The Baltimore Ravens are a completely different team than they were just a month ago. While they entered their bye week at 1-5, they sit at the top of the AFC North with a 6-5 record ahead of their Thanksgiving clash with the Cincinnati Bengals.
While the Ravens have become known for their explosive offenses under quarterback Lamar Jackson, it is actually their defense that has become the lead catalyst for this stunning turnaround. Defensive Coordinator Zach Orr has his fingerprints all over it.
Just like in his debut season as defensive coordinator in 2024, Orr’s defense was in the midst of a cold streak early this year. However, Baltimore’s new role for versatile safety Kyle Hamilton has the group firing on all cylinders.
It is clear that Hamilton is one of the most valuable defenders in the NFL, but Orr’s unpredictability, matched with aggressiveness, is leading a successful charge. The defense has held opposing offenses to less than 20 points in each of its last six games, helping push the team to a five-game winning streak.
Still, many of the offenses the Ravens have played during this stretch have been lackluster. In Week 13 against the Bengals, Orr will have a chance to prove that his rising star status and his defense are for real.
Zach Orr faces a crucial test vs. Bengals’ offense
Cincinnati always gives Baltimore’s defense problems. While they rank 23rd in total yards with 3,378, their passing offense ranks 15th with 2,444 yards. With quarterback Joe Burrow returning on Thursday and wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase lining up at wideout, the Bengals are as dangerous as anyone on the offensive side of the football.
That Burrow-to-Chase connection is obviously one of the best in the NFL, but against the Ravens, they always seem to reach new levels. The duo paired up for over 500 passing yards and five touchdowns last year. Safe to say Orr will have to come ready on Thanksgiving night.
It is not like Orr’s defense has suddenly become a lockdown unit in terms of limiting yardage. They have certainly had their issues allowing yards throughout their win streak, but they have adopted a bend-don't-break mentality. That mentality should help them limit Chase’s big-play ability, and in turn, keep points off the board.
Just a few weeks ago, against the Minnesota Vikings, Baltimore matched up against a receiver of Chase’s caliber in Justin Jefferson. They held him to four catches for 37 yards on 12 targets. Minnesota feasted through the air by way of wide receiver Jalen Nailor that day, who hauled in five passes for 124 yards and a touchdown, but if the Ravens can force the Bengals to beat them with someone other than Chase, it should be a successful day.
Burrow and Chase have been Baltimore’s kryptonite ever since the two LSU products partnered up. If Orr can finally shut them down, it might just be the final box to check off to prove he is a rising star at defensive coordinator.