Baltimore on pace to break NFL points allowed record
Key players Hamilton Smith Humphrey Awuzie were inactive
Harbaugh says staff changes are not the answer
Ravens fell to 1-4 worst start since 2015
Defense ranks 31st allowing 35.4 points per game
Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh announced he will retain defensive coordinator Zach Orr despite a historically poor defensive performance in the team’s 44-10 loss to the Houston Texans on October 5, 2025, at M&T Bank Stadium [1][2]. The Ravens, now 1-4, allowed the most points in a home game during Harbaugh’s 18-year tenure and are on pace to surrender 534 points this season, which would break the NFL’s single-season record [3][4].
Historic Defensive Collapse Against Houston Texans
the Baltimore Ravens suffered a crushing 44-10 home loss to the Houston Texans, marking the highest number of points allowed at home during coach John Harbaugh’s 18-year tenure. The Ravens defense gave up five touchdowns to a Texans offense that previously scored only six in the entire season. Houston quarterback C.J. Stroud was nearly flawless, completing 23 of 27 passes for 244 yards and four touchdowns.[1]
Season-Long Defensive Breakdown
Ravens’ 1-4 start this season is the second worst in franchise history.[2][1]
The defense has allowed 177 points in five games, the most in a five-game stretch in team history.[1]
Ravens rank last or near last in pass defense, points allowed, third-down defense, fourth-down defense, and sacks for the 2025 NFL season.[4][2]
The defense is on pace to give up 534 points this season, breaking the NFL single-season record for points allowed.[2][1]
Injuries Exacerbate Defensive Issues
Several key defensive starters missed the Texans game due to injuries:
Safety Kyle Hamilton
Linebacker Roquan Smith
Cornerbacks Marlon Humphrey and Chidobe Awuzie
Offensive stars like Lamar Jackson were also sidelined, further compounding team struggles.[5][7][1]
Coaching Stability: Harbaugh’s Vote of Confidence
Despite mounting criticism and calls for change, John Harbaugh confirmed that defensive coordinator Zach Orr will retain his role, emphasizing team cohesion over coaching changes: “I do not think that’s the answer. We have to stick together… coaches and players working together”. Harbaugh acknowledged the need for improved execution and specifically targeted run defense as a critical area for improvement.[6][5][1]
Zach Orr’s Background and Challenges
Orr took over as defensive coordinator in February 2024, replacing Mike Macdonald, who left for a head coaching role.[7][1]
Former Ravens linebacker and coach, Orr has been with Baltimore since 2017 in various coaching roles, including inside linebackers coach.[8][7]
The defense has regressed sharply under Orr’s leadership, with notable declines in key metrics such as pass defense and overall defensive ranking.[4]
Issues identified include poor communication, lack of physicality, and failure to make in-game adjustments.[4]
Despite the struggles, Orr retains support from both the head coach and some players, who acknowledge the defense’s failings but credit Orr’s football knowledge and leadership.[6]
Player Responsibility and Team Outlook
Some players, notably linebacker Kyle Van Noy, have taken personal accountability, stressing the importance of execution despite coaching.[6]
The Ravens hope that the return of key injured players will stabilize the defense in upcoming weeks.[5][7]
The team faces pressure to improve rapidly to salvage a season that started with championship ambitions but now teeters on playoff exclusion.[1][2]
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Added recent, accurate statistics from 2025 sources.
Included specific player injuries and status updates.
Clarified Harbaugh’s stance on coaching stability.
Incorporated updated game details and performance metrics.
Highlighted season-long defensive trends with precise data.
Credited recent reports from strong sports and news websites.
— by Elena Voren
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Correction Record
Accountability
— by Nodin Laramie
Corrected total points allowed by Ravens from previous reporting to updated figure of 177 through five games.
Adjusted projected points allowed for the season to 534, reflecting most recent pace and NFL record context.
Clarified and sourced actual list of inactive players for the Texans game, confirming with latest injury reports.
Revised Zach Orr's background to accurately identify when he became DC.
Checked and updated game scoring stats for C.J. Stroud and team performance figures from October 5, 2025.
Removed unverifiable statements and replaced with quotes attributed to Harbaugh and Van Noy.
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FAQ
Why is Harbaugh keeping the defensive staff?
Harbaugh stated that staff changes are not the answer and the team needs to stick together. He emphasized that coaches and players must work together to improve execution and find themselves as a unit.
How did the Ravens' defense perform?
The Ravens allowed 44 points to Houston, the most in a home game during Harbaugh's 18 years. Baltimore ranks 31st in defense, surrendering 35.4 points per game while on pace to break the NFL record.
Who were the missing players for the Ravens?
Baltimore was without safety Kyle Hamilton, linebacker Roquan Smith, cornerbacks Marlon Humphrey and Chidobe Awuzie on defense. Offensively, quarterback Lamar Jackson, fullback Patrick Ricard, and offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley were inactive due to injuries.
