John Harbaugh, the Baltimore Ravens’ head coach, said in his press conference on Monday that he was considering making wholesale changes to the team after its third consecutive loss.
Harbaugh said, “There is a very long list of all three phases.” According to the rest of Harbaugh’s answers and the team’s performance so far this season, that list appears to be comprehensive.
“Everything’s on the table” is the answer when asked about the offensive strategy.
If Lamar Jackson was to be sidelined, we would consider playing Tyler Huntley for Week 6.
Harbaugh, who said on Sunday that changing the defensive staff was not the solution, revealed on Monday that he had spoken with Dean Pees, a former Ravens DC. Pees helped stabilize a struggling Baltimore defense last season. Though another reunion doesn’t appear to be in the works, just hearing him speak is enough to tell a lot.
Harbaugh said the secondary coach Chuck Pagano, who is also an ex Ravens DC, would be the defensive leader as the team implemented the necessary changes. He wasn’t directly asked about Pagano or another coach taking over play-calling duties, but it would be worth a discussion.
Harbaugh acknowledged that his defense, and in particular, linebackers Teddye Buchanan, Trent Simpson, were giving up far too much space when they covered the soft zones. He also mentioned this lack of experience on the field several times.
Harbaugh added, “I see us in the future playing man quite a lot,” though he noted an anemic rush to the pass would make man coverage more difficult. Harbaugh did not give any details about the changes they would make offensively but he again referred to a need for more plays, and playing ahead of sticks.
Harbaugh’s focus on stability, continuity, and consistency would seem to prevent any major changes. However, Harbaugh made similar decisions in the past, which have worked out well. Three examples include firing offensive coordinator Cam Cameron, permanently handing over the keys to Jackson in 2018 and parting with Wink Martindale in 2022 to bring in Mike Macdonald.
It is not clear what they could do other than relieve Orr of his play-calling duties. An investment of this magnitude seems unwise given the current state of the season. Monken will not be moving anywhere.
Even smaller personnel changes seem unlikely. The Ravens do not seem to think that any of their guards are better than the starters they currently have. Huntley might be able to play some short-yardage snaps but Cooper Rush will not get benched for one start against an elite defense.
Harbaugh said that everyone on the team feels a “massive urgency,” but his other comments revealed that the Ravens don’t know how to fix their problems. Harbaugh, as well as several Ravens players, have said “play better” over the past few weeks. But it seems that it will take much more.