Almost exactly one year ago, Mike MacDonald left his position as Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator to become the Seattle Seahawks head coach. At the time, reports circulated that MacDonald wanted to hire Zach Orr, then the Ravens’ inside linebackers coach, as his defensive coordinator.
Orr stayed put and instead became MacDonald’s replacement at DC. It seems to have worked out okay for everyone involved, but especially so for Orr. The Ravens head into this weekend preparing for an AFC Divisional Playoff game that is as hyped up (and deservedly so) as any in recent memory.
The Seahawks didn’t qualify for the postseason. And while Baltimore is obviously in a better place right now than Seattle, MacDonald did slightly improve the team from where they were in the 14th and final year of the Pete Carroll era.
The ’24 Seahawks finished one game better (10-7 instead of 9-8) and one place higher in the NFC West (2nd instead of 3rd) than they did in 2023. During his first season in charge, his defense improved from midseason onward, a story familiar to Ravens fans.
The same thing happened during this season under Orr and in 2022, MacDonald’s first year as Ravens DC. The Ravens’ defense received much criticism early on, when the team started 0-2, but they topped the NFL in rushing defense.
The Ravens only allowed 1,361 yards rushing on the season, with Minnesota a very distant second, as they allowed 1,588. It’s the proverbial “number one with a bullet.”
The Ravens’ defense adjusted to life after Mike MacDonald and Patrick Queen just fine. But MacDonald is on to something in the Pacific Northwest.
He’s helping develop an emerging star that will rival Ravens strong safety Kyle Hamilton as the best young defensive back in football.
Cornerback Devon Witherspoon was Seattle’s only Pro Bowl selection this season, and the Illinois grad has earned this distinction both years that he’s been in the league.
“He plays with his hair on fire,” Macdonald said in a statement provided to RG. “You talk about shocking effort, and if you want to shock people, watch 21 play. We talk about ball finding energy, and it kind of all comes together with Spoon.
“People want production and they want to be certain type of players, but if you don’t do it every day, I don’t see how you could have a reasonable expectation to be a great player.
“This guy brings it every single day, and does it every rep, and that’s why he’s a great player.”
It’s worth noting that their lone Pro Bowler is on the defensive side of the ball, and of the five Pro Bowl alternates, three are defenders: Leonard Williams, safety Julian Love, and outside linebacker Boye Mafe.
It’s understandable why so many Ravens fans were upset by MacDonald’s departure at the time. Some believed he would be and/or deserved to be the next head coach.
There were also legitimate doubts about Orr, a year ago at this time, given his relative inexperience. But the Ravens D really brought it during the back half of the season, and they have another AFC North division title, and Wild Card Round win to show for it.
