Zach Orr is confident in his job security
Few teams are best identified by a legend who played on the defensive side of the ball. In a league that does all it can to help influence shootouts and favoritism for its offenses, that’s understandable. There’s only one Ray Lewis, though. He’s a different breed. Toss in Ed Reed and Terrell Suggs, and it’s easy to see why the Baltimore Ravens are known for defense.
Well, that’s how it was, at least. It certainly doesn’t feel that way now. Defensive coordinator Zach Orr’s unit has given up 37 points or more in each of Baltimore’s four losses.
Each defeat has felt more deflating than the loss it followed. Sure, this is a banged-up unit, but that’s hardly an excuse. Some say Orr’s job is in danger. He doesn’t seem as concerned as everyone else.
We appreciate the confidence, and we understand. Truly, we do. No one’s going to state, ‘My job is in danger.’ Besides, there’s nothing this team needs more than some bravado from its top defensive assistant.
But maybe we missed something. Everyone has expressed faith in Orr. Include head coach John Harbaugh in that bunch, but based on the results and eyeball test alone, ‘safe’ wouldn’t be how we describe his job description.
The Ravens rank 31st in yards allowed. They’re one of only two teams that have surrendered 2,000 or more. They rank 31st in yards per game (408.8). They’re dead last in points allowed per game.
That isn’t how you earn an extension at football’s highest level. Heck, that isn’t how you earn an extension at any level. The game and the job one is doing are based solely on their results.
Let’s be frank. We saw a strong close to his first season as the Ravens’ defensive coordinator, but the journey started rough, and it has regressed in year two. While we again admire the confidence, Baltimore has a lot to think about if this doesn’t turn.
Orr is a Raven through and through. He played for this team for three seasons. That being said, he knows the standard, and it’s one of excellence. That standard hasn’t been reached so far this season. We’ll see what happens the rest of the way.
#Zach #Orr #confident #job #security