Ravens defensive coordinator blames fatigue for team's Week 1 collapse vs. Bills: 'We mentally and physically wore out'
Though they were part of an excellent game, the Baltimore Ravens sustained one of the worst losses in Week 1, falling to the Buffalo Bills 41-40 despite leading by 15 points in the fourth quarter.
It was an epic collapse. And while multiple members of the team deserve some blame, the Ravens defense took a lot of the brunt after allowing Josh Allen to tear them apart in the game's final minutes.
But there was a reason the Ravens' defense couldn't keep up with Allen in the fourth quarter: They were completely gassed. Ravens defensive coordinator Zach Orr said the team's defenders were "mentally and physically wore out" after by the end of the contest.
While some might look at that quote and call out the team's conditioning, the Ravens did play an astounding number of snaps on defense in Week 1. Orr claimed Ravens' defenders received 87 snaps in the game, 34 of which game in the final quarter.
Ravens DC Zach Orr pointed out that the defense played 87 snaps including 34 in the fourth quarter. He thinks that contributed to the defense wearing down.
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) September 11, 2025
There's some uncertainty over the actual number of snaps played by the Ravens defense in the contest, but most sites list the team's defensive snaps in — or around — the 80s.
That figure very likely would have been lower had running back Derrick Henry not fumbled with just 3:10 left on the clock. Ravens defenders had to return to the field almost immediately after giving up a 10-play scoring drive that ended at the 3:56 mark.
Henry fumbled just two plays after that score, forcing the Ravens' defense to take the field after only 50 seconds of game time had passed. Baltimore promptly gave up another touchdown just four plays later.
Things also might have been different had the Ravens gone for it on their next drive. Baltimore had a chance to ice the game if it converted a 4th and 3 with 1:33 to play, but opted to punt the ball away because Lamar Jackson was cramping.
The Bills were able to drive down the field for the game-winning field goal, handing Baltimore the loss.
It was a disappointing result considering how good the Ravens looked earlier in the contest. As long as the team can avoid putting itself in situations where the defense has to play roughly 80 snaps in a single game, the Ravens should be able to get back on track before long.