Ravens Defensive Coordinator Zach Orr Declares Baltimore’s Defense Is “Light Years Ahead” Compared to Same Time Last Season’s Start

The Baltimore Ravens’ defense is making waves early in training camp, and new defensive coordinator Zach Orr isn’t shy about expressing his confidence in the unit. After a week of high-intensity practices and strong early performances, Orr stated that the 2025 version of the Ravens defense is “light years ahead” of where it was at this time last year. For a team that finished 2024 as one of the NFL’s most aggressive and stingy defenses, that’s a bold proclamation—and one that has fans and analysts buzzing about Baltimore’s potential.

A New Voice, A Familiar Vision

Zach Orr, a former Ravens linebacker turned rising coaching star, took over as defensive coordinator after Mike Macdonald left to become the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks. While Orr is technically new to the role, he’s no stranger to the Ravens’ defensive identity. Having worked under Macdonald as inside linebackers coach and previously assisting Don “Wink” Martindale, Orr’s vision for the defense maintains the organization’s aggressive, physical, and disciplined style.

Yet Orr brings his own tweaks.

“Zach’s got a great football mind and an infectious energy,” head coach John Harbaugh said. “He’s played here, coached here, and understands the Ravens way. But he’s also his own man. What I’m seeing is a defense that’s fast, confident, and already communicating like it’s Week 8.”

That confidence is rooted in preparation, personnel, and continuity. Many key starters have returned from the 2024 squad, including All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton, Pro Bowl linebacker Roquan Smith, and emerging defensive tackle Justin Madubuike.

Early Camp Standouts Fuel Confidence

Through the first week of training camp, several defenders have made headlines for their performance. Kyle Hamilton continues to show why he’s considered one of the most versatile and disruptive safeties in football. Hamilton has been used in multiple roles, ranging from deep coverage to box blitz packages, and has consistently disrupted offensive rhythm during team drills.

“His football IQ is off the charts,” said Orr. “He sees the field like a quarterback, but hits like a linebacker. That’s rare.”

Another standout is rookie second-round pick Mike Green. Dubbed “explosive” by teammates and coaches alike, Green has flashed during 1-on-1 drills and team scrimmages, showing both athleticism and instinct.

“He’s miles ahead of where I thought he’d be,” said Roquan Smith. “You don’t usually see rookies dissect plays and react this fast. He’s special.”

Veteran additions like cornerback Steven Nelson and defensive end Carl Lawson have also brought leadership and toughness to a unit brimming with young talent. Their experience is already helping develop younger players like corner Jalyn Armour-Davis and second-year pass rusher Tavius Robinson.

Scheme Evolution: Faster and More Disguised

Under Zach Orr, the Ravens are emphasizing speed, disguise, and pre-snap confusion for opposing quarterbacks. One noticeable change in camp has been the increased use of simulated pressure looks and hybrid personnel groupings. This strategy is designed to keep offenses guessing and maximize the versatility of players like Hamilton and Patrick Queen.

“We want quarterbacks to hesitate—that half-second delay creates sack opportunities, turnover chances,” Orr said. “It’s not just about brute force; it’s about controlled chaos.”

This philosophy has also pushed the Ravens to emphasize communication and accountability. During walkthroughs, defensive backs can be heard loudly calling out assignments and adjustments—something that wasn’t as sharp early in 2024.

“That’s the difference,” said cornerback Marlon Humphrey. “Last year, we were learning the system. This year, we’re owning it.”

Orr’s Player-Coach Edge

As a former player, Orr has quickly earned the trust of the locker room. His ability to relate to the grind, demands, and pressure of playing linebacker in Baltimore lends him credibility that few young coordinators possess.

“He’s been in the fire,” said Justin Madubuike. “He knows what it’s like when the bullets are flying. That’s why when he talks, we listen.”

Players also describe Orr’s meetings as highly detailed but energizing. “He challenges us,” said linebacker Trenton Simpson. “He doesn’t let stuff slide. If you mess up an assignment, you’re going to hear about it—but he also teaches you how to fix it.”

That level of engagement has elevated the energy at practices. According to beat reporters and observers at camp, the defense has consistently outperformed the offense in full-team drills, often shutting down drives and forcing turnovers.

Culture of Accountability

Another reason for Orr’s optimism is the locker room culture. Veterans like Roquan Smith and Hamilton have taken ownership of mentoring younger players. After each practice, it’s common to see defensive backs and linebackers staying late to work on positioning and footwork.

“This is a player-led team,” Harbaugh noted. “When your leaders are driving the culture, as a coach, you know you’re in a good spot.”

Orr echoed those sentiments. “It’s not just about me or the staff. These guys hold each other accountable. That’s what championship defenses do.”

Managing Expectations

Despite the high praise and early dominance in camp, Orr remains grounded. He acknowledges that the true test will come in September when the Ravens open against a potent AFC opponent. Still, he believes this unit has the tools to be the league’s best.

“Talk is cheap,” he said. “We’ve got to earn it every week. But if we stay healthy and keep building, I like our chances.”

The Ravens finished last season ranked second in total defense, third in points allowed, and first in takeaways. If this year’s unit is truly “light years ahead,” they may be poised to chase something greater—perhaps the franchise’s first Super Bowl title since 2012.

What’s Next for the Defense

As camp enters Week 2, the Ravens will increase the intensity of padded practices, and Orr plans to implement more complex coverage packages and situational drills. The goal is to simulate game-like conditions to see how young players like Green and Simpson respond under pressure.

“We’re building toward Week 1,” Orr said. “But every rep counts. Every day matters.”

Fans can expect to get their first extended look at the revamped defense during the preseason opener. While the starters may only play a series or two, Orr is eager to see how the depth pieces perform when the lights are on.

“The real evaluation starts when you’ve got a live offense coming at you,” Orr said. “And I think we’re ready.”

Zach Orr’s declaration that the Ravens defense is “light years ahead” of last year may seem like offseason optimism—but all signs out of Owings Mills suggest it’s more than hype. With returning stars, impressive rookies, and a hungry new coordinator pushing the tempo, Baltimore’s defense could once again be the heartbeat of a championship contender.

If they continue on this trajectory, opposing offenses across the NFL will have their hands full in 2025—and Zach Orr’s defense just might be the difference-maker that carries the Ravens deep into January, and maybe beyond.