Baltimore Ravens, once known for a dominant defense, are grappling with struggles that have reignited discussions about bringing back a familiar defensive mastermind. After a top-10 finish last season, the team has seen its defensive reputation take a hit amid injuries and inconsistent play.
Defensive woes hit hard
Baltimore enters the season with a 1-5 record, compounded by the absence of two-time MVP Lamar Jackson. While the offense has been impacted by his injury, the defense has been equally underwhelming, with performances that have drawn scrutiny for second-year defensive coordinator Zach Orr.
An NFL executive, speaking to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, suggested a familiar solution: “Bring back Dean Pees.” The 76-year-old defensive guru, who came out of retirement last season, was credited with stabilizing the Ravens’ defense during critical stretches.
“The Ravens have built their defensive reputation on stopping the run, especially out of their signature split-safety looks,” one head coach explained. “But this season, that calling card has faded. Baltimore’s struggled to consistently control the ground game, forcing them to commit more bodies to the box and lean on run pressures. They haven’t been able to take anything away, and opposing offenses are staying balanced against them.”
Glimpses of improvement
Despite their struggles, the Baltimore Ravens displayed promise in their latest outing, limiting the Los Angeles Rams to just 17 points and 241 total yards. The performance provided a rare bright spot for a defense still searching for rhythm heading into the bye week.
However, the turnover margin remains a significant concern. Over the past four games, Baltimore sits at minus-8, the worst in the NFL. Without consistent offensive support, the defense has been forced into high-pressure situations, exposing gaps in strategy and execution.
Dean Pees: A proven solution
Pees previously served as the Baltimore Ravens’ defensive coordinator from 2012 to 2017, overseeing the team’s last Super Bowl-winning defense in 2012. Last season, he returned in a senior advisory role, attending practices and defensive meetings to guide Orr and the squad.
“If you get a guy I’m real close with and a guy who knows the culture and is a great football mind, and he’s down for it, to me, it’s a no-brainer,” Orr said last year regarding Pees’ involvement.
Pees’ defensive acumen is well-known across the league, having held coordinator roles with the Atlanta Falcons, Tennessee Titans, and New England Patriots. His return to Baltimore last season helped the team climb from near-bottom rankings in pass defense, red-zone defense, and points allowed to being competitive among the NFL’s best.