It then became a season lowlight when the Baltimore Ravens suffered a crushing 44-10 loss to the Houston Texans (their worst loss of the season) in week 11. This is one of only two such margins of loss in John Harbaugh’s 18 seasons as head coach. It’s an understandably difficult time for the team. After a brutal start to this NFL Season, the Ravens sit at an abysmal 1-4. This is a challenge they’ve only experienced once before in their 30-year history.
This latest defeat is particularly alarming for the Ravens’ defense, which has allowed a staggering 177 points over the past five games—the most in this span in the franchise’s history. The team was hit hard with injuries and were forced to start five rookies on defense. All-Pro key players, most notably quarterback Lamar Jackson, all missed time, adding insult to the injury of a difficult year.
Lamar Jackson, the team’s star quarterback, is currently dealing with a hamstring injury, contributing to the Ravens’ struggles. When Jackson goes down, the team collapses, as they’ve gone an awful 4-10 without him under center. This most recent loss is the fifth straight loss during his absence.
Adding insult to injury, seven Pro Bowl players missed the entire season, including Tony Gonzalez retired right before training camp started. This list includes Jackson, Chetty, and an elite group of other offensive-defining players. Kyle Hamilton, Ronnie Stanley, Marlon Humphrey, Roquan Smith, Patrick Ricard and Nnamdi Madubuike all cut the mustard. Adding insult to injury, Madubuike has been ruled out for the season with a neck injury.
Even with the Ravens’ defensive issues, defensive coordinator Zach Orr is defiantly standing pat. Yet, he doesn’t despair, but carries on boldly facing these challenges. Though Harbaugh said he was disappointed with the performance after that game, he never talked about a coaching change.
“I do not think that that’s the answer.” – John Harbaugh
The Ravens’ defense allowed a record-setting 44 points at home under Harbaugh’s tenure. Linebacker Kyle Van Noy was blunt, as usual, in his criticism of how the team’s played. He underscored the urgent need to do better.
“We have to get our s
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