Eventually, pregame speeches and words of “we’ll be better” start to wear thin. Kyle Hamilton said it best after the Ravens surrendered 37 points, 382 total yards and four passing touchdowns in their 37-20 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.
“It’s a lot of talking,” the All-Pro safety said. “We just have to go do it.”
The Ravens can preach that they will inevitably improve, but the numbers tell a more realistic picture. They have one of the worst defenses in the NFL and in the team’s proud history.
There’s a lengthy list of ugly metrics that highlight the defense’s struggles, but these three stick out.
The 133 points allowed through four games are an organizational record. The 2001 Patriots are the only team in league history that started 1-3 and won the Super Bowl. And no defense in the NFL has struggled more at defending the run and pass.
There’s a chance that the defense regresses even further, given the disastrous string of injuries that it has already endured this season. Cornerbacks Marlon Humphrey (calf) and Nate Wiggins (elbow) and linebacker Roquan Smith (hamstring) exited Sunday’s game early and did not return.
Those three joined edge rusher Kyle Van Noy (hamstring), defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike (neck), cornerback Jaire Alexander (knee) and defensive tackles Broderick Washington (ankle) and Travis Jones (knee) as players who have missed time this season. That’s eight key players who have been injured within the first four games.
“Obviously, you’re losing multiple All-Pro guys, and that’s not going to help a defense,” Hamilton said.
Safety Kyle Hamilton apologized to Ravens fans after Sunday’s 37-20 loss to the Chiefs, saying earlier in the week he “used poor choice of words saying Ravens fans are spoiled.”
: Brian Wacker, The Baltimore Sun pic.twitter.com/KddJbD2qsT
— The Baltimore Sun (@baltimoresun) September 29, 2025
The injuries clearly took a toll Sunday. An already struggling pass rush was nonexistent, the secondary failed to cover long enough after Humphrey exited, and Kansas City’s running game found plenty of room.
The Chiefs became the latest offense to control the line of scrimmage against the Ravens, a shocking contrast with the team’s typical standard. Kansas City gave star quarterback Patrick Mahomes plenty of time to throw, as he was sacked only once and was able to attack downfield. The two-time NFL Most Valuable Player completed 25 of 37 passes for 270 yards and four touchdowns as the Chiefs scored their most points since Sept. 24, 2023.
“We’ve got to become consistent, stopping the run up front. That’s gotta be more consistent,” coach John Harbaugh said. “There were many times in this game that the Chiefs did what they did well, which is to get to third-and-short. … That just consistently did not happen.”
Mahomes and the Chiefs’ downfield passing attack had scuffled this season, entering Sunday averaging just 20 points per game and ranking 11th in offensive efficiency per DVOA. Not against the Ravens. Wide receiver Xavier Worthy returned from a shoulder injury and immediately made an impact, recording a team-leading five receptions for 83 yards while adding two carries for 38 yards.
Ravens defensive coordinator Zach Orr failed to address the problems that plagued the team in its Week 3 loss to the Detroit Lions. He often only brought four rushers, and when he blitzed, Mahomes picked the Ravens apart. Their zone defense was shredded and Kansas City targeted cornerbacks Chidobe Awuzie and Humphrey with Worthy, who used his blazing speed to gain separation.
Baltimore also did not force a turnover, something Orr and the players said was a priority this offseason. The Ravens have not generated any turnovers outside of the two they forced against the Cleveland Browns in Week 2.
“As a whole defense, I don’t think we’re playing bad,” Hamilton said. “I know it’s crazy to say that. Guys are wanting to do it so bad. It’s just a matter of fine-tuning little things.”
Orr’s reputation as a defensive coordinator continues to slip. In each of his two seasons as play-caller, the Ravens have started slowly. If Baltimore’s defense doesn’t elevate its play, Orr’s job security will come under even greater scrutiny.
“We’ve got to get it fixed. We know that,” Hamilton said about the unit’s struggle.
The defense’s effort seems to be affecting the entire team. Harbaugh was much more aggressive this week in going for it on fourth down after passing on the opportunity against the Lions. The Ravens went 1-for-4 on those critical plays, sliding to 2-for-6 on fourth down tries this season. Baltimore’s opponents are 9-for-11 on fourth down attempts, with the Bills, Lions and Chiefs a perfect 8-for-8.
Concern over Baltimore’s defense has reached extreme levels after Week 4. The unit isn’t performing well, and opposing teams show little fear. The Ravens are running out of options — and words — to turn things around.
Have a news tip? Contact Sam Jane at sjane@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/Sam_Jane230.