The Baltimore Ravens have long been known for their strong defenses, with their 2000 Super Bowl win featuring a legendary unit led by Ray Lewis. For years, the team’s defensive coordinator position was a stepping stone to NFL head coaching jobs, as seen with Marvin Lewis, Mike Nolan, Rex Ryan, and Chuck Pagano. This offseason, Mike Macdonald joined that list after leading the Ravens to a league-best record in points allowed, takeaways, and sacks. The defense, now under former Ravens linebacker Zachary Orr, was expected to continue excelling but has instead struggled significantly. It’s possible the Ravens promoted Orr too quickly, and a change in defensive leadership may be needed.
With their current challenges, perhaps the Ravens should look back to their legacy of strong defensive coordinators. Here’s a case for a familiar face: Rex Ryan.
The Ravens’ defense is currently allowing the most passing yards in the league, with quarterbacks completing 67.2% of passes against them. The issues were evident in a recent loss, where the Ravens allowed a team with only one win to put up 29 points. Orr had to resort to frequent blitzes as the defense struggled to generate pressure against Cleveland. The Ravens face a coaching dilemma on defense that may require a new play-caller.
Swapping defensive coordinators midseason isn’t easy, especially with top options committed to other teams. Bringing in a former Ravens coordinator like Ryan could be the best available option. Dean Pees, now a senior advisor with the Ravens, isn’t likely to take over but could contribute guidance. If Baltimore believes in its offensive potential with Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry leading the charge, fixing the defense is essential.
Rex Ryan would bring a fresh, aggressive style to the defense, with a proven ability to elevate high-level players. He has a history of maximizing star talent, as seen with Ray Lewis and Ed Reed in Baltimore and Darrelle Revis in New York. Although his head coaching tenure had ups and downs, Ryan’s skills as a defensive coordinator have never been questioned. At age 61, Ryan has expressed interest in returning to the NFL, which could be exactly what Baltimore needs to revive its season.
Rex Ryan on coaching again in the NFL: ‘Hell yeah, I want to go back’ https://t.co/HiYlm5MTSJ
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) October 23, 2024
The Ravens’ roster includes All-Pro talent on each level of the defense, from Nnamdi Madubuike to Roquan Smith and Kyle Hamilton, so skill isn’t the issue. What’s needed is a coach who knows how to utilize such talent. Ryan’s aggressive, blitz-heavy schemes could rejuvenate the Ravens’ defense, providing innovative ways to disrupt opposing quarterbacks. His leadership would allow Orr, still early in his career, to develop alongside a seasoned coordinator, potentially sharing responsibilities.
Though Ryan may not be a likely choice given past history with John Harbaugh’s hiring, time has a way of softening past conflicts. If the Ravens are serious about making a deep playoff run, this could be a bold yet impactful solution to their defensive struggles.
