Why It’s Too Early to Panic for Reeling, Injured Ravens: 'We've Been Down This Road'

A day after the Ravens’ 37-20 loss to the Chiefs, which dropped his team into the dreaded 1-3 hole, coach John Harbaugh expressed optimism in Baltimore’s prospects. He spoke of his belief in defensive coordinator Zach Orr, the playcaller of a banged-up unit in crisis.

"We're not too far away on defense," Harbaugh said Monday. "I really feel confident that we're going to play really good defense this year. I really am. I know the fans hear that, and I hope they have a little bit of confidence in us that we've been down this road before a little bit."

Harbaugh might not be totally off-kilter. In 2019, the Ravens started 2-2 and won their next 12 games. In 2024, they started 0-2 and finished the season 12-5.

On the other hand, it seems really bad right now, especially for a win-now team that entered 2025 as one of the Super Bowl favorites. In the Super Bowl era, only about 10% of teams that started 1-3 have even made the playoffs.

In Kansas City's 37-20 win on Sunday, the Chiefs had 382 yards of total offense against the Ravens, including 112 on the ground. (Photo by Amy Kontras/Getty Images)

Through four weeks, Baltimore ranks at or near the bottom of the NFL in several defensive categories: points allowed (32nd), yards allowed (31st), passing defense (31st), sacks (tied-30th), EPA allowed per play (29th) and rushing defense (27th). The Ravens also have just two takeaways this season, fewer than only the Commanders (1) and Jets (0). They’ve given up at least 37 points in three of their first four games. 

The issues are because of, and compounded by, injuries to high-level starters. Pro Bowl defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike is out for the season with a neck injury. Other starters who already have, could or will miss games