The Ravens 37-20 loss to the Chiefs yesterday, coupled with a loss last Monday night at home to Detroit 38-30 has the fanbase reeling and demanding answers.
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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Matt has lived in Maryland his entire life and is a graduate of Calvert Hall and Towson University. has always been an avid Baltimore sports fan. Since 2007, he has been writing and talking about Baltimore sports, especially the Ravens. His work has appeared on Ravens Gab, Russell Street Report, and he currently co-hosts a podcast “The Blitz- A Ravens podcast” with Brent Harris.