The Baltimore Ravens defense was a problem in the team’s 38-30 loss to the Detroit Lions on “Monday Night Football.” On Thursday, safety Kyle Hamilton defended defensive coordinator Zach Orr from criticism, blaming the result on the players on the field.
“It’s unfair to put all the blame on him when there’s 11 guys out there on the field that are playing their hearts off and he’s put us in the right positions,” Hamilton said via Jamison Hensley of ESPN.
“It’s just a matter of us doing the right stuff. And that’s where I feel like the critiques of Zach or whatever coaches are unfair because he can’t go out there and play for us as much as he wants to. He can’t. So, it’s up to us to go out and get the job done. So, it’s not a Zach thing.”
Bad early stuff from the Ravens defense
Through the first three weeks of the season, the Ravens defense ranks near the bottom of the league in run defense, pass defense and points allowed. They have given up the most total yards, allowing an average of 415 yards to opponents per game.
The defense was an issue in Week 1, when they allowed the Buffalo Bills to complete an epic second-half comeback to win, 41-40. Baltimore played better in Week 2, only giving up 17 in a win over the Cleveland Browns.
The Ravens have another tough offense to face in Week 4 when they travel to play the Kansas City Chiefs. The battle between two 1-2 teams could have significant playoff implications.
It’s also a barometer for the Ravens to gauge what their defense is under Orr. The Browns offense has not been electric with veteran quarterback Joe Flacco under center. The Bills and Lions have dynamic offenses. The Chiefs were held in check by the Philadelphia Eagles, Los Angeles Chargers and New York Giants.