The Baltimore Ravens finished the 2023 season with one of the league’s top defenses and one of the best in the franchise’s history. The unit will be looking to keep the momentum going this season as Zach Orr takes over the role of defensive coordinator from Mike Macdonald.
Reigning MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson was asked what he has seen from Orr’s defense so far in training camp.
“Man, those guys [on defense] look like the throwback Ravens defense,” Jackson said. “[It’s] bloodshed, a lot of smack talk and a lot of big hits. We’re seeing it all from our defense. Guys are actually tackling out there – I don’t think we should be – but we’re looking good. I’m loving it.”
Alongside replacing Macdonald, the Ravens will have several new contributors on defense attempting to replicate the production of players such as inside linebacker Patrick Queen, outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney, and free safety Geno Stone, who all departed in free agency. Second-year linebacker Trenton Simpson is in line to get the first shot next to Roquan Smith at inside linebacker. At the same time, veteran safety Eddie Jackson was recently signed and could fill the role left by Stone on the backend of the defense. Replacing Clowney’s production will likely come from multiple sources, such as outside linebacker and along the defensive line.
“I believe iron sharpens iron,” Jackson said. “We’ve got one of the best defenses in this league. We’re talking trash to those guys, [and] those guys are talking trash to us. We [are] just going after each other, [and] I believe that’s what builds a great team.“
