach Orr as the defensive coordinator and Chris Hewitt as the pass game coordinator will accept responsibility, from owner Steve Bisciotti to general manager Eric DeCosta to coach John Harbaugh. All were aware and knew of the plans to hire Orr and apparently no one vetoed the deal. If the Ravens were going to make a move, they did it several weeks ago by bringing in former defensive coordinator Dean Pees as an adviser. As of now, I think the Ravens will stay the course with Orr. Regardless of how poorly the Ravens are playing in the secondary, they are 7-3 and could be in first place this Sunday with a victory over the Steelers. A move to replace Orr at this time would be a panicked move, and I’m not sure the Ravens are willing to give up at this point. In coach speak, they need to just keep working hard and hope things turn around. The good news is that few teams play good defense in the NFL anymore. If fact, some of the stuff I’ve seen on Sunday afternoon is downright embarrassing. Mike, I asked you weeks ago whether you thought that the Ravens missed Patrick Queen. After witnessing the last several games, don’t you think Roquan Smith misses Queen? In retrospect, didn’t Queen’s fluidity allow Roquan to cover less ground and focus on the gaps? Now through 10 weeks, do you think the Ravens should’ve re-signed Queen? — Max N. Panoff Sorry, Max, the Ravens signed Smith to a five-year contract in January 2023 worth $100 million with $45 million fully guaranteed and $60 million in total guarantees. When a player of that caliber signs such a lucrative deal, it is nearly impossible to spend that much money on other players at similar positions. So, the Ravens weren’t going to sign Queen, who signed a three-year, $41 million deal with the Steelers in late May. Smith’s contract essentially meant the end of Queen’s tenure in Baltimore. Do the Ravens miss him? Yes. Did he and Smith have a good chemistry? Yes. But the bottom line is always about money and the salary cap. As for the past two weeks, second-year linebacker Trenton Simpson has played extremely well for the Ravens and might be on the verge of becoming more of a dominant player. As for Queen, he has gotten mixed reviews in Pittsburgh. Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith hasn’t played as well this season without Patrick Queen alongside him. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) What does Tre’Davious White bring to the table for the Ravens? In your opinion, does he actually have anything left in the tank after injuries he suffered while with Buffalo? Apparently, the Rams didn’t think so anymore. — Ed Helinski Ed, honestly, the Ravens got White and a 2027 seventh-round draft pick for a 2026 sixth-round pick. The move reminds me of an old Billy Preston song, “Nothing from nothing leaves nothing.” If it works out, great for the Ravens. They have no place to go but up. They are ranked last in the NFL in pass defense, allowing 294.9 yards per game. If it doesn’t, it’s no big deal because it only involved a swap of late-round draft picks. White is expected to get more playing time against the Steelers on Sunday, so we’ll see. No one is expecting to see Deion Sanders, that’s for sure. After 10 games of mostly poor defensive play, is the time getting close to hit the panic button? Zach Orr’s defense, with many of the same players from last season’s outstanding defense, is quickly becoming the laughingstock of the NFL. What role is Dean Pees performing, and is he an option to replace Orr? Also, is 2022 second-round draft pick David Ojabo approaching “bust” status? — Bob in NC Nope, it’s not time to hit the panic button. The Ravens aren’t happy with their problems on defense, but they are still title contenders and one of the best teams in the NFL. They just have to let it play out and see where this takes them. As for Ojabo, I wouldn’t quite declare him a bust yet, but the window of opportunity is closing on his career in Baltimore. Harbaugh said Ojabo would have a breakout year, but he hasn’t come close to that level. The former Michigan star has only five tackles with one sack and four quarterback hits this season while being a healthy scratch twice. He’s played just 13 NFL games because of injuries. The Ravens are a team in need of pass rushers, and thus far Ojabo hasn’t delivered despite a promising college career. Do the Ravens have other options besides Marcus Williams at safety? He is a significant weakness on this defense. — Tim Mace Right now, the Ravens have other options but Williams seems to be their best bet because of his experience. You can question some of the team’s decisions, but they see these guys every day in practice and in meeting rooms. But I also have to acknowledge that the Ravens signed Williams to a five-year contract worth $70 million in March 2022. When a player makes that kind of money, he usually plays, regardless of his performance level. That’s the way the NFL works. Have a question for Mike Preston? Email sports@baltsun.com with “Ravens mailbag” in the subject line and it could be answered in The Baltimore Sun. View the full article Quote
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