The devil or the raven is in the details, a new matte black helmet, and black talon stripes are nice touches but overall, the shirts and pants don’t look that different from the changes they made almost twenty-seven seasons ago. I have a feeling that with all eyes on Eric DeCosta to have a superb draft class he will lean more on the team’s history for the kind players that they will add this week, although I wouldn’t mind a few more risks.

Best Player Available vs. Biggest Needs

For years, Baltimore has trusted their board and often let the draft come to them. It’s a philosophy that has served them well over the years, but the question isn’t if it works, it’s is that that works now for this draft.

DeCosta has stated that he feels that the talent level falls off midway through Round One, so that could make Baltimore’s pick a sweet spot to land a blue-chip prospect at number 14.

Most experts and mocks are predicting the team will prioritize interior lineman or pass catchers for Lamar Jackson. While Connor Lew (Auburn) is the top-rated Center, many believe that the team will go instead with Vega Ioane the huge blocker from Penn State, or Spencer Fano (Utah), a versatile blocker who could fill multiple roles up front.

There have also been some sites that have linked offensive weapons like Makai Lemon (USC) who could be paired with Zay Flowers or Tight End Kenyon Sadiq (Oregon)who has 4.39 speed and would help solidify a depleted Tight End room with the losses of Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar.

Of course, there is always the possibility of trading back to gather more draft capital but with Baltimore holding eleven picks in the draft I don’t think that seems likely.

I think the Ravens stay on brand here and select Vega Ioane who seems to be the most frequent projection, has a bit of a mean streak and has the most plug and play potential available. Sometimes the best player out there fits a glaring need, as well.

Building Around Lamar – What’s missing?

The structure around the two-time MVP has been the focus and will continue to be so in Baltimore if they are to return the playoffs and make a run.

The team still has holes on the Offensive line especially with the departure of Tyler Linderbaum. A possible replacement could be Logan Jones, a Rimington trophy winner who attended the same school also is a possibility to play right away.

With Rashod Batman’s inconsistency issues returning and the need for more depth aside from Devontez Walker Baltimore could look to add to the receiving corps. The second and third rounds could offer some help there with Germie Bernard (Alabama) being a popular selection with 4.48 speed as well as Tai Felton (Maryland) who also could be a dangerous alternative. The Ravens also could find their Tight End here too. Eli Stowers (Vanderbilt) has had a formal combine with the team and is a favorite of Mel Kiper, while Mason Taylor (LSU) may also be a possibility.

Plenty of Needs

With 11 picks, DeCosta is expected to be aggressive and with multiple fifth round picks at his disposal he should be. He could look to package picks to trade up if one of the Ravens main targets is in danger of being snapped up.

I mentioned earlier about the strategy of best player against need. I feel like the Ravens will lean more into needs due to so many players leaving due to free agency. Having cost-controlled talent that can help you will be important in 2026.

I expect during the first several rounds for Baltimore that they reinvest in both lines. It was a sign of weakness last season when it came to protecting Lamar and being able to get penetration on the defensive side. Jesse Minter’s defense relies on getting pressure with the interior and being able to drop the rest into coverage and doesn’t blitz much.

Here’s how I see it:

First Round (14) -Vega Ioane (OG) (Penn State) – He did not allow a single sack in 2025 and is a mauler type that reasserts a physical presence along the line.

Second Round (45) – Caleb Banks (DT) (Florida) – 6’6” Game wrecker with a quick first step and a ton of potential.

Third Round (80) – Connor Lew (IOL) (Auburn) – The Ravens have a history of drafting Centers and he’s the best option available there.

Fourth Round (115) – Chris McClellan (DL) (Missouri) – Added depth piece to a rebuilding Defensive Line.

That’s much of the early draft capital being devoted to the lines. In the latter rounds, there is a need for coverage at Running Back, Corner, and a starting Punter. Jeff Yurk was an All-American Punter at Elon and is a rising prospect that the Ravens may draft in the seventh round to eliminate a bidding war with other teams such as Minnesota. Yurk had a private workout with Baltimore and the interest in him in reported to be significant.

The post Third And Short: Draft Week Edition appeared first on Baltimore Sports and Life.

As I watched I had to wonder in a sport that is often called a “copycat” league (aren’t they all?) how Seattle’s victory would impact not only the rest of the teams chasing Lombardi glory but of course the Baltimore Ravens.

In 2000, the Ravens used what was widely considered the most statistically dominant defense in league history to bully their way to their first Super Bowl title. Due to rule changes and the league’s desire to feature offense and high scoring games many thought that the success generated by that unit would never be replicated.

However, “The Dark Side” has just made a clear case that defenses can still dictate championship glory. Even though they are from different eras they do have several similarities to Brian Billick’s Ravens.

Both had defensive coaches that were the architects of their style of play. Marvin Lewis used unique blitzing packages and employed huge interior lineman to keep Ray Lewis free to wreak havoc sideline to sideline. Mike MacDonald used a “Fangio-centric” style that used disguise and complexity to slow down modern offenses. Both groups used a dominant front seven to stifle the opposition with Seattle blitzing much less and getting pressure with their front four to allow the remaining players to zone-match to receivers.

MacDonald’s leadership and skill in leading Seattle to the championship after only his second season as Head Coach is important to note. At the time he was hired he was the youngest Head Coach in the league when he took over for Pete Carroll. But the youth movement at the head position has been evolving since Sean McVay was hired at 30 in 2017. More teams than ever have been entrusting their franchise’s futures with young innovative minds from both sides of the ball to lead.

The hiring of Jesse Minter is already following the trends. Baltimore now has a young defensive mind that will be tasked with reviving the swagger of a unit that was one of the league’s worst in 2025.

The Chargers defense was comparable in several defensive metrics to MacDonald’s Seahawks such as points per game allowed (18.9) and total defense (285 ypg). They also held opponents to the lowest success rate in the red zone (45%) while blitzing at the same rate as Seattle (21%).

Many analysts and fans feel that Minter can be the next MacDonald for several reasons. First, is the four years that they worked together in Baltimore crafting this disguise heavy system now dominating the NFL. Second, is their shared reputation for developing talent and for getting the most out of players. Odafe Oweh being a prime example as he finished the season with ten sacks after starting with none in Baltimore over the first five weeks of the season.

While Minter has schematic knowledge, his primary challenge for 2026 is going to be retooling the defensive side of the ball to resemble more of the roster that MacDonald led in 2023. That means that he and Eric DeCosta will have some work to do as there will be several questions to answer.

Will Nnamdi Madubuike return to the field? Is it time to move on from Marlon Humphrey? Will the team draft an edge rusher or trade for one? Overall were the Ravens struggles last season a lack of talent or lack of leadership by Zach Orr?

That last one may be the most important question to answer as it may be the difference between retooling and rebuilding for the Ravens on defense.

The offense is a different problem. This is a group that traditionally goes the way Lamar Jackson does and, in a season, where he dealt with numerous injuries to his back and leg while missing four games. His passing performance despite all of that was solid as he threw 21 touchdowns in 13 games with a 103.8 passer rating. The bigger concern with his health was his decline in rushing production as he ran for a career low of 349 yards, which is a massive drop-off from previous seasons.

Lamar’s future with the team has been the subject of a lot of speculation among the media. I don’t think the team has ever thought about moving on from the former two-time MVP and this was just an angle invented by talking heads to get attention and instead the team will look for an extension to get a more friendly cap number so they can get to work with constructing a better roster for next season.

I do have concerns about Jackson’s health and his ability to be a consistent running threat. But he may not need to be to be good enough to win a championship.

The reclamation of Sam Darnold was another important piece to Seattle’s success. The free agent was in the same draft class as Jackson and was very good during the regular season even though he led the league with twenty total turnovers. He was great when it counted as during the playoff run Darnold threw five touchdowns and did not turn the ball over once during the post-season. That piece has been a struggle for Lamar although he was improved under Monken in 2023-24.

For the final piece in the championship formula, we focus on Eric DeCosta. In my opinion he needs to have an excellent off-season to make up for a variety of failures that contributed to such a disappointing 2025.

The offensive line strategy of trying to go cheap at both Guard positions proved costly as both Daniel Faalelee and Andrew Vorhees regressed and overall, the production of the that unit was simply not up to par. The pass rush was underwhelming as they continue to rely on “right player, right price” as the philosophy instead of acquiring premier talent at the position. Trading for Dre’mont Jones instead of making a run at Micah Parsons is a prime example for me. The Parsons move is one that a team with Super Bowl aspirations makes to go all in.

Seattle made a quick turnaround with General Manager John Schneider hitting on blue-chip talent like Devon Witherspoon and Nick Emmanwori in the draft and then supplementing with shrewd veteran additions like DeMarcus Lawrence and Ernest Jones VI.

DeCosta will need to have a solid draft class in April and then make some clear choices to address the Ravens most pressing needs. It will be important that DeCosta and Minter are on the same page as the season approaches when it comes to roster construction and how best to achieve the new head coach’s vision.

There are still a ton of questions to answer before Training Camp begins in July but if done the right way Baltimore could be right back where it wants to be sooner rather than later.

The post Can Baltimore replicate Seattle’s Championship Success? appeared first on Baltimore Sports and Life.

The Ravens lost 28–24 to the New England Patriots, surrendering 15 unanswered fourth-quarter points and watching another late lead slip through their fingers in a game that was, at times, fully in hand. What unfolded on the field was not just another disappointing loss — it was a microcosm of the Ravens’ 2025 season.

It’s thoroughly frustrating to recap yet another meltdown at home no less, against a team that they were better than for most of the evening. But as has become custom Baltimore continues to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory in the most confounding of ways.

The Ravens built a lead on the strength of the running game as Lamar Jackson was forced to exit due to a back injury early in the second quarter. Jackson has dealt with a plethora of injuries during this campaign, and those pains have led to a decrease in his production and his ability to use his legs when needed most. A telling statistic for me was that he does not have a run over twenty plus yards in 2025.

Luckily Tyler Huntley was more than capable as his backup completing 9 of 10 passes for 65 yards and keeping the offense moving. But it was Derrick Henry who was the star of the game as he ran for 128 yards with two touchdowns on only 18 carries. Henry fumbled early in the contest but he more than made up for his mistake by hammering the New England front most of the night. It seemed that the only people that were able to halt Henry’s assault were his own coaches who chose to sit him in favor of Keaton Mitchell and Rasheen Ali due to rotation.

Let me pause for a moment while I think about why that explanation for not having your best offensive player on the field at a crucial point in the game when your two-time MVP Quarterback is injured is utter nonsense. Then again how many times have we questioned the soundness of the decisions made by the coordinators and the head coach this season.

The late collapse looked like so many others, Baltimore led 24-13 with 13 minutes left after Henry’s second touchdown. That should have been where the offense chews up game clock, the defense clamps down and the Purple and Black walk out of the Bank with a win. Instead, the Patriots scored on successive possessions which included an 89 yd drive that gave them the lead with under two minutes left. Huntley attempted to lead the charge to answer but Zay Flowers fumbled and that was the ballgame – all without Henry touching the ball the rest of the quarter.

The loss was one that was all too typical, the offense can’t get enough first downs, the defense can’t stop their opponents and when impact plays are needed the players can’t rise to the occasion.

Mathematically the team’s playoff hopes are still alive but realistically this season is over. A Super Bowl contender at the start of the season that fell far short of expectations.

So, what about the future? Right now I’m ready for baseball.

The post Ball Don’t Lie appeared first on Baltimore Sports and Life.

Baltimore now sits at 6–7, watching the AFC North slip further out of reach and running short on opportunities to prove they can be more than a talented but inconsistent team.

Sunday’s game was a clinic in between-the-20s production and inside-the-20s frustration.

Baltimore outgained Pittsburgh 420–318. They dominated on the ground with 217 rushing yards to the Steelers’ 34. They controlled tempo, field position, and time of possession.

And it didn’t matter.

Why? Because the Ravens turned promising drives into field goals and punts when drives couldn’t be sustained. The overturned Isaiah Likely touchdown — which would’ve given the Ravens the lead late in the fourth — was the most dramatic example, but not the only one. Too often, Baltimore schemes long, successful drives only to stumble when precision and execution matter most. On Sunday Baltimore was two for six inside the twenty, and in the fourth quarter they settled for two field goals on three trips and they turned the other over on downs.

As has been said all season, this is a team with way too much talent to struggle to put the ball into the endzone. Yesterday was the sixth straight game that the Ravens failed to reach thirty points.

That’s the difference between a playoff team and a team watching the postseason from the couch.

This hardly is something new.

It’s been somewhat perplexing how a team with basically the same players can go from the NFL’s best team in red zone efficiency (74%) to one of the league’s worst (44%).

I say somewhat because the reasons are many and they have been outlined on this site many times.

The offensive line has been an issue with inconsistent play from both Guards highlighting the misery. Daniel Faalelee mistakes have become a regular lowlight for many Twitter followers and while Andrew Vorhees hasn’t been much better it looked as if rookie Emery Jones was going to be rotated in at the position. That didn’t happen as Vorhees went the distance.

Another piece that maybe hasn’t discussed enough is Lamar Jackson’s inability and unwillingness to use his legs.

It was good to see Jackson get his first touchdown in a month with his six-yard scramble as he had seven carries for forty-three yards, which is the first time since the Kansas City game that he’s rushed for more than forty yards in a game. In fact, he appeared to be moving better than we’ve seen in a while as he’s been dealing with multiple injuries.

The fact is that a mobile and healthy Lamar masks any deficiencies on the offensive line and it puts the defense at an immediate disadvantage. When he isn’t a threat to run he’s a good quarterback but not a great one.

This team is frustrating because the pieces are all there: a former MVP at quarterback, difference-makers on defense, a creative run game, offensive weapons, and a culture that has historically thrived under pressure.

But 6–7 is 6–7. The Ravens have exhausted their buffer. The division is drifting toward Pittsburgh, and the AFC playoff picture is increasingly crowded.

Still — the Ravens aren’t dead. Not yet, at least mathematically.

If they fix red-zone execution, start games with urgency, and lean into their veteran leadership, this team absolutely has the horses to sprint through the finish. But if they continue to play like a team hoping things go right instead of making things go right, this season will be remembered as one where promise gave way to inconsistency.

The Ravens have reached their reckoning.

The post Red Zone Reckoning appeared first on Baltimore Sports and Life.

It was the fifth straight win for a team that started 1-5 and had many questioning, …well everything.

Is it time for Baltimore to move on from Head Coach John Harbaugh and Defensive Coordinator Zach Orr? Is it time for a thorough examination of the roster construction and the draft pick failures of Eric DeCosta? Was this roster just not as good as we thought or were they just underperforming?

When a Super Bowl favorite comes stumbling out of the gate at 1-5, it’s fair to say that all the above was on the table in terms of blame and accountability.

But after a five-game win streak the Ravens now hold the first-place tiebreaker over the Pittsburgh Steelers as we head into late November and sit atop the AFC North.

Yesterday’s win also revealed who this team is right now and some things have changed.

1. This Ravens defense has quietly been better.

Baltimore was able to hold the Jets to 10 points on Sunday afternoon and that’s the fifth time the defense has allowed 17 points or fewer this season. That’s a major improvement considering at the start of the campaign they were statistically and historically the league’s worst unit.

Everyone including me was calling for Zach Orr’s job but just like last season things have settled and the defense has solidified.

Turnovers change games in your favor, especially when you cause them. Over the span of the winning streak Baltimore has ten turnovers during that stretch. Marlon Humphrey had a big one yesterday stripping Breece Hall at the five-yard line essentially stopping New York’s growing momentum in the fourth quarter. Humphrey, the four-time Pro Bowler has led by example as the season has turned and along with Roquan Smith and Kyle Hamilton are playing like the leaders they are expected to be.

Enough can’t be said about the trades that brough Alohi Gilman and Dre’Mont Jones into the fold. They have both helped give the group exactly what they needed with their productive play.

Obviously we acknowledge that recent competition hasn’t been the strongest; and that factors.

2. Lamar Jackson isn’t himself.

As I watched the game yesterday, I saw something that I never thought I’d see watching the two-time MVP play. As Lamar broke from the pocket there was open field ahead of him and instead of scooting up the line for a twenty-yard gain -he hesitated. Not only did he not burst for the first down but the defender backed off him to drop into coverage.

He didn’t want to run unless he absolutely had to. His stat lines of late have been very Un-Lamar like and yesterday was no different.

13 for 23 passing for 153 yards and rushed for 11 yards.

He’s only rushed for more than 40 yards twice this season and looks limited dealing with multiple injuries.

The good news is the team keeps winning even though Lamar isn’t in top form and that’s a good thing to see. There’s been plenty of times in the past that he’s “put on his cape” to lead the team to victory so it’s nice to the team pick him up.

3. Offensive struggles persist.

Lamar’s struggles have something to do with that statement but the issues along the offensive line do not look like they will be fixed any time soon either.

The last time the Ravens scored 30 was in Week 8 against the Bears and that was with Tyler Huntley under center. Baltimore was down 7-3 at the break yesterday as the offense sputtered into the third quarter. The red zone issues were still a concern as they were able to score touchdown in two of their five trips inside the twenty.

Moving forward the team must find a way to make more explosive plays in the passing game and get creative to score six whenever the chance arises. This group must play better if they plan on winning the division.

The post Grinding Forward appeared first on Baltimore Sports and Life.

It’s been a rough season so far and the Bye week couldn’t come at a better time for a team that seems destined for a high draft pick at its conclusion.

This season has been frustrating on many levels but yesterday had several moments that left you shaking your head in disbelief.

There’s a lot to unpack as we look ahead into an off week.

Here’s what I learned yesterday:

The Offense Needs Lamar Jackson to Succeed

This isn’t a hot take.

I think that all Ravens fans and those around the league know that the Ravens offense is built around the unique skills of the two-time MVP. So, when it was announced that a hamstring injury would keep Jackson sidelined for another game all eyes turned to the backup – Cooper Rush.

Rush was signed this past off-season to a two-year deal worth around six million dollars and was seen as an upgrade over previous backups Josh Johnson and Tyler Huntley. However, in just seven quarters, Rush has thrown four interceptions and coughed up one fumble.

Yesterday Rush was benched in the fourth quarter in favor of the fan favorite Huntley after leading the offense to just three points.

With Lamar, this offense has been one of the league’s best, averaging 32.8 points per game and 338 total yards per game. Without him Baltimore has scored 6.5 points in the past two contests and average 251 yards per game.

Sometimes it takes removing your best player to truly see how important he is to this team. In this case his absence reveals so much more. His ability covers up for so many deficiencies from poor coaching decisions to questionable roster moves.

Red Zone Inefficiency

Todd Monken’s game plan made sense yesterday as they established the run and their best back Derrick Henry (24 carries for 122 yds. , 5.1 ypc). This helped control the clock and slowed the game down to a pace where Baltimore could compete against Los Angeles.

His choices once the Ravens were on the one-yard line though did not make sense.

The offense had four chances to score and could not as they attempted a “Tush Push” twice in a row and finally gave it to Henry on fourth down on an ill-conceived play.

As I sat watching dumbfounded as I attempted to piece together the logic of that sequence I tried to decide which was worse; that or having Henry attempt a Halfback option inside the ten.

In the modern game you must convert red zone opportunities into touchdowns. The Ravens are in the bottom half of the league at 44%. This must get better.

Here’s what I’m keying this week:

Reality Check

It’s time to take an honest look in the mirror.

Is this a team that you think can make a run and grab a Wild Card berth?

No.

Spin it any way you like but this team just invents ways to lose and even when they were considered a Super Bowl favorite, they always found ways to come up short and underachieve in big games.

There needs to be an audit from the top all the way down the line. It’s time for you to step out of the shadows, Mr. Bisciotti.

He spoke publicly in April about his hopes for his team. It’s time to prove it. https://www.nfl.com/news/ravens-owner-steve-bisciotti-on-12-year-super-bowl-drought-i-want-to-win-now

In the link above he talked about “wanting to win now”.

His Ravens have made it to the playoffs six of the last seven seasons. They are also 3-6 over the past playoff trips, never winning more than one game in any span and bowing out three times in their first game.

It could be time to re-evaluate the “Ravens way” in conducting business which means putting Eric DeCosta and John Harbaugh on notice.

DeCosta has long been lauded as one of the league’s best executives and he was groomed for years as Ozzie Newsome’s successor. He has done well in helping build a perennial contender and playoff participant but many of his draft misses are starting to impact the club.

DeCosta has never been able to properly address the pass rush. Inside Tackle Justin Madbuike was given a huge contract because he could not only stop the run, but he could get interior pressure. Now his career may be in jeopardy. Roquan Smith was given a huge deal almost immediately after he was acquired from Chicago and his performance has not been up to par. Odafe Oweh, David Ojabo, and Jaylon Ferguson all have been washouts.

John Harbaugh enters his 18th season as Head Coach after inking another extension this off-season. His answer this morning to the current quarterback situation sort of sums it up for me.

Harbaugh said that the plan all along yesterday was to alternate Cooper Rush and Tyler Huntley.

Huh?

That wasn’t what happened, so why lie? There were questions about signing Rush in the first place and whether he was a good fit for this offense. After one full game under center and the organization is scrambling for a different answer.

I appreciate the Ravens being a model of consistency and not responding in a knee jerk manner, but I feel that consistency has morphed into complacency.

There will be no mid-season firing of anyone. But when the final chapter of this season’s tale has been written it will be important to re-evaluate and it’s time for a fresh perspective on everything.

This article is courtesy of Haven  – “Haven is Baltimore’s modern coworking, events and office space, built for entrepreneurs and professionals who want to thrive in a creative environment that is flexible, affordable, and full of free perks.”

The post Ravens in Need of a Reality Check at the Bye appeared first on Baltimore Sports and Life.

Most of the answers involve someone losing their job.

Zach Orr has drawn the most criticism as his Defense has posted some historical numbers so far in 2025. Through the first four games of the season, the Ravens have had one of the worst defenses in the NFL, giving up a league-high 133 points. This has never happened before in Ravens history during a four-game stretch.

It hardly matters to anyone that Baltimore is missing a total of ten starters, mainly on the defense. The expectations of this season were as high as they’ve ever been but right now it feels as if this team has reached a critical moment and we aren’t quite out of September yet.

There’s a lot to unpack as we look ahead.

Here’s what I learned yesterday:

Injuries are starting to define the season The loss in Kansas City wasn’t just another defeat; it was a reminder that this roster feels dangerously thin at this point.

Nnamdi Madibuike and Broderick Washington were both placed on Injured Reserve earlier this week. Travis Jones also hasn’t been available so the front four is struggling to find any push up front with these contributors out. Madibuike’s neck injury may also be cause for concern beyond this season.

Kyle Van Noy, Marlon Humphrey, Roquan Smith, Ronnie Stanley, Patrick Ricard, Jaire Alexander, Nate Wiggins, and most notably Lamar Jackson are all injured into Week Five.

Tony Romo put it bluntly on the CBS broadcast: “You’re not going to have that quarterback if that’s the case, you can’t afford many more losses before you have to go on some crazy run. To me, this is a huge two- or three-week stretch. If I’m a Ravens fan, I’m concerned right now.”

Many of the injuries that I listed above are significant for different reasons but none is more important than the one to the two-time MVP Jackson who when he plays always gives you a chance to win. If he is out for an extended period the staff will need to readjust their game plans with Cooper Rush under center.

Defensive breakdowns are glaring

For years, Baltimore was the league’s gold standard against the run. Not anymore. Through four games, the Ravens rank 28th in rushing defense, allowing 141 yards per game.

Patrick Mahomes didn’t even need his legs — the Chiefs piled up yards methodically, converting 8-of-13 third downs.

Injuries aside, this team doesn’t do simple things correctly, like lining up in proper coverage or making a tackle. They have only two turnovers in four games and rarely if ever get to the quarterback.

The Ravens defensive depth will be tested with five rookies on the field yesterday there will many players who weren’t expected to contribute and will definitely get their chances in the coming weeks. Next man up.

Here’s what I’m keying this week:

Kyle Hamilton

The Notre Dame standout was under fire this past week attempting to defend his DC Zach Orr in an interview and at one point called the Baltimore fans “spoiled”.

The backlash was immediate.

But after yesterday’s drubbing when so many of the team’s veterans were gone or declined to be interviewed there was Hamilton front and center.

“First, I just want to apologize to the fans,” said Hamilton. “The product that we’re putting on the field right now is not up to par with what the Ravens have been in the past and have been in the recent past. I think we know that. We’re trying our best to correct it, but obviously, something is wrong, so it’s up to all of us to try and fix that.”

He then addressed his controversial comments about the team’s fanbase

“I feel like early in the week, I used a poor choice of words, just saying that Ravens fans were spoiled. I retract that. I meant in the sense that Ravens fans have been accustomed to great defense [and] great teams. [There] haven’t been a lot of teams in Ravens history, since 1996, to underachieve to the point where fans felt disappointed in the season as a whole, and I feel like as of right now, in Week 4, obviously, [there is] a long way to go in this season, we’re disappointed, and I’m sure the fans are disappointed, too. We have to get it fixed. We have to put a product and a team on the field that fans are proud to say they root for, proud to say they spend money on tickets to come to the games and support us.”

This team is in desperate need of leadership, and I’d like to nominate Kyle Hamilton for that job. I appreciate the accountability displayed by his words and hope that they will translate into action on the field. With so many players out, the newly extended Hamilton will need to lead by the example over this next stretch.

BIG PICTURE

1–3 is not a death sentence, but it’s close. Only about 14% of NFL teams starting 1–3 make the postseason. That’s the statistical mountain Baltimore is staring at. The two times that the franchise started 1-3 (2005, 2015) both times they missed the playoffs. So, there is urgency especially among fans to see some action.

The Ravens can’t sleepwalk into October. Two winnable games before the bye could change the entire outlook and get them back to five hundred. This will require the coaching staff to take a hard look at themselves.

If Lamar Jackson is out for any period, then it only makes sense to build the offense around the running game which includes Derrick Henry, Justice Hill – who scored twice yesterday and finally activating Keaton Mitchell. Use the run to set up the pass and slow the game down. For some reason Todd Monken has been hesitant to use Henry more or even have him on the field in third and fourth and short situations.

Zach Orr’s seat couldn’t be any hotter and with so many players out he needs to keep things simple and find ways to help slow the opponent’s rushing attack. It will be a tall task with so many not available, but it has to be done.

There are 13 games remaining which means there’s a long way to go before this season is over. I’m as frustrated as anyone, but no one is getting fired at this point. That’s a discussion to have in March. This team has work to do and lots of it.

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The post Ravens Routed at Arrowhead: Is it time to panic? appeared first on Baltimore Sports and Life.

Here’s what else I learned yesterday:

Big Plays Matter

The Ravens were outgained, out-passed, out-rushed, and had a terrible third down conversion rate (3 for 12) against Cleveland and yet they dominated the one statistic that matters – the score. While the offense was inconsistent at times, they got a huge lift from Special Teams and the Defense as both provided game-changing plays that helped propel the team to its first win of 2025. Roquan Smith’s fumble return for a touchdown; Jake Hummel’s blocked punt; and Nate Wiggins with a 60-yard interception return were just a few examples of how one play can alter the course of a game. These are also the kind of game swings that hide issues elsewhere, but you can’t build a sustainable season on just getting lucky. Still, the ability to capitalize on mistakes and to find ways to win even when the offense isn’t clicking is important for a championship team.

Lamar Jackson is an elite passer

The early criticisms of Jackson’s game, mainly his passing accuracy, seem almost silly to bring up now. He and the rest of the offense struggled against a strong Cleveland defense at times, but he made some pinpoint throws yesterday, as well as throws on the run evading the rush. He still finished with four touchdowns on the afternoon while only rushing twice. He got several different receivers involved and connected with seven pass catchers. In two games he has a 68% completion rate with six touchdowns and no interceptions for a rating of 136.6 so he’s off to another fast start in the chase for another MVP accolade.

Here’s what I’m keying this week:

Health and Depth

The Ravens are usually the kings in the pre-season and it’s mainly due to their depth. The strength of the bench will be tested in the upcoming weeks as they host the high-powered Lions on Monday night and after they travel to Kansas City to face a Chiefs team that will be hungry for a victory after dropping their first two.

Marlon Humphrey exited with a groin injury and Kyle Van Noy left the game with a hamstring issue. No word yet on their short-term status but both could be out or limited in the next stretch of crucial games for Baltimore. Rookie Mike Green saw increased action and almost got his first career sack while undrafted rookie Keyon Marton took Humphrey’s place and had five tackles. David Ojabo who was a healthy scratch yesterday could also be elevated if Van Noy can’t play.

The team did get some good news as Isiah Likely returned to practice in a limited capacity but was not active against the Browns. It’s no doubt that Likely is the heir apparent to Mark Andrews who hasn’t been productive so far. Andrews has two catches for seven yards and could not hold on to sure touchdown yesterday. I have a feeling it will at least be another week before we see Likely in uniform on Sundays.

Special Teams is Special.. for now.

This unit was my biggest concern going into the season and yesterday they made an impact. Tyler Loop has been solid since replacing Justin Tucker. He’s 4 for 4 on Field Goal attempts and has made all his extra points (11) except one in Buffalo. In general, he’s looked comfortable in those situations but for kickoffs it’s another story. He continues to struggle with keeping the ball in the field of play and with the recent rule changes this aspect of the kicking game becomes even more crucial especially when playing top teams over the next few weeks.

Jordan Stoudt has had a strong start so far as he leads all punters in Net yardage (48.9) with three kicks inside the twenty. The returners – Rasheen Ali on kickoffs and LaJohntay Webester on punts have been decent so far each getting a decent return in limited action. As we saw yesterday one Special Team play can make all the difference. Jake Hummel’s blocked punt gave the Ravens excellent field position and allowed the offense to start on a short field. Baltimore’s championship teams of the past always had exceptional Special Teams so there’s some room for improvement, but the early returns are encouraging.

Something Not Getting Enough Attention:

Jaire Alexander

The free agent signing from Green Bay was inactive vs. Cleveland — a “healthy scratch” per reports. This leaves me a bit concerned and confused. Alexander was brought in to help solidify the secondary as the final piece to a group that on paper looks like one of the best in the NFL.

Instead, he’s benched for the home opener.

I’m not necessarily upset by this move as Alexander played a huge role in the defensive collapse in Buffalo. It feels as if they’ve learned from their experience with Marcus Williams. If you aren’t healthy or don’t play within your role you won’t play.

So, that decision says to me that the team has a standard and expectation that they will not compromise but it also reveals a potentially weak link they may need to shore up quickly — whether through better coaching, adjustments, or perhaps even bringing in competition.

BIG PICTURE

After two games, here’s how I see it:

Baltimore is a top team in the AFC that has a chance to win another AFC North Title especially with the injury to Joe Burrow likely to set him back several months.

This is a team with high ceiling but also has clear fault lines. Lamar Jackson remains a dynamic difference-maker. The defense has playmaking ability but needs consistency. John Harbaugh’s legacy and decision-making (e.g., how aggressively to bench veterans, when to play young players, how much risk to take in close games) are under a microscope again.

The sense I get is that this year is still about getting back to being viewed as a serious Super Bowl threat. The offseason moves (Kyle Hamilton extension, bringing in Hopkins, etc.) show they believe in contending now. But if they fail to correct the collapse issues (especially after leading) or struggle in high-stakes moments, criticism will mount — and so will internal. Winning a Prime-Time game against the Lions on Monday and finally getting past a wounded Chiefs team would make the league take notice that they are for real.

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And once again the big question being asked of the team is the same.

Is this the year they break through and win a third Lombardi trophy?

The Ravens have been a model of consistency over the past half-decade and are considered by many pundits to be one of most well-run organizations in pro football. Double-digit wins, MVP-caliber play from Lamar Jackson, and a defense that routinely ranks among the league’s best have made them perennial contenders. Yet, when January arrives, the story too often turns sour. The playoff heartbreaks have piled up, and fair or not, the narrative has become great regular season team, but one that chokes when it matters most.

But as the 2025 season kicks off, there’s reason to believe that narrative could finally change. With major roster moves, big-money extensions, and one of the deepest units in the NFL, the Ravens have signaled that this could be their year to crow.

A Statement Move: Kyle Hamilton’s Record Extension

On August 27th, the Ravens signed safety Kyle Hamilton to a four-year, $100.4 million extension, making him the highest-paid safety in NFL history. Hamilton, just 24, has already established himself as one of the stars of Baltimore’s defense – a versatile playmaker who can line up deep, in the slot, or in the box.

Locking him down wasn’t just about rewarding talent; it was about ensuring continuity. For a team that has watched some past stars like C.J. Mosley and Matthew Judon walk in free agency, keeping Hamilton signals a shift. Baltimore isn’t content to reload year after year. They’re building a core designed to last and Hamilton is at the center of it.

Pair that with the offseason signing of Jaire Alexander, one of the league’s premier corners, and suddenly the Ravens boast a secondary that can rival any in football. They now have former first round picks all over the secondary with Nate Wiggins ready for sophomore season and All-Pro Marlon Humphrey set for his ninth season in Charm City. Add standout Malaki Starks from this season’s draft and it’s a formidable unit.

The Defensive Identity

Baltimore has always been known for its defense, but 2025 could mark a return to the kind of dominance fans remember from the early 2000s.

Humphrey is one of the vets of this group and he has called for a renewed emphasis on turnovers and a return to a historically dominant, feared defensive identity for the Ravens in 2025, feeling that standard has slipped since he joined the team. He wants the defense to become the

franchise’s cornerstone again, like the legendary defenses of the past, believing that increased takeaways are crucial for this transformation.

The offensive failures in the playoffs are usually what garners the most headlines but the lack of turnovers and big plays by the defense have also attributed to Baltimore’s struggles to advance in the post-season.

The Ravens front seven is talented but there are questions as to whether they can generate consistent pressure. Continued development from Odafe Oweh and David Ojabo could help but I feel that the addition of rookie Mike Green to the rotation could be the missing piece along with grizzled vet Kyle Van Noy.

Mike Macdonald’s departure last year raised questions about whether the defense could maintain its edge, but the Ravens’ commitment to scheme flexibility has kept them aggressive and unpredictable. Zach Orr went through the same growing pains as Macdonald did in his first season with communication and his group continued to improve as the season wore on. The expectation for this season is that this is fully Orr’s defense and they have the piece’s to be one of the league’s best.

Special Teams Need to Be Special

During the championship seasons the Ravens could always rely on their special teams. The kicking game provided timely field goals and field position and the return game could be dangerous and put points on the board in any situation.

But over the past few years the team has struggled in that department. The departure of Justin Tucker is huge, sure he had a subpar 2024 but throughout the years he’s made a ton of clutch kicks for the team. Rookie Tyler Loop is the man for now and he’s shown that he has the leg to kick in the NFL but he will need to navigate the pressure that comes with playing in the pros and for an AFC favorite. Hopes are high at the moment but he only needs to flub a kick or two that provides costly and fans will be clamoring for a replacement.

Punter Jordan Stoudt has been inconsistent during his tenure here and while he’s looked good in the pre-season he needs to be better at pinning the opposition inside the twenty on a regular basis.

The return game looks like it will feature backup running back Rasheen Ali on kickoffs and rookie LaJohntay Webster on punts. Webster showed some flash in the preseason as he took one to the house.

The Stakes Are Higher Than Ever

For John Harbaugh, entering his 17th season, the stakes are clear. He’s one of the most respected coaches in football, but another early playoff exit could raise uncomfortable questions about whether his staff can get this team over the hump.

For Lamar Jackson, the stakes might be even higher. Two MVPs and highlight-reel plays have cemented his place as one of the league’s greats, but quarterbacks are ultimately judged by postseason success. A Super Bowl run would not only validate Jackson’s career but potentially elevate him into the conversation with the very best of his generation.

And for the Ravens as an organization, this season represents more than just another shot. It’s the culmination of years of careful roster building, calculated risks, and the belief that their time is now.

The Ravens are no strangers to hype. They’ve entered plenty of seasons with big expectations, only to see them unravel in the cold of January. But I think 2025 feels different.

They’ve locked down their young stars. They’ve added proven veterans. They’ve built a roster that is balanced, deep, and ready for the league’s toughest competition.

If ever there was a year for the Ravens to silence the doubters, it’s this one. The pieces are in place. The window is open. Now it’s time to seize it.

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I’m going to focus specifically on the offense and while I give you the most up to date information on where the roster stands now, I’ll also give you some of my own thoughts as well.

Quarterback: Lamar Jackson, Cooper Rush, Devin Leary

Jackson continues to be one of the most unique and dynamic players in the league. He enters his eighth year in the league coming off his most productive season as a professional throwing the ball with career highs in Passing yards (4,172) and Passing Touchdowns (41). He still was a threat on the ground as well and had his highest season rushing total (915) since 2020. The team decided to move on from Josh Johnson and signed the former Dallas Cowboy Rush to a two-year incentive laden deal that many would consider an upgrade. Rush went 9-5 as a starter for Dallas in his seven seasons there including 4-4 last season. Leary was drafted out of Kentucky in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL draft. He was cut during the preseason and signed to the practice squad. He did not see any action last year, and just last month, he was signed to a reserve/future contract.

Running Back: Derrick Henry, Justice Hill, Keaton Mitchell, Rasheen Ali, Marcus Major, Sone Ntoh

Henry was a key weapon in the Baltimore offense last season as he gained 1,921 yards rushing and led the league with 16 Touchdowns. The physical freak was so good that there have been talks of another extension so he could end his career as a Raven. Usually backs decline in production after thirty years of age but Henry is a different breed. It will be interesting to see how the front office handles this situation moving forward. Hill is in the final year of his deal here and he has proven to be one of the top backup runners in the NFL. His versatility and reliability as another viable option have been important for the team. Mitchell is the most intriguing player in the group though. He should be fully recovered from his ACL issues that kept him limited last season. It will be interesting to see how a fully healthy Mitchell could be used in this offense. Ali, was a fifth rounder in 2024 and saw limited action in season. Major recently signed as an undrafted free agent and will likely land on the practice squad. Ntoh was a small school signing (Monmouth) who flashes potential as well.

Tight End/Fullback: Mark Andrews, Isaiah Likely, Charlie Kolar, Zaire Mitchell-Paden, Sam Pitz, Patrick Ricard

Andrews has enjoyed a tremendous amount of success during his career in Baltimore as he heads into the final year of his last deal. With that he still has much to prove after a costly error against Buffalo in the playoffs. There were many that we anxious to trade him. The rumors proved false and Andrews will attempt to redeem himself in what could be his last season here. Likely has emerged as a rising star as his backup and it’s very possible since he’s also in a contract year that the Ravens move on from Andrews and put all their chips in with Likely moving forward in 2026. Kolar is also in the last season of his contract and has been a solid third Tight End. He also displayed his toughness playing through a fractured arm last November. Mitchell-Paden was with the practice squad last season. Pitz recently signed as an undrafted Free Agent and hopes to end up there too. Ricard recently inked a one-year extension in March and hopes to finish his career here. Ricard has not only become one of the more popular players on the team but one that is indicative of the team’s offensive identity.

Wide Receiver: Zay Flowers, Rashoud Bateman, DeAndre Hopkins, Tylan Wallace, LaJohntay Wester, Devontez Walker, Malik Cunningham, Keith Kirkwood, Jahmal Banks, Anthony Miller, Xavier Guillory, Dayton Wade

The emergence of Bateman last season has given Baltimore one of the top duo in the league paired with the explosive Flowers. They added the vet Hopkins as a player to fit the role of someone who will battle on contested catches. This should be a formidable trio. Hopkins is not the player he once was but should be able to help. Wallace was an effective reserve and handled punt return duties at times. Walker and Wester who was a Sixth Rounder should also compete for return duties and provide depth.

Offensive Line:

Center: Tyler Linderbaum, Nick Samac, Darrian Dalcourt

The Ravens declined the fifth-year option on the two-time Pro Bowler but they still seem likely to retain him. The option would have paid him $23 million in 2026, which would have given him $5 million more than any other Center in the league. Eric DeCoast remains committed to getting an extension signed before he’d hit the market next season. Samac is back from last season. The former seventh rounder was Linderbaum’s backup. Dalcourt played multiple position at Alabama and was on the practice squad last year.

Guard: Andrew Vorhees, Daniel Faalele, Garrett Dellinger, Ben Cleveland, Corey Bullock, Jared Penning

Vorhees will be in the mix to compete for the starting Left Guard job that he won a year ago. Injuries derailed his 2024 campaign and he’ll be pushed by recent additions for playing time. The massive Faalele had quite a season after moving from Tackle to the inside to win the Right Guard slot. He gave up just two sacks on 541 passing snaps and was named a Pro Bowl alternate. Cleveland was expected by many fans to be the heir apparent at Guard and instead spent 2024 as a reserve seeing only limited action (49 snaps). Surprisingly he was resigned to a one-year deal after off-season legal troubles. Dellinger is a seventh round pick from this year that should provide competition and depth. Former Terrapin Bullock spent 2024 on the Practice Squad.

Tackle: Ronnie Stanley, Roger Rosengarten, Carson Vinson, Emory Jones Jr., Gerad Christian-Lichtenhan, Reid Holskey, Ozzie Hutchinson

Stanley resigned in March after a solid 2024. Last season was his first in nine where he appeared in every game and earned a Pro Bowl nod. Rosengarten heads into his sophomore campaign as a potential rising star on the Right side. He’s earned rave reviews from coaches and opponents, particularly Myles Garrett. The third-round pick Jones could vie for the Starting Left Guard position or be a swing Tackle to provide depth behind the starters. Vinson, a Fifth rounder, could develop into a starter down the road.

Overall, this Ravens offense is filled with talent and it looks as if they’ve done a good job finding supplemental pieces and depth all around. Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken enters his third season and Lamar Jackson is in his prime. It’s all about playoff success for this group and that’s the one thing that’s eluded them with Jackson under center. If the key pieces are healthy this a Super Bowl contender again in 2025.

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