ExtremeRavens Posted 17 hours ago Posted 17 hours ago Despite mounting criticism, Ravens defensive coordinator Zach Orr said Thursday that he isn’t concerned about his job security. Orr said that he’s able to “block [the criticism] out” and isn’t worried about the growing calls for him to be replaced. The former Ravens linebacker said the critiques would have bothered him last year, but his renewed faith has changed his perspective. “Everything that’s going to happen is going to be written,” Orr said. Questions about Orr’s future as defensive coordinator have grown after Baltimore’s defense surrendered more than 35 points for the third straight game in a Week 5 loss to the Texans. Some fans have clamored for senior defensive assistant and secondary coach Chuck Pagano to replace the 33-year-old Orr. Pagano, 65, was the Ravens’ defensive coordinator in 2011 and went 53-43 as the Indianapolis Colts’ coach from 2012 through 2017. The Ravens’ defense is among the worst in the NFL this season, as they have allowed the most touchdowns, passing yards and rushing yards in franchise history through five weeks. The defense has forced two punts and no turnovers over the past two games, and one of the punts came after the Texans removed their starters. But coach John Harbaugh once again reaffirmed his support for Orr earlier this week, echoing the defense he offered after the Texans game. Following that loss, Harbaugh said that firing the assistant coach was “not the answer.” He called Orr “strong” Monday. “He’s honest, forthright and doesn’t hide anything,” Harbaugh said. Orr said that he was focused on Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Rams. Baltimore will face another strong offense, as the Rams’ quartet of quarterback Matthew Stafford, running back Kyren Williams and wide receivers Davante Adams and Puka Nacua is among the best in the NFL. The Rams rank second in the NFL in total yards and passing yards per game and first in Defense-Adjusted Value Over Average (DVOA), but they have the No. 15 scoring offense. Baltimore also just traded away one of its top pass rushers, Odafe Oweh, to shore up its secondary with the addition of safety Alohi Gilman. Orr said that his defense would have to be “more creative” to generate more pressure from one of the league’s worst pass-rushing units. The Ravens focused on block destruction at Thursday’s practice, as Orr said that he wasn’t satisfied with how the defense was shedding blockers. He also noted takeaways were an emphasis, as Baltimore’s two forced turnovers are tied for 31st in the NFL. Only the winless New York Jets have forced fewer turnovers. Players have defended Orr throughout the season, saying that he isn’t the root of the defense’s struggles. Safety Kyle Hamilton has vehemently backed Orr, while other players said execution was the cause of the defense’s issues. “You just got to weather the storm,” undrafted rookie linebacker Jay Higgins IV said. Harbaugh said that he believes this year’s defensive issues are more fixable than last year’s, when the Ravens also got off to a slow start. Baltimore’s defense ended the season as a top-10 unit, despite starting the year as one of the worst defenses in the league. “Guys are in position for the most part,” Orr said. “Now it’s the time for us to go make our plays. Pull the trigger. Just being where [you’re] supposed to be at, ain’t good enough. Take chances, the only way someone is going to make plays is by taking chances. “Scared money don’t make money.” Have a news tip? Contact Sam Jane at sjane@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/Sam_Jane230. View the full article Quote
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