Late for Work: Analysts Determine Ravens’ Top Concerns And How They Will Handle Them
The Baltimore Ravens enter the 2025 NFL season with a potent mix of optimism and cautious concern. After years of solid playoff appearances, they aim to elevate their game to Super Bowl contention. However, analysts across the NFL landscape are pointing to several potential concerns for the Ravens that could affect their performance this season. As training camps open and pre-season games get underway, it’s becoming clear that the Ravens’ management and coaching staff have their work cut out for them in addressing these issues. From injuries to positional uncertainty, several key areas must be addressed for the Ravens to make a deep postseason run.
Here, we’ll examine the top concerns for the Ravens, the ways analysts believe they will address these issues, and how these solutions could shape their season.
1. Lamar Jackson’s Consistency and Health
One of the most obvious concerns for the Ravens, and one that has been prevalent for several seasons, is the health and consistency of quarterback Lamar Jackson. Jackson has all the tools to be one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the NFL, but injuries have been a recurring issue, and inconsistent play has at times derailed his growth.
Why It’s a Concern
While Lamar Jackson’s athleticism is undeniable, his ability to stay healthy over the course of a full season is the number one issue. The Ravens are built around Jackson’s unique skill set—his running ability, his ability to make off-schedule plays, and his dynamic passing style. But with those strengths come significant injury risks. Jackson has missed key games in past seasons due to knee and ankle issues, most notably his late-season injury in 2022 that kept him out for the playoffs.
Additionally, there’s the concern about Jackson’s development as a pure pocket passer. Though he has improved in this area, his deep-ball accuracy and overall consistency have been questioned, especially in high-pressure moments. Teams have adjusted their defensive schemes to contain his rushing ability, making him more reliant on passing, something that hasn’t always yielded the desired results.
How the Ravens Plan to Address It
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Todd Monken have been vocal about their commitment to developing Jackson’s passing game. Monken, who joined the team in 2023, has a track record of developing quarterbacks who can balance their passing and running abilities effectively. The addition of wide receivers like Odell Beckham Jr., Zay Flowers, and Nelson Agholor is an attempt to provide Jackson with more reliable weapons to stretch the field and take some of the pressure off his running ability.
From a health perspective, the Ravens are working closely with Jackson’s medical team to ensure he is at optimal health throughout the season. The team may also choose to scale back some of Jackson’s rushing attempts in favor of a more pass-heavy attack, reducing the risk of injury while still taking advantage of his mobility when necessary. A more structured pocket-passing scheme would also help mitigate some of the risks that come with relying on Jackson’s legs.
Ultimately, the Ravens’ success will hinge on Jackson’s ability to stay on the field and perform consistently throughout the regular season and into the playoffs.
2. The Offensive Line’s Stability
The Ravens’ offensive line has long been considered a strength, but with a few key departures and changes in personnel, analysts are concerned about the line’s ability to protect Lamar Jackson and establish the run game in 2025. The team is dealing with aging veterans and unproven youngsters, and there’s a level of uncertainty as to how the line will gel.
Why It’s a Concern
For Jackson and the Ravens’ offense to operate at full potential, they need a cohesive offensive line that can both protect the quarterback and open holes for the run game. The departure of long-time stalwart Ronnie Stanley at left tackle has raised questions about the team’s ability to maintain its offensive balance.
While Stanley’s health has been inconsistent, his absence would be a massive blow to the team. If he can’t stay healthy, the Ravens would need to rely on unproven options to step up in his place, such as Daniel Faalele or a potential trade acquisition.
Moreover, interior line play will be crucial for both protecting Jackson and providing running lanes for J.K. Dobbins, who will be counted on as the primary ball-carrier. The Ravens’ success in the running game will be heavily dependent on the ability of their offensive line to maintain consistency and control up front.
How the Ravens Plan to Address It
The Ravens have made some changes to their offensive line, both through the draft and free agency. They have invested heavily in the development of young players like Ben Cleveland and have also brought in veteran depth to ensure that they have options should injuries strike.
In particular, the Ravens will likely lean on their depth at the interior line positions to provide stability. The addition of experienced players like Kevin Zeitler on the right guard spot should help ensure that the pocket stays clean for Jackson. The Ravens are also emphasizing more balanced offensive schemes under Monken, which could allow them to incorporate more quick passes and motion to neutralize any weaknesses on the offensive line.
Ultimately, the success of the offensive line will come down to health, continuity, and player development. If the Ravens can get consistent play from their front five, their offense will be able to compete with the NFL’s best.
3. Wide Receiver Depth and Development
Despite the acquisition of several high-profile wide receivers in the offseason, questions about the depth and development of the Ravens’ receiving corps still linger. With the departure of key figures like Marquise Brown and the struggles of other wideouts to stay healthy, the Ravens need to ensure that Lamar Jackson has a reliable group of playmakers on the outside.
Why It’s a Concern
While Odell Beckham Jr. is a talented and proven receiver, he’s coming off an ACL injury and has dealt with some injury issues over the past few seasons. Zay Flowers, the rookie from Boston College, has the potential to be a standout receiver, but he will need time to adjust to the NFL and establish chemistry with Jackson. Meanwhile, veteran Nelson Agholor has been inconsistent throughout his career.
The Ravens need these players to step up and produce, as the wide receiver group has often been one of the weakest links in the offense over the past few years. Jackson needs a true number-one option, and while Beckham has that potential, the concern remains as to whether he can remain healthy and return to his pre-injury form.
How the Ravens Plan to Address It
The Ravens are hoping that their revamped receiving corps, with Beckham, Flowers, and Agholor, can provide Jackson with the playmakers he needs to take the next step as a passer. Additionally, the Ravens are incorporating more modern passing concepts under Monken’s offense, which will emphasize spacing, timing, and yards after catch—areas where the receivers can thrive if they develop the chemistry with Jackson.
The Ravens are also focused on building depth at the position through young players like Devin Duvernay, who can contribute both as a receiver and in special teams. Expect the coaching staff to get creative with their receiving personnel, finding ways to maximize mismatches and generate separation, particularly for their young, dynamic players.
4. Defensive Aging and Depth Issues
On the defensive side of the ball, the Ravens face the challenge of an aging defensive core, particularly with some of their key contributors like edge rusher Justin Houston and linebacker Patrick Queen. Additionally, they need to ensure that their defense can remain competitive despite these aging players, especially in a conference that’s stacked with high-powered offenses.
Why It’s a Concern
The Ravens have long been known for their elite defense, but time is catching up with some of their most impactful players. While players like Roquan Smith remain in their prime, the defense has experienced some turnover. The team’s defensive front, especially the pass rush, was often inconsistent in 2024. Justin Houston is on the wrong side of 30 and has been slowing down, while other pass rushers like Odafe Oweh have shown flashes but remain inconsistent.
Moreover, with the increasing importance of the passing game in the NFL, the Ravens’ secondary will need to keep up with the likes of Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Joe Burrow. Young corners like Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Peters need to stay healthy and continue their development to give the Ravens a competitive edge against elite quarterbacks.
How the Ravens Plan to Address It
The Ravens have focused on improving their pass rush by adding new talent and bringing in younger players like David Ojabo to take on more prominent roles. The defensive line, anchored by players like Calais Campbell and Michael Pierce, must improve its ability to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The Ravens are also working to maintain the depth in their secondary, with an emphasis on health and development for their cornerbacks and safeties.
Additionally, the Ravens’ ability to rotate their defensive personnel will be crucial. With several aging players on defense, creating opportunities for younger players to step up will help keep the defensive unit fresh and versatile over the course of a 17-game season.
