The Baltimore Ravens' new defensive coordinator Zach Orr is stepping into a big role this season.
Orr, who is just 32, is filling in for previous DC Mike Macdonald, who was hired as the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks after leading an elite defense last season. Orr was previously the linebackers coach.
Now Orr will be leading a roster with some defenders who are older than him, including linebacker Kyle Van Noy, who is 33.
In an interview with NFL Network, Ravens safety Marcus Williams was asked about Orr's age and said Orr has earned the respect of all of the players.
"He definitely has the respect of the room," Williams said. "He comes in every day and puts in that time and that work. Age is just a number. You put in that time and that effort to come out and be the best at your role as he did as a player, he's gonna do as a coach. I have the utmost respect for him, the way he presents himself, the way he carries himself, how he coaches us and how he listens to whatever we have to say. He doesn't have an ego where we can't put our input. So, that's a good thing, but he isn't going to hold back just because he feels we're about the same age. He's still going to give you that good, hard coaching."
Orr spent three years as a linebacker with the Ravens, from 2014-2016. Orr had a strong third season, racking up 133 tackles and three interceptions. However, as NFL Network's Mike Garofolo noted, Orr retired early because of a congenital back/spine condition.
The Ravens lost some key defensive players this offseason in linebacker Patrick Queen, defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, and safety Geno Stone. However, they did add defensive talent in the draft in first-round cornerback Nate Wiggins. And Orr still has three of the elite defenders in the NFL at his disposal in safety Kyle Hamilton, linebacker Roquan Smith, and defensive tackle Justin Madubuike.
During Ravens minicamp, Van Noy predicted that Orr would run an aggressive defense.
Speaking on NFL Network, Williams said the Ravens will continue being adaptable to keep opposing offenses on their toes.
"You got to be chameleons when you're in this league because people, you know, they adapt, and they see you on film, they can see how you stand, how you align, and each and every week you got to be able to change a little here, a little there," Williams said. "We have a good thing going in our group and we're able to see what the offense is doing to try and attack those defense and those coverages."
