ExtremeRavens

The Ravens entered this season with Super Bowl aspirations. They’ve spent the first seven weeks, though, chasing themselves amid a disappointing campaign. The problems extend beyond injuries. They’re mental, emotional issues — and they trace back to a night in Buffalo when everything started to slip. That became even clearer after The Baltimore Sun spoke with more than two dozen sources in and around the Ravens to get a real understanding of what’s gone wrong. Our reporting revealed player frustration with a lack of offensive identity and a tentative defense. Perhaps most concerning was how players described the mental beating the Week 1 collapse at Buffalo created. “It was that Bills game that put a beating on us mentally where it felt like everything was ending, even though it was the first game,” one veteran player told The Sun. The collapse hardened into something deeper. That’s one of the biggest things I took away from our reporting. Through each loss, the Ravens seemingly have carried the weight of that season-opening defeat at Highmark Stadium. Since then, it feels as if pressure has only continued to shape the season, turning up a lingering psychological spin for a team ravaged by injuries. Inside The Castle, players are aware that Sept. 7 evening set a tone Baltimore has been unable to shake off completely. After last season’s playoff letdown, Buffalo again stripped Baltimore’s confidence early, and the Ravens have only attempted to reclaim it ever since. On defense, our reporting revealed exactly how cautious this Zach Orr-led group has become. A unit that once thrived on takeaways and aggression has played as if it’s afraid to make mistakes. That simply can’t continue. If this team is going to climb out of its hole, the defense needs to stack stellar performances. Consider Baltimore’s 17-3 loss to the Rams in Week 6 as a step in the right direction. There were flashes of better tackling and tighter coverage, but the Ravens need to show more consistency, especially as key pieces, such as middle linebacker Roquan Smith, return to the starting lineup. Offensively, things have gone awry since quarterback and two-time NFL Most Valuable Player Lamar Jackson suffered a hamstring injury during the team’s Sept. 28 loss to Kansas City. The team’s tempo and passing game have evaporated with Jackson’s absence and coordinator Todd Monken’s creativity has dulled. Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey breaks up a pass intended for Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) The unit’s level of execution has also suffered to the point of visible frustration. If the Ravens somehow pull off a spectacular run to close the season, but fall a game or two short of making the playoffs, the offense’s sequence right outside the goal line against the Rams and the group’s inability to punch it in on three consecutive attempts will stick out like a sore thumb. The importance of Jackson’s expected return from injury cannot be overstated. His presence alone drastically shifts opposing defenses’ game plans and provides the Ravens a real chance that they haven’t felt or experienced since he limped off the field in Week 4. Jackson’s return, though, can’t be treated like a simple plug-and-play. Monken must use Jackson’s return as an opportunity to reset and streamline the offense, to play faster and lean on the run game, and recapture the sense of unpredictability behind Jackson and Derrick Henry that makes Baltimore a potent offensive threat. Related Articles Mike Preston: Ravens need to beat Bears, but it won’t be easy | COMMENTARY Ravens’ Zay Flowers apologizes for avoiding media after 2 fumbles Ravens return to work from bye week ‘still searching’ for answers Ravens QB Lamar Jackson misses another practice Monday; LB Roquan Smith returns READER POLL: Will the Ravens make the playoffs? With 11 regular-season games remaining, the Ravens (1-5) have little room for error. And if Baltimore aspires to become just the fifth team since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger to start 1-5 and still make the playoffs, the Ravens absolutely need to play with consistent urgency. The journey to 10 wins, widely viewed as the prerequisite for a playoff spot in the AFC, begins Sunday against Chicago. The psychological climb might be just as steep as the on-field battle. Jackson’s imminent return gives the Ravens their best chance to clear that massive hurdle. No more excuses. No more carrying the dead weight of that opening defeat into every contest. That’s one of the most pertinent pieces of information I gathered from The Sun’s weeks of reporting: The Ravens know exactly what’s weighing them down. Either Baltimore uses the bye week and Jackson’s return as a true reset, or it lets the Week 1 collapse at Buffalo define the season. Have a news tip? Contact Josh Tolentino at jtolentino@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200, x.com/JCTSports and instagram.com/JCTSports. View the full article

Chicago’s football franchise is no longer the sad news Bears. They aren’t going to win a Super Bowl title in 2025, but Chicago is good enough to cause a lot of problems for the Ravens Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium in a “must-win” situation for Baltimore. Since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger, only four teams have started the season 1-5 and made the NFL playoffs, but a 1-6 record is a journey into no man’s land. The Ravens’ remaining schedule is just the 23rd toughest in the NFL. But the Bears (4-2) won’t be pushovers. Chicago is on a four-game winning streak after an 0-2 start in losses to Minnesota and Detroit, both in the NFC North. The Bears have beaten Dallas, Las Vegas, Washington, New Orleans and forced 15 turnovers in those victories. It’s Chicago’s best start since 2018. Meanwhile, the Ravens are coming off a bye week. “Exhaustive type of review, do it as you go, going through reports, analysis and film study,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said Monday. “You get to step back, build where you want to go. You try to make the best of it, I feel great about what we accomplished. It’s a lot of hard work, deferment, judgment, but it’s a chance to play our best football. The opportunity in front of us is great, but we got the people to do the job.” The city of Chicago is buzzing about the Bears. Their fans are hoping to have a new, 60,000-seat stadium constructed in Arlington Height, Illinois, in 2029. Ryan Poles was named the general manager in January of 2022, and Kevin Warren became the president and CEO nearly a year later. Poles was given permission to make various deals to upgrade the offensive line in the offseason, but the center of attention has been first year coach Ben Johnson. He has become the NFL prototype: young (39), detailed, intense and highly competitive. The Bears are ranked No. 14 in offense averaging 338.6 yards and 25.3 points per game, but have a very high sack percentage (32nd). The atmosphere in Chicago isn’t like his days in Detroit when Johnson was the Lions’ offensive coordinator. In those times, the Lions had one of the five best offenses every season and were No. 1 in production a year ago, averaging 33.2 points per game and scoring at least 40 points in six games. But they can still give the Ravens trouble with three new offensive linemen added during the offseason in guards Joe Thuney, Jonah Jackson and center Drew Dalman. They also have two good receivers in Rome Odunze (24 catches, 359 yards, five touchdowns and DJ Moore (22, 258, 1). To compound problems for the Ravens, they are last in the league in points allowed at 32.3 per game and 29th in yards allowed at 380.8. The Ravens also have sacked opposing quarterbacks only eight times, one of the worst totals in the NFL. Ravens defensive coordinator Zach Orr, shown in 2024, will face off against Bears coach Ben Johnson on Sunday. Johnson is considered one of the best offensive minds in the NFL. (Kim Hairston/Staff) That’s where second-year quarterback Caleb Williams comes into play. A year ago, he was sacked 68 times (11 this season), losing five of his 10 fumbles. With a revamped offensive line, good receivers and a dual threat in running back D’Andre Swift, Williams might make plays against Baltimore. Like most games, it comes down to the interior lines, and the Ravens have to find ways to manufacture pressure. So far, that’s been a major missing part of this defense. Defensively, the Bears have been respectable holding teams to an average of 346.5 yards and 25.3 points per game, which is No. 21 in the league. To beef up its defense, Chicago added inside linebackers Terrell Edmunds (61 tackles) from Buffalo, even though he appears to have lost a step throughout his seven-year career. Left defensive end Montez Sweat (two sacks) and Gervon Dexter Sr. (2 1/2) are the Bears’ top pass rushers and free safety Kevin Byard III (31 tackles) can still make plays. He is always around the ball, but doesn’t run as well anymore. Related Articles Ravens’ Zay Flowers apologizes for avoiding media after 2 fumbles Ravens return to work from bye week ‘still searching’ for answers Ravens QB Lamar Jackson misses another practice Monday; LB Roquan Smith returns READER POLL: Will the Ravens make the playoffs? What’s wrong with the Ravens? Inside a Super Bowl favorite’s stunning slide. The key is Chicago defensive coordinator Dennis Allen. He still is good at scheming against an opponents’ offense. Allen’s defense forced New Orleans quarterback Spencer Rattler into three interceptions, and Rattler also had a fumble which Chicago recovered. Like a lot of NFL games, turnovers are a factor. “They have done a nice job,” Harbaugh said of the Bears. “They have a better feel for what they are doing offensively. Defensively, they keep playing better and better.” Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson didn’t practice Monday, so his status for Sunday’s game debatable. So is the outcome of this game. When the 2025 season opened, most NFL observers thought these teams would be on the opposite end of the spectrum. The Ravens were expected to contend while the Bears were going to implode. But it’s different now. If the Ravens lose Sunday, the abyss becomes deeper and darker. Have a news tip? Contact Mike Preston at epreston@baltsun.com, 410-332-6467 and x.com/MikePrestonSun. View the full article

Zay Flowers took some accountability. The Ravens’ Pro Bowl receiver opened his post-practice scrum apologizing for leaving the locker room after their Week 6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in which Flowers was involved in a pair of fumbles. With his normal toothy smile, Flowers, who has been media averse much of this season, vowed it wouldn’t happen again. How do the on-field mistakes get fixed? “I think, lock in a little bit more,” he shrugged. The first turnover came early in the third quarter, down one score, flushing a drive near midfield. Flowers caught a pass over the middle and squirmed past the linebacker behind him. He jetted to the left and turned upfield when Rams linebacker Nate Landman punched it loose. “I was just trying to make a play,” Flowers explained. Later in the same quarter, Baltimore within two scores, Flowers motioned through the backfield for an end-around handoff from backup quarterback Cooper Rush. Rush put the ball in his stomach and Flowers “just mishandled the ball,” he said. “Ain’t really too much to think about,” he continued. “I just got to hold the ball.” Baltimore’s No. 1 wide receiver didn’t agree with there being much of a difference between taking handoffs from Lamar Jackson versus Rush because he was at fault for it. Either way, Flowers felt the bye week offered Baltimore a much-needed reset, after two games without a passing touchdown that fed this calamitous 1-5 start. They want to “make an example” out of the Bears on Sunday. Flowers’ 423 receiving yards this season are more than double the team’s next most productive pass catcher. His 46 targets are 19 more than tight end Mark Andrews and 25 more than wideout Rashod Bateman. Flowers was also on the wrong end of a first quarter interception by Rams safety Quentin Lake that was more a credit to the defender than an indictment on the receiver. Lake said postgame that down-and-distance call had come up in practice in the week leading up to Week 6. After his involvement in the interception and his part in two fumbles, Ravens veteran receiver DeAndre Hopkins told Flowers to not let anyone see him with his head down. “He’s a great player, and he’s going to be a great player for years to come,” Hopkins said. “It’s not just on him. He’s out there trying to make a play, so you can’t fault him. But Zay knows what he needs to do to be better, but my message to him is just, ‘Keep your head up. Play the next play.’” That uplifting message from a mentor in the same positional room after the young guy made a big mistake in a costly spot had a similar feel to the last time Flowers fumbled: at the goal line in the 2023 AFC championship game versus Kansas City. Flowers owned up to his first-career fumble postgame. He faced the cameras through a well of tears, a show of human emotion. Then, it was Odell Beckham Jr. who offered words of comfort: “‘Bro, you gon’ be straight. It’s tough. Yeah, you may hear something about this. That’s just the way the world is.’ Just keep his head, just like everybody else in here.” On that chilly night, Flowers owned up to his mistake. He did the same thing this time — albeit over a week later. Have a news tip? Contact Sam Cohn at scohn@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/samdcohn.x.com. Related Articles Ravens return to work from bye week ‘still searching’ for answers Ravens QB Lamar Jackson misses another practice Monday; LB Roquan Smith returns READER POLL: Will the Ravens make the playoffs? What’s wrong with the Ravens? Inside a Super Bowl favorite’s stunning slide. Ravens or Orioles: Who’s got it worse than us? View the full article

Ravens players were back to work Monday afternoon in Owings Mills. Quarterback Lamar Jackson was still not, however. Jackson was absent from Monday afternoon’s practice, Baltimore’s first since returning from its bye week. The two-time NFL Most Valuable has been sidelined since suffering a hamstring injury in the third quarter of the Ravens’ Sept. 28 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. It’s also unclear whether he’ll be available for Sunday’s game at M&T Bank Stadium against the Chicago Bears. “I think all the guys are working really hard to get back,” coach John Harbaugh said. “We’ll see who’s back and who practices on Wednesday. I don’t really want to comment on any individual guys.” If Jackson doesn’t practice on Wednesday, that likely doesn’t bode well for Sunday. Without Jackson, the offense has labored. In the first full game he missed, the Ravens were blown out at home by the Houston Texans, 44-10. Baltimore managed just 207 yards, including 163 through the air, and had just 40 offensive plays. In a 17-3 loss to the Los Angeles Rams the following week, the Ravens had 296 total yards (117 passing) and averaged a paltry 3.9 yards per play. Jackson’s backup, Cooper Rush, has struggled mightily in his place, completing 65.4% of his passes for just 303 yards and no touchdowns to go with four interceptions in two-plus games. Without Jackson, the Ravens are 4-12 in games he hasn’t played in since becoming the starter in 2018. At 1-5 so far this season, history is also not on their side. Only four times has a team lost five of its first six games and gone on to make the playoffs. “I think you always have it in the back of your mind,” wide receiver Tylan Wallace said. “It is there. There’s no escaping it. At the same time, it’s like a balance and you have that in your mind and know that we have goals we want to reach.” One thing that should help is getting a number of other players back. Linebacker Roquan Smith, who has also been out with a hamstring injury since that Chiefs loss, returned to practice Monday and said he will play against the Bears. Cornerback Chidobe Awuzie (hamstring), left tackle Ronnie Stanley (ankle) and fullback Patrick Ricard (calf) also practiced. Ravens fullback Patrick Ricard, center, is among the players hoping to return from injury Sunday against the Bears. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) “Having your players on the field is important,” Harbaugh said. “A player like that, like ‘Ro or anybody else, all the other guys, the guys that came back last week … It’s a big boost.” How big of a boost remains to be seen. Through its first six games, Baltimore ranks 32nd and 30th in points and yards allowed per game, respectively. The defense took a step forward in the loss to the Rams, Harbaugh said after the game, but the bigger question is if it will keep progressing and how quickly it will do so, even after the addition of safety Alohi Gilman allowed the Ravens to utilize more three-safety looks and move safety Kyle Hamilton closer to the line of scrimmage to try to slow opposing offenses down. Cornerback Marlon Humphrey doesn’t seem convinced just yet. “The honest answer is we still lost so I don’t know what it really did,” he said as he sat at his locker, hat on and head down. “We’re still trying to figure out what we can do going forward to win some games and get the stink off of everybody.” Asked what is needed to turn things around, Humphrey said he’s “given up” on that, has put his faith in the hands of coaches and that “we’re still searching for that.” When prodded on if there is still faith in the coach, he said, “I think the best thing we’ve done as players is not question the coaches. There hasn’t been turmoil and guys turning on each other. “I just want to win a game. That would be really cool. I would be really happy. It’s just not fun to lose games. It’s something I told the defense, I’ve never really been a loser my entire life. I’m not really cool with being a loser. I’m not really comfortable with being a loser. So I just want to win one game.” Perhaps the week off will help. Humphrey, Smith, Wallace and wide receiver Zay Flowers said the break was as much a mental reset as a physical one. Smith went to Georgia’s win against Ole Miss over the weekend. Wallace likewise went to his alma mater, Oklahoma State, for its loss against Cincinnati. Others continued to work their way back from injuries. Related Articles Ravens QB Lamar Jackson misses another practice Monday; LB Roquan Smith returns READER POLL: Will the Ravens make the playoffs? What’s wrong with the Ravens? Inside a Super Bowl favorite’s stunning slide. Ravens or Orioles: Who’s got it worse than us? The Ravens might get a high draft pick. Here are 27 prospects to watch. That includes rookie third-round offensive lineman Emery Jones, who is closing in on his 21-day window to return from shoulder surgery. Harbaugh said he has a chance to be a factor this season and is beginning to work his way into the conversation for an offensive line that has struggled this season (though he won’t be medically cleared in time for Sunday). Harbaugh will also have to find a way to replace the snaps of outside linebacker Tavius Robinson, who broke his foot against the Rams and is expected to miss at least 6-8 weeks. As for the players, they’re also looking forward. “It’s not about what’s happened in the past,” Smith said. “It’s more so about what’s happening in the future and there’s been many great stories and there’s gonna be another one coming soon but obviously it’s one game at a time and it starts this coming week.” Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson missed Monday’s practice in Owings Mills with a hamstring injury, making it 24 days since he last practiced. Jackson, who has been sidelined since suffering a hamstring injury in the third quarter of the Ravens’ Sept. 28 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium, was expected to return this week, coach John Harbaugh said after Baltimore’s 17-3 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. The team’s ensuing bye week gave Jackson an additional seven days to recover. However, he was not on the practice field during the portion open to the media Monday, leaving backups Cooper Rush and Tyler Huntley to take the reps at quarterback. In his absence, Baltimore (1-5) dropped two straight games with back-to-back embarrassing defeats at home, first to the Houston Texans, 44-10, then Rams. The Ravens are 4-12 in games without Jackson since he became the starter in 2018. While Jackson was out, Rush struggled mightily in his place, completing 65.4% of his passes for 303 yards and no touchdowns to go with four interceptions in two-plus games. Huntley entered in the fourth quarter against the Rams, as Harbaugh said the plan was to play two quarterbacks. It’s still early in the week, and Jackson has missed practices before. But his return to the field carries added importance given the time he’s missed — and the urgency for Baltimore’s offense to rediscover its rhythm. The Ravens are currently in last place in the AFC North and three games back of the division-leading Pittsburgh Steelers with 11 weeks remaining in the regular season. Before getting injured, Jackson had completed a career-high 71.6% of his passes this season for 869 yards and 10 touchdowns with just one interception. However, the Ravens’ offense has also struggled to find a rhythm all season, while the defense has been the worst in the NFL. The Ravens did welcome back linebacker Roquan Smith (hamstring) and cornerback Chidobe Awuzie back to practice. Smith had not practiced since his Week 4 injury against the Chiefs and Awuzie also returned from a hamstring injury that he suffered against Kansas City. Left tackle Ronnie Stanley and fullback Patrick Ricard also practiced, meaning Jackson and linebacker Tavius Robinson (foot) were the only players who missed action Monday. Harbaugh is scheduled to speak with reporters following Monday’s practice. This article will be updated. Have a news tip? Contact Sam Jane at sjane@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/Sam_Jane230. Related Articles READER POLL: Will the Ravens make the playoffs? What’s wrong with the Ravens? Inside a Super Bowl favorite’s stunning slide. Ravens or Orioles: Who’s got it worse than us? The Ravens might get a high draft pick. Here are 27 prospects to watch. Joe Flacco’s vintage performance has Bengals back in AFC North mix View the full article

The Ravens have an uphill climb. Baltimore, fresh off its bye week, is back on the field this week, preparing for a Week 7 home contest against the Chicago Bears. But at 1-5, the Ravens will need to go on a winning streak to have any shot at making the playoffs. Will they do it? We want to hear from you. After you vote, leave a comment and we might use your take in The Baltimore Sun. The Baltimore Sun reader poll is an unscientific survey in which website users volunteer their opinions on the subject of the poll. To read the results of previous reader polls, click here. View the full article

Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton gazed up in disbelief at the scoreboard inside Highmark Stadium, gobsmacked by what he saw and physically ill from what had transpired. He didn’t know it then, but the path was etched from that very first game of the season. Baltimore’s historic collapse last month in Orchard Park, New York, where Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen threw for nearly 400 yards and erased a 15-point deficit in the final minutes, was dismaying. It was also an unwelcome tone-setter. The emotional toll of the shocking 41-40 defeat spilled over into the performances in the weeks that have followed and, eventually, into a roiling speech by Hamilton behind closed doors inside the Ravens’ training facility in Owings Mills. “It was that Bills game that put a beating on us mentally where it felt like everything was ending, even though it was the first game,” one veteran player who spoke on the condition of anonymity told The Baltimore Sun. “When we have so much time to recover, such a long season, and we let that carry over.” Following a stunning 1-5 start to a Ravens season — tied for worst in the franchise’s 30-year history — that was expected to end in a rain of purple confetti, the once-Super Bowl favorite is on the brink. The Sun spoke with more than 25 sources in and around the Ravens to gain a better understanding of what’s really wrong with a team laden with All-Pro and Pro Bowl talent, led on offense by a two-time NFL Most Valuable Player in quarterback Lamar Jackson and a defense that just two seasons ago was among the league’s elite. Most of those who spoke to The Sun came from inside the locker room, and some were granted anonymity so they could speak freely without fear of retribution. A few league sources also offered a perspective on the team’s struggles. The discussions provided a revealing view of an offense that is frustrated with a lack of creativity, a defense that has played tentatively and is scared to make even the smallest mistake, and a group of veterans and rookies alike who have struggled to find joy in their work. Particularly stark has been the drop-off from a team that just a year ago became the first in NFL history to pass for at least 4,000 yards and rush for at least 3,000 in the same season. From players to coaches, there has been an acknowledgment of a lack of rhythm among the offense. Jackson’s hamstring injury, which knocked him out of a Week 4 showdown with the Kansas City Chiefs in the third quarter and sidelined him in embarrassing losses to the Houston Texans and Los Angeles Rams, has been a big factor. But even before he got hurt, there were indications something was amiss. “It just feels different. I just don’t feel like guys are being put in positions to succeed with this offense,” one veteran offensive player told The Sun, aiming his criticism at offensive coordinator Todd Monken, now in his third year in Baltimore. Asked what he meant, the player said, “It’s freakin’ Lamar Jackson, how can you not find ways to have success with him? But I’m pretty sure if you put [Chiefs quarterback] Patrick Mahomes out there for us right now, the same things would be happening.” ‘Everybody catches up to you in this league’ The numbers bear that out. After leading the NFL in yards per game and ranking third in scoring last season, the Ravens ranked 21st in yards and 13th in points through their first six games this year. They plummeted from No. 1 in red zone scoring (85%) in 2024 to 15th this year (40.6%). Baltimore has also turned the ball over 10 times, one shy of all of last season’s total. Players and coaches have acknowledged a lack of consistency. “Three years ago, we had a new OC, new DC,” another veteran offensive player said. “Teams didn’t have any film on us. Now, they’ve seen everything that we’ve done, so we have to be more creative and put guys in spaces [to succeed].” Having so many playmakers on offense between running back Derrick Henry, receivers Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman and DeAndre Hopkins, along with tight ends Mark Andrews and now Isaiah Likely, has been, in the eyes of Monken, “a good problem to have.” But to some of his players, sometimes it’s just a problem. “It has pros and cons,” one longtime offensive player said. “You got so many guys you want to get the ball to, but then it can get confusing at times. You’ve got so many different personnels and plays for certain guys. I think, at times, it can be a little confusing.” The issues extend beyond scheme. Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken speaks with the media after the team's 1-5 start. After a pair of superb seasons leading the offense, Monken has watched his group regress in 2025. (Surya Vaidy/Staff) “We got a lot of young guys around here,” one offensive player said. “They haven’t been around to build up battle scars, so it may get to them mentally, emotionally in their head. O-lineman, we have a lot of young guys, special teams, especially on defense right now. “You’re already gonna have nerves regardless, and then if things aren’t going well you’re going to have the outside noise. It’s a lot stacked up against you. “I think that’s the difference from the past — we had more mature teams.” Talk is cheap When the Ravens arrived at training camp in July, they spoke assertively about a singular goal: “We want to be the most feared unit in the league,” defensive coordinator Zach Orr said. Humphrey gave an impassioned speech about recovering a lost “standard.” The 2000 Ravens — Super Bowl champions, widely considered one of the best defenses ever — marked the mountaintop for a high-upside group laying out their goals from the season’s foothills. Fast forward six weeks into the regular season and the Ravens, who have been ravaged by injuries to several key starters, entered their bye week ranked last in the NFL in points allowed (32.3) and 29th in yards allowed (380.8) per game. Only two teams have fewer sacks and takeaways. Maturity has been a point of contention on defense, too, with All-Pro cornerback Marlon Humphrey noting that coach John Harbaugh broached the topic in a team meeting just a week into the season. Baltimore’s once-dominant defense has also played “soft,” according to one assistant coach from a rival team, in what has been a departure from the norm. How did they fall so far, so fast? “You can’t just talk about it,” veteran linebacker Kyle Van Noy said. “You got to do it.” Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton speaks with the media in late August. Hamilton is among the veteran defensive leaders trying to help the Ravens fix the unit's woes for the final 11 games of the season. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Orr, 33 and in his second year, has taken the brunt of the criticism for Baltimore’s defensive struggles. His seat warmed with each loss, but might have cooled a bit after what he called “the most intensity” they’ve played with all year in the team’s Week 6 loss to the Rams. Harbaugh has repeatedly defended Orr’s job. Players stand behind him “110%.” They say their lack of success is on them, not him. It has led to extra walk-through sessions, extra meetings and extra position group meetings to “make sure knowledge of the playbook is good,” veteran defensive end Brent Urban told The Sun, adding that the quality of practices hasn’t translated to games. Others have shared that sentiment. “It’s not like we’re going in there just lollygagging and not doing our job,” Henry added. “It’s just so many things,” Urban continued. “Just guys getting on the same page, it’s one thing here, one thing there, these little things that are really adding up.” In an attempt to explain such a troubling trend, one player recalled one of four successful fourth-down conversions from the Chiefs game. The Ravens’ offense ran a play in practice that caught Orr’s defense by surprise. They didn’t stop it. Kansas City ran that exact play. Orr knew what was coming, schemed against it properly, and the Chiefs still converted. “It’s hard for me to comprehend at times,” one veteran defensive player said. “The game is a different environment. If you go in there scared to make a mistake, you’re probably going to make a mistake. When the poor results keep happening, it’s almost like the pressure is building, and guys are more scared to make a mistake. “A mistake’s not going to kill you. But these little mistakes all over the place continuing, it’s just like a snowball. It messes with you mentally.” Added another offensive player: “It makes Z.O. look bad when he’s calling the right [stuff].” ‘There’s a lot going on’ Accountability in the locker room was also a pillar of past teams, and it has been a talking point this year. Rob Burnett, a defensive end for the Ravens from 1996 to 2001, said that if a player missed a meeting, they’d end up on a milk carton. If someone lagged behind in practice, Burnett and Tony Siragusa, two partners in crime along the defensive line, would drown their belongings in a lake. “We’re old school,” Burnett said. Times are different now, but Harbaugh said accountability is “critical” and something “that we work on all the time.” “I feel like we’re going to get great, great veteran leadership,” he said. “Nothing is going to be more important than that.” Perhaps more impactful than perceived player accountability, injuries and the underwhelming play of key veterans have pushed inexperienced players into larger roles. Related Articles READER POLL: Will the Ravens make the playoffs? Ravens or Orioles: Who’s got it worse than us? The Ravens might get a high draft pick. Here are 27 prospects to watch. Joe Flacco’s vintage performance has Bengals back in AFC North mix Josh Tolentino: The Ravens lack leadership and accountability | COMMENTARY When general manager Eric DeCosta pieced the roster together in the offseason, he couldn’t have imagined it would look like this before midseason. In the Ravens’ 34-point loss to the Texans on Oct. 5, three defenders made their first career starts and five rookies (two undrafted) were part of the opening lineup. Fourth-round rookie linebacker Teddye Buchanan wore the green dot as the primary play-caller, while first-round safety Malaki Starks fed communication in the secondary. “When a contender has that many young players and rookies forced into real roles this fast,” one high-level NFL executive said, “it’s hard to mask.” Starks acknowledged that he’s still feeling out his role, having “stepped into a [leadership] zone that I haven’t been in yet.” The rookie’s potential is undeniable. But the Ravens didn’t envision thrusting him into such a high-leverage role so quickly. “I mean, there’s a lot going on,” Starks said, “but it’s really just like a tunnel. I can only control what I can control.” ‘Get back to having fun’ Because of it all — what Hopkins, the 13-year veteran and three-time All-Pro wideout, aptly called “bad football” — the locker room looks different now, too. In the week leading up to the Sept. 28 loss to the Chiefs, punter Jordan Stout posted an Instagram story of Jackson sitting in front of a video game console, controller in hand, with the caption: “Hard at work.” It was a harmless, friendly jab. But two days later, the quarterback hobbled off the field at Arrowhead Stadium with a hamstring injury he suffered in another deflating 37-20 loss. When the team returned to Owings Mills, the toys had disappeared. The Ravens promptly removed several recreational staples from the locker room, including the basketball hoop near Jackson’s and Flowers’ stalls, the pingpong table that rookies Buchanan and Mike Green often battled on after practice, the once-popular cornhole boards, and yes, the video game consoles, often lit up with intense rounds of Super Smash Bros., that regularly drew small crowds of teammates late in the day. Ravens outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy ponders a reporter’s question during the offseason. Van Noy and the Ravens' defense has struggled through their first six games of the season, allowing 32.3 points per game. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Multiple players told The Sun the decision came from the coaching staff, who wanted to strip away distractions and have the team fully locked in amid its disappointing start. It’s not the first time they’ve done it. In previous seasons when the Ravens stumbled early, coaches leaned on similar tactics, dialing back locker-room freedoms in an effort to boost focus and reset the work environment. From a player’s perspective, the recreational activities helped break up long days and allowed the locker room to breathe and relax, even for a moment, from an atmosphere that demands intense daily focus. Since the removal of the activities, the Ravens have lost two more games, extending their season-long losing streak to four. The fun stuff is gone. The team is still searching for answers. Only four teams in NFL history have started 1-5 and gone on to make the playoffs. For Baltimore, the belief in a turnaround feels paramount. “The only worse thing is 0-6, so yes, it’s a big hole. We’re going to have to bounce back,” center Tyler Linderbaum said. “We have 11 games left to try to run the table.” That kind of hope is often where teams either splinter or rally. Amidst the worst stretch of his storied career — four straight games with fewer than 50 rushing yards paired with three early season fumbles — Henry gathered his teammates after a Friday practice leading into Baltimore’s Oct. 12 loss to the Rams. According to three players in attendance, he told teammates the only way they’d start winning games again is if they “get back to having fun.” Henry’s message was simple. For a team stuck searching for itself, weighed down by its historic Week 1 collapse, Baltimore needed this bye week — a timely physical and emotional reset. All that’s left is to see how they respond. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. Contact Sam Cohn at scohn@baltsun.com and x.com/samdcohn. Contact Josh Tolentino at jtolentino@baltsun.com, x.com/JCTSports and instagram.com/JCTSports. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson speaks to the media after a September practice. The Ravens lost both of their games with Jackson out of the lineup because of injury. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) View the full article

This time last year, about a week apart, Lamar Jackson and Mike Elias remarked about the state of their respective organizations in an odd moment of affinity. Jackson, the star quarterback for Baltimore’s perennial playoff contending football team, then off to an 0-2 start, said, “We got to find our mojo because that’s not us at all.” Just a few days later, Elias, the president of baseball operations at the heart of the Orioles’ rebuild, making sense of the twilight of a disappointing season, felt “The mojo that we’ve had, it just has drifted away from us.” Now, there’s a similar sentiment hanging over both Baltimore sports teams as each grapples with lost mojo and disappointing seasons. The Orioles were a popular pick for a deep playoff run and missed the postseason entirely, finishing 75-87 in the cellar of the American League East. The Ravens, who were also a Super Bowl contender heading into this season, are now 1-5 at the bye week, facing an uphill climb for an AFC North three peat. Both birds have a few disappointing losses to show for it. On April 20, the Orioles fell 24-2 to the Cincinnati Reds in the franchise’s most lopsided defeat since 2007. The Ravens tied their largest loss in the team’s 30-year history two weeks ago in a 44-10 rout by the Texans. Most fans want to forget about the Ravens coughing up a 15-point, fourth-quarter lead to the Bills in Week 1. Well on June 18, the Orioles let an eight-run lead slip to the Tampa Bay Rays — the third time since 1954 they’ve surrendered such a dominant lead. Sigh. It’s a hard pill to swallow. The Ravens and Orioles have each been snake bit by injuries while stars have played short of expectations. Maybe Baltimoreans have an Etsy witch to blame. For one, both teams were forced to lean on an aging veteran to keep the ship afloat. Neither did any such thing. Charlie Morton, 41, signed to be a stabilizing arm for what was thought to be a high-upside rotation led by Grayson Rodriguez, Zach Eflin and Trevor Rogers, with Kyle Bradish and Tyler Wells on the way. All of them missed time to varying degrees. And Morton went 0-7 with a 9.38 ERA over his first nine outings. “That was really, really difficult,” the always-honest Morton told local reporters after being traded to Detroit at the deadline. “I’m failing on the field with a group of guys who don’t really know me, a new organization, high expectations.” Same could be said for Ravens backup quarterback Cooper Rush, even if his mellow vibe won’t put such heartfelt words to it. The Ravens signed Rush on a two-year, $6.2 million deal. He was a successful backup in Dallas, going 9-5 as a starter over four seasons. Baltimore figured it might be getting similar value. Rush has filled in for two games while Jackson nurses a hamstring injury and it’s gone about as poorly as Morton’s tenure. In two starts, both losses, he threw four interceptions without a passing touchdown. Of course, injuries have been the most glaring parallel between the neighboring teams. Ravens fans head to the exits as the Rams put the finishing touches on a 17-3 win. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) The Ravens injury report has included as many as 15 players. Eleven of them were regular starters. Across the street, the Orioles were, by year’s end, the fourth most-injured team in MLB. Such unfortunate luck can sidetrack even the most ambitious of postseason plans. Both the Ravens and Orioles have had trouble getting the ball across the goal line, too — figuratively and literally. In last Sunday’s loss to the Rams, tight end Mark Andrews was stuffed on consecutive tush pushes in a goal-to-go situation that yielded no points. The same thing happened in Kansas City, when Jackson fumbled on fourth-down from inside the 5. And Week 2 against Cleveland, Baltimore needed all four downs to punch the ball in. At 44.44%, the Ravens rank 27th in the NFL at scoring touchdowns from the red zone. It’s the No. 1 thing on coach John Harbaugh’s mind heading into the bye week. Offensive coordinator Todd Monken said this week he thinks “we’ve just got to get our mojo back a little bit.” This break in the schedule will either serve as a turning point for the Ravens or the point where the rollercoaster begins its vertical descent. Some are calling for defensive coordinator Zach Orr to be fired, despite the defense’s solid showing on Sunday. A smaller contingent of restless fans are wondering whether the second longest tenured NFL coach’s job is safe. Related Articles The Ravens might get a high draft pick. Here are 27 prospects to watch. Joe Flacco’s vintage performance has Bengals back in AFC North mix Josh Tolentino: The Ravens lack leadership and accountability | COMMENTARY 5 reasons to be pessimistic the Ravens can turn their season around 5 reasons to be optimistic the Ravens can turn their season around The Orioles fired their manager on a much shorter leash. Brandon Hyde was hired by Baltimore after the 2018 season. He won Manager of the Year in 2023 and made the playoffs in two straight seasons, a feat no Orioles team has accomplished since 1996-1997. But this season, after a 15-28 start — earlier in the season with a better winning percentage than where the Ravens are now — he was fired. Under interim manager Tony Mansolino, the Orioles went 60-59. Elias acknowledged at his end-of-season news conference, “I’ve got a very busy offseason ahead of me.” Surely there are more parallels between the two pro teams in town. But the Ravens still have (some) hope of salvaging this season. An optimistic Harbaugh said before the bye week, “We have a lot of work to do.” One of these teams is bound to find their mojo soon. Have a news tip? Contact Sam Cohn at scohn@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/samdcohn.x.com. View the full article

Is it NFL draft season already in Baltimore? The Ravens are 1-5 after Sunday’s loss to the Los Angeles Rams, matching their worst start in franchise history. If the season ended today, Baltimore would net the second overall pick in the 2026 draft. It’s rare territory for a franchise that has been among the most successful in all of pro sports since entering the NFL in 1996. In fact, since 2000, the Ravens have only picked in the top 10 three times — and picked an All-Pro each time: running back Jamal Lewis (5th overall, 2000), edge rusher Terrell Suggs (10th, 2003) and left tackle Ronnie Stanley (6th, 2016). Don’t get too excited, though. With Lamar Jackson likely returning after the Ravens’ Week 7 bye, Baltimore has a favorable schedule to try and bounce back from its shockingly poor start. Oddsmakers still consider the Ravens a contender to win the AFC North, while ESPN’s FPI — which projects results based on 10,000 simulations of the rest of the season — predicts Baltimore to finish around 7-10. But if the Ravens do end up having a premier pick in April, who could be available? Here’s an early look at the top prospects at key positions of need: Edge rusher With Odafe Oweh traded and Kyle Van Noy playing in a contract year at age 34, the Ravens could use some help to get after the quarterback. Baltimore drafted Mike Green in the second round last season, but he’s still unproven. Rueben Bain Jr., Miami: There might not be a more impressive player in the country this season than Bain, who leads all defensive linemen with a 95.2 overall grade from Pro Football Focus. The 6-foot-3, 275-pound Miami native has recorded 24 quarterback pressures to go along with two sacks, four tackles for loss, one forced fumble and an interception. T.J. Parker, Clemson: Parker has been a rising star since his debut season, in which he broke Clemson’s true freshman record with 12 1/2 tackles for loss. He followed that up with 11 sacks in 2024, but he hasn’t been as productive thus far this season (2 sacks, 5 1/2 tackles for loss). Keldric Faulk, Auburn: The former four-star recruit played in every game as a true freshman and burst onto the scene with 11 tackles for loss and seven sacks as a sophomore. Mel Kiper said that the 6-6, 285-pound defensive end is an “LTPer” — someone who looks the part — though PFF notes that he stands to improve as a pass rusher. David Bailey, Texas Tech: The 6-3, 250-pound transfer has been a force for the upstart Red Raiders, leading the FBS with a 24.6% pressure rate and 8 1/2 sacks after recording 14 1/2 in three seasons at Stanford. Cashius Howell, Texas A&M: The Bowling Green transfer is enjoying a breakout season with the Aggies, recording 7 1/2 sacks in his first six games. ESPN draft expert Jordan Reid writes that Howell’s upfield burst, bend and closing speed are “Round 1-worthy traits.” Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods could help solidify a reeling Ravens defense. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman) Defensive linemen With Nnamdi Madbuike’s future uncertain after being ruled out for the season with a neck injury and Travis Jones set to enter free agency, the middle of the Ravens’ defense will likely need some reinforcements. Peter Woods, Clemson: The 6-3, 315-pound Woods could be the next great interior lineman the Tigers produce following Dexter Lawrence and Christian Wilkins. Woods’ stats this season are underwhelming (1 1/2 tackles for loss, 1/2 sack), but his versatility and strength will be coveted. Related Articles Joe Flacco’s vintage performance has Bengals back in AFC North mix Josh Tolentino: The Ravens lack leadership and accountability | COMMENTARY 5 reasons to be pessimistic the Ravens can turn their season around 5 reasons to be optimistic the Ravens can turn their season around Ravens Week 6 high school football Coaches of the Week Caleb Banks, Florida: A foot injury in the preseason that later required surgery is a big red flag, especially for a 6-6, 330-pound lineman. If Banks alleviates any medical concerns, he has the potential to be a disruptive force. A’Mauri Washington, Oregon: This is just his first season as a starter, but the 6-3, 330-pound Washington has already put himself in the Round 1 conversation with what Reid calls an “explosive interior presence.” LT Overton, Alabama: The Ravens love players from Alabama, which has produced many quality defensive linemen over the years. The 6-5, 278-pound Overton, a Texas A&M transfer, has five tackles for loss and three sacks so far this season. Would the Ravens be tempted to draft another first-round safety in Ohio State's Caleb Downs? (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete) Defensive back The Ravens seemingly have their safety duo of the future in former first-round picks Kyle Hamilton and Malaki Starks, but finding a reliable third option has proven difficult. Cornerback could also be a soft spot if Marlon Humphrey doesn’t return in 2026. Caleb Downs, Ohio State: Like Hamilton before him, Downs is the rare safety with the talent to be picked in the top half of the first round. The 6-foot, 205-pound Alabama transfer is an instinctive player and sure tackler who has helped lead one of the best defenses in the country over the past two seasons. Mansoor Delane, LSU: After transferring from Virginia Tech, the 6-foot, 190-pound Silver Spring native has raised his game. According to PFF, Delane has earned an 89.9 coverage grade while allowing just six receptions for 77 receiving yards. Jermod McCoy, Tennessee: The biggest question for McCoy is his health after he suffered a torn ACL in January. Assuming his rehabilitation goes according to plan, the 6-foot, 193-pound Oregon State transfer has shown a nose for the ball, recording four interceptions in 2024. Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson: The last name should be familiar to football fans, as Terrell is the younger brother of Falcons corner and former Tigers star A.J. Terrell Jr. The 5-11, 180-pound Avieon has recorded 24 pass breakups and three interceptions over three seasons. Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese has been one of the breakout stars of this college football season. (AP Photo/Melissa Tamez) Linebacker Roquan Smith remains the leader of the Ravens’ defense, but his performance has slipped a bit in recent years while Trenton Simpson and Teddye Buchanan have yet to solidify themselves in the starting lineup. There could be an opening for a new man in the middle. Arvell Reese, Ohio State: The 6-foot-4, 245-pound true junior is one of the breakout stars of the season across college football. PFF lead draft analyst Trevor Sikkema writes that Reese has a “rare combination of athleticism and instincts when triggering downhill as a run defender, quarterback spy, blitzer or even true pass-rusher.” Sonny Styles, Ohio State: Not to be overshadowed is another Buckeyes star who has been one of the nation’s top defenders since moving from safety to linebacker. The 6-4, 243-pound Styles has an 81.2 run-defense grade with zero missed tackles this season, according to PFF. CJ Allen, Georgia: The 6-1, 235-pound Allen has stuffed the stat sheet already this season, recording 4 1/2 tackles for loss, three sacks and two forced fumbles. Kiper writes that Allen is a “three-down linebacker at the next level because his read-and-react skills are excellent and he can make plays in all three aspects of the defense.” Anthony Hill Jr., Texas: Reid notes that Hill is a “versatile playmaker who is capable of playing the edge along with the second level,” which will be attractive to the Ravens. The 6-3, 238-pound Hill recorded 13 sacks in his first two college seasons. Francis Mauigoa plays right tackle for Miami, but he could help the Ravens at guard. (AP Photo/Peter Joneleit) Offensive linemen Left tackle Ronnie Stanley is under contract through 2027 and Roger Rosengarten is entrenched at right tackle for now, but the two starting guard spots next to center Tyler Linderbaum are open for debate. It might not be too early to invest in an eventual Stanley replacement, either. Spencer Fano, Utah: The 6-6, 302-pound Fano has experience at both left and right tackle but could end up playing on the inside to begin his NFL career. Kiper, who ranks Fano as his 10th overall player, writes that he is “technically sound and shows good punch to compensate for his lack of ideal arm length.” Francis Mauigoa, Miami: Both of the consensus top tackle prospects could be better suited at guard, which is a bigger need for Baltimore anyway. The 6-6, 315-pound right tackle is known for his powerful run blocking and has only given up two sacks and two hurries on 153 pass-blocking snaps, per PFF. Kadyn Proctor, Alabama: The 6-7, 366-pound Proctor might rival current Ravens guard Daniel Faaele in bulk, which means he might be a better guard than a tackle. He struggled out of the gate this season at left tackle, allowing seven pressures and a sack against Florida State, and opinions are mixed about whether he can handle NFL-caliber pass rushers. Gennings Dunker, Iowa: The red-haired Dunker sports a mullet and mustache combo that is sure to make him a fan favorite wherever he goes. On the field, the 6-5, 315-pound right tackle is a dominant run blocker who could also shift inside at the next level. Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State: One of the few bright spots during a poor start for the Nittany Lions that got coach James Franklin fired, Ioane, nicknamed “Vega,” has been perhaps the best interior lineman in the country. The 6-4, 330-pound guard has earned a 92.0 pass-blocking grade, per PFF. Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson 47 catches for 523 yards and seven touchdowns already this season. (AP Photo/Jeffrey D. Allred) Wide receiver While Zay Flowers has flashed WR1 potential, he’s yet to negotiate a contract extension. Rashod Bateman is under contract through 2029, but he hasn’t made much of an impact yet this season. DeAndre Hopkins is on a one-year deal. In short, adding another wide receiver might make sense. Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State: The 6-2, 200-pound Tyson is a big play waiting to happen with 47 catches for 523 yards and seven touchdowns already this season. His ability to outjump and outmuscle defenders is something the Ravens have lacked before adding Hopkins this year. Makai Lemon, USC: While Lemon might work best in the slot role that Flowers typically occupies, it would be fun to see them pair up. The 5-11, 195-pound junior has been one of the nation’s most productive receivers with 44 catches for 682 yards and six touchdowns this season. Denzel Boston, Washington: The 6-4, 210-pound Boston has the size and physicality of a prototypical X receiver but has shown an ability to win from the slot, too. His contested-catch ability would be a nice gift for Jackson. Carnell Tate, Ohio State: Kiper ranks Tate as his 12th overall player, noting that he is “a precise route runner, has great hands and displays outstanding body control.” Like former Buckeyes stars Emeka Egbuka, Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Chris Olave, the 6-3, 195-pound Tate is a polished player who could step in immediately and help elevate the offense. Oregon's Kenyon Sadiq could be the Ravens' tight end of the future. (AP Photo/Matt Marton) Tight end Mark Andrews, Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar are all playing out the final years of their respective contracts, so adding a tight end this offseason might be more important than fans realize. Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon: The thought of the Ravens using a high draft pick on a tight end seems improbable, but wouldn’t it be fun? The 6-3, 245-pound Sadiq is a mismatch nightmare with his explosiveness and speed and would elevate any offense with his receiving and blocking skills. Have a news tip? Contact sports editor C.J. Doon at cdoon@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/CJDoon. View the full article

Joe Flacco looks like he’s ready to lead another AFC North team on an improbable run. Just 10 days after Flacco arrived in Cincinnati, he beat Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers in an unlikely shootout between 40-year-old quarterbacks Thursday night. Flacco threw for 342 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Bengals to a 33-31 comeback victory over Pittsburgh. That left Bengals fans chanting: “Thank you, Cleveland!” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin made it clear this week he wasn’t happy the Browns traded Flacco, a Super Bowl MVP with Baltimore 13 years ago, to a division rival. Tomlin criticized Browns general manager Andrew Berry, saying the trade “doesn’t make sense.” Flacco proved Tomlin had good reason to hate the deal. Even though the Bengals (3-4) lost to Green Bay last week in Flacco’s first start, the team finished strong and the offense had reason for optimism. It carried over against Pittsburgh (4-2). Flacco revived the passing attack, which features All-Pro wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. That opened up the run game for Chase Brown, who had 106 yards against the Steelers. “From Day 1, he’s been impressive his ability to recall the plays,” Brown said about Flacco. “And not only that, but to step into these big games. … He’s played in the NFL for 18 years. He’s extremely poised. You see him in the building early every day. He pushes everyone to work harder and fix their routine and see whatever they could do to help this team. It’s been amazing to see what he can do the last two weeks.” Flacco targeted Chase 23 times. That’s not a typo. Chase caught 16 of those passes for 161 yards and one score. “It’s fun having him,” Chase said. “He knew what he was doing right from the jump. He’s giving me opportunities.” Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco threw for 342 yards and three touchdowns against Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean) Flacco came off his couch in November two years ago, led the Browns to the playoffs by going 4-1 down the stretch and won the AP NFL Comeback Player of the Year award. After spending 2024 with the Colts, he returned to Cleveland this year but his second stint ended quickly. Flacco threw two touchdown passes and six interceptions in four games, losing three. The Browns benched him for rookie Dillon Gabriel and then traded him away. Flacco replaced Jake Browning, who lost all three of his starts filling in for Joe Burrow. Now, he has Bengals fans believing in a turnaround after the team snapped a four-game losing streak. One fan held a sign that read: “We trust in Joe 2.0.” With the injury-riddled Ravens off to a 1-5 start and the Browns also 1-5, Cincinnati’s victory made it a two-team race for the division. The Bengals host the winless Jets next week and then have another home game against the Bears. They could be 5-4 heading into a bye and then return to face the Steelers on the road on Nov. 16. Flacco has given them hope that a playoff run is still possible. And, Burrow could return in time to take them there. In a game the Bengals had to win, Flacco was slinging it all over the field, picking apart Pittsburgh’s secondary. When the Steelers double-covered Chase and Higgins, he threw a perfect ball down the middle to Andrei Iosivas for a 37-yard gain. But Flacco’s best — and most surprising play — came when he used his legs, keeping the ball on a read option for a 12-yard gain. “It felt good. I can’t lie,” he said. “This game is so great and sometimes when you’ve played it for so long, you can lose some of that energy for it but it’s all about your mind and telling yourself it’s one of the best things in the world and if you can stay excited about what you’re doing, you can do it for as along as you want.” How did Flacco, a father of four boys and one daughter, plan to celebrate the big win? By going to sleep, of course. “Man, I’ve been ready,” he said. View the full article

Zay Flowers was at the center of two costly fumbles this past Sunday. The visiting Rams capitalized on both turnovers, effectively sealing the Ravens’ latest defeat. When the home locker room opened, Baltimore’s top receiver, much like he has all season, had already slipped away. His locker stall was empty and his teammates were left behind to answer for his mistakes. The silence from one of the faces of the offense perhaps echoed louder than any quote could. In the Ravens’ latest unraveling, a 17-3 loss to the Rams, Flowers wasn’t just part of the critical sequence that swung the game; he was also absent from the accountability that followed. He’s hardly the only one. But Flowers represents the growing disconnect between the Ravens’ most visible players and the kind of leadership moments that define great teams. Let’s be clear: speaking to reporters isn’t about stroking media egos or entitlement. Rather, it revolves around accountability. It’s about facing the fans who buy jerseys, pour their money into tickets and spend Sundays chanting your name and team. Around the league, other stars in uncomfortable situations, from A.J. Brown’s frustration with the offense in Philadelphia to Detroit’s Brian Branch after his involvement in Sunday night’s brawl in Kansas City, regularly stand at their lockers and explain themselves through the good and the bad. It’s part of being a professional. It’s part of being an accountable leader. In fact, it’s a contractual requirement via the NFL Players Association for players to be made regularly available to the media throughout the season. Even players who’ve faltered in that department have displayed growth. Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs refused to speak with New England reporters back in training camp, drawing heavy criticism. But before the start of the regular season, the former Terps star recognized his error, braved the podium and apologized. Related Articles 5 reasons to be pessimistic the Ravens can turn their season around 5 reasons to be optimistic the Ravens can turn their season around Ravens Week 6 high school football Coaches of the Week Flacco rallies Bengals to upset win over Rodgers and Steelers, 33-31 READERS RESPOND: Fans say Ravens’ start more disappointing than Orioles’ “I was referred to as a pain in the a–. … But I want to be very clear up here, I’m an adult. I apologize,” Diggs said in early September. “Obviously, we have a media-to-player relationship [that I want to make] as professional as I can be. I want to make myself available each and every week. I don’t want to make this abrasive. I don’t want to get up here and not answer questions or make anybody feel uncomfortable. It’s going to be a long season, so we’re going to spend a lot of time together.” Diggs’ course of action served as a reminder that accountability isn’t about perfection, but about showing face and speaking up, especially when things get uncomfortable. Flowers isn’t alone in ducking that responsibility in Baltimore. He’s just the most recent example in a season in which it’s become a frequent occurrence. Nearly seven weeks ago, after the Ravens blew a 15-point fourth-quarter lead to Buffalo, veteran cornerback Marlon Humphrey also dodged the media in Orchard Park, New York. A few days later, though, under a more comfortable setting at his locker in Owings Mills, he offered one of the more honest assessments of the young season. “We’re just not mature enough as a team yet,” Humphrey said then. He added that defensive coordinator Zach Orr had vowed there would be no “repeat offenders.” Mighty phrases on the surface, but the same mistakes have lingered over the worst start in franchise history. Has anything changed from accountability and maturity standpoints? Wide receiver Zay Flowers, shown speaking to the media in June, hasn't answered media questions after a Ravens game so far this season. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Like Flowers, linebacker Roquan Smith is one of the most recognizable players on the team. He’s also one of the highest-paid players behind only quarterback Lamar Jackson and safety Kyle Hamilton, and is considered by many the defense’s top leader. Before Smith was sidelined with a hamstring injury, though, he never spoke after a loss. In fact, the only time he’s spoken after a game this season was after the team’s lone Sept. 14 win over Cleveland. In Flowers’ case, he’s talked publicly just twice all season, with neither instance occurring after a game. Then there’s Jackson. This team revolves around the two-time NFL Most Valuable Player, but his detached posture on the sideline was eye-opening. When Jackson exited the loss to Kansas City with a hamstring injury, he spent the fourth quarter glued to the bench, disengaged from sideline discussions and huddles. Leadership often is about presence. When the team’s biggest, most important veteran voices disappear, intentionally or not, it reverberates. Their disappearances also leave rookies and even undrafted players standing alone in a sparse room in front of cameras and microphones, trying to explain how a proud franchise has reached this bottom point. That exact scene played out after the blowout loss to Houston. Rookie linebacker Teddye Buchanan, to his credit, has spoken after every game this season. But after his postgame session with reporters concluded Oct. 5, he turned to a team official and asked with emotional frustration written across his face, “Why are they saying it’s my fault?” Coach John Harbaugh was asked directly earlier this week about the team’s player leadership. His answer came across as measured with a dose of optimism. “We’re going to get great, great veteran leadership,” Harbaugh said Monday. “I believe that. And we’re going to have to. Nothing is going to be more important than that.” Inside the locker room, some players have downplayed the idea that someone needs to step up in a traditional way. One player who spoke on the condition of anonymity to speak freely about the situation told The Baltimore Sun: “If you have somebody [cursing you out], you’ll be super cautious about the next play.” Another player who also spoke on the condition of anonymity said: “You could say, ‘Oh, there’s no leadership.’ There’s nothing different that’s happening this year than last year besides maybe it’s repetitive execution, but it’s the truth. You go back to last year, there wasn’t guys like rah-rah standing up. [Smith] got the team going every game. But there’s really nothing different [in terms of leadership] that happened last year that isn’t happening this year.” And yet that’s what makes this disappointing season so jarring. This franchise was built on alphas from Tony Siragusa, Rob Burnett and Sam Adams in 2000 to Ray Lewis, Anquan Boldin and Ed Reed in 2012. Those Super Bowl-winning teams didn’t just have stars, but also real enforcers and leaders who kept everyone around them accountable. Humphrey’s words after the Week 1 collapse have aged poorly. What was framed as a temporary maturity issue has festered into something much more serious and concerning. There might be reasons for optimism coming out of the bye. The Ravens’ roster is littered with talent, and coaches and players carry an important sense of hope tied to Jackson’s imminent return. Belief alone won’t fix a repetitive leadership void. Baltimore Sun reporter Sam Cohn contributed to this article. Have a news tip? Contact Josh Tolentino at jtolentino@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200, x.com/JCTSports and instagram.com/JCTSports. View the full article

It’s been a season of disappointments for the Ravens. Baltimore enters its bye week at 1-5, a record that few teams recover from to reach the postseason. Yes, Lamar Jackson is returning, but the Ravens seem to have deep-rooted issues that could be hard to gloss over even with better quarterback play. A return to the playoffs for the fourth straight season is looking more and more like wishful thinking, rather than being rooted in reality. Here’s five reasons to be pessimistic about the Ravens’ chances of turning their season around: Poor trench play There have been two common sights at M&T Bank Stadium this season: Jackson being dragged to the turf and opposing running backs scampering for easy yards. Jackson has been forced to leave the pocket nearly 70% of the time this season, according to Football Insights. That’s the highest mark in the NFL. He’s been sacked 15 times this year, including seven times against the Detroit Lions. Meanwhile, the Ravens’ defense has allowed the most rushing yards through six weeks in franchise history. The unit is allowing 134 yards per game on the ground, which is tied for sixth-worst in the league. A dismal record Yes, the Ravens have an easy schedule remaining. And they will have Jackson returning from injury after the bye. But 1-5 is 1-5, and teams don’t typically make the postseason with that record. Only four teams in NFL history have made the playoffs after starting the season 1-5: the Washington Football Team in 2020, the Indianapolis Colts in 2018, the Kansas City Chiefs in 2015 and the Cincinnati Bengals in 1970. Washington made the playoffs as a divisional winner with a 7-9 record. That type of season likely won’t result in the playoffs for Baltimore, so it will need to string together a lengthy winning streak to avoid missing the playoffs for the first time since 2021. Nonexistent pass rush Long gone are the days of Terrell Suggs. Baltimore’s sack rate is the fourth-worst in football and it has only forced 85 pressures this season, according to Pro Football Focus. After trading away Odafe Oweh, the team’s leader in pressures before his departure, the Ravens are missing a clear player to disrupt the quarterback in passing situations. Depth is also an issue. Defensive end Tavius Robinson broke his foot against the Rams and will be out for up to two months, which leaves rookie Mike Green, veteran Kyle Van Noy and fourth-year player David Ojabo as the remaining options on the edge. That’s not exactly an inspiring group for a team that’s already struggled to generate organic pass rush. Perhaps defensive coordinator Zach Orr will dial up more blitzes, as he did in the Ravens’ 17-3 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, but that could leave Baltimore’s secondary susceptible to big plays. Either way, the Ravens are going find a way to create more pressure on the opposing quarterback, or the defensive woes will continue. Related Articles Josh Tolentino: The Ravens lack leadership and accountability | COMMENTARY 5 reasons to be optimistic the Ravens can turn their season around Ravens Week 6 high school football Coaches of the Week Flacco rallies Bengals to upset win over Rodgers and Steelers, 33-31 READERS RESPOND: Fans say Ravens’ start more disappointing than Orioles’ An identity in question For most of coach John Harbaugh’s tenure, his team’s identity has been clear. The Ravens are known for playing stout defense, being aggressive and running the ball. But Baltimore has struggled in all those areas this season. Its defense has been dominated in the trenches, running back Derrick Henry has eclipsed 50 yards just once since Week 1 and the Ravens have faltered in critical situations. Van Noy didn’t have a clear response when asked about the team’s messaging and accountability after the team’s blowout loss to the Houston Texans, a statement he later said not to read into, but it’s an embodiment of where this team sits. Nobody truly understands what they’re intending to do from game-to-game. Perhaps that identity has shifted to Jackson’s magic, but it will be difficult for him to completely carry the franchise to a fourth straight playoff appearance. Quarterback Lamar Jackson is introduced before a Week 3 game vs. the Lions. The Ravens hope Jackson can salvage their 1-5 season. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) The Steelers Once a vaunted collection of teams, the AFC North is now one of the worst divisions in football this season. Without Joe Burrow, the Cincinnati Bengals (3-4) looked toothless. That is, until trading for Joe Flacco and upsetting the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday night. The Cleveland Browns (1-5) have already traded away Flacco and turned to rookie signal-caller Dillon Gabriel. The Ravens are 1-5. But the Steelers have emerged as a legitimate contender in the AFC. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers and coach Mike Tomlin have worked well as a tandem, leading Pittsburgh to a 4-2 record. The defense is struggling, however, allowing more than 350 yards per game. Flacco, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins just torched the Steelers for 470 total yards. The Ravens and Steelers will play twice at the end of the season. Baltimore is hoping by that point that the division is not already decided. Have a news tip? Contact Sam Jane at sjane@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/Sam_Jane230. View the full article

Feeling glum about this Ravens season? Baltimore was a widely popular pick to play in the Super Bowl and has fallen so far that the playoffs seem like a long shot. Now at 1-5 with a steep climb ahead, coach John Harbaugh is having to defend the job of his defensive coordinator, while running back Derrick Henry pleaded to the fan base, “I feel like we still have time. Just believe in us.” Here are five reasons to maintain faith that the Ravens can turn this season around: Two words: Lamar Jackson For those with any vested interest in Baltimore’s playoff aspirations, these past few weeks felt more like a few years. A hamstring injury sidelined Lamar Jackson, and his backup, Cooper Rush, failed to manufacture much offense in his absence. Rush threw four interceptions (not all of them his fault) without a passing touchdown. Harbaugh all but guaranteed Jackson’s return after the bye week for a home game versus Chicago: “I mean, for sure [he’ll be back]? I’m saying so, but I don’t know. That’s how life is sometimes. You can’t predict everything. It’s still the future, but that’s the hope.” The Ravens are a dismal 4-12 without Jackson under center. He’s an obvious force multiplier. In each of Baltimore’s past six games without their two-time NFL Most Valuable Player, the Ravens haven’t scored more than 17 points. With Jackson, they scored at least 30 points in each of their first three games to start the year — and there are still question marks about “rhythm” and play calling. Any hope of a turnaround starts and ends with Jackson. “It’s Lamar Jackson,” center Tyler Linderbaum said. “He’s the best quarterback in the game, so he’s certainly going to help our team out.” Stock up on defense After five weeks of dismal defensive performances that had Baltimore on pace to allow more points than any NFL team in league history, defensive coordinator Zach Orr said that their 17-3 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in Week 6 was “the most intensity that we played with. That’s what we were looking for. “We have to get back to playing pissed off and with an edge.” Related Articles Josh Tolentino: The Ravens lack leadership and accountability | COMMENTARY 5 reasons to be pessimistic the Ravens can turn their season around Ravens Week 6 high school football Coaches of the Week Flacco rallies Bengals to upset win over Rodgers and Steelers, 33-31 READERS RESPOND: Fans say Ravens’ start more disappointing than Orioles’ The Ravens forced a turnover for the first time since Week 2, logged a pair of sacks and stopped a fourth-down attempt, which they hadn’t done in any of the three previous games. They weren’t quite at full strength. With Nnamdi Madubuike out for the year with a neck injury and Tavius Robinson exiting early for a broken foot, there are serious concerns about the veracity of the defensive line moving forward. But linebacker Roquan Smith and cornerback Chidobe Awuzie, both nursing hamstring injuries since Week 4, should return after the bye week. A break in the schedule will give everyone a much-needed chance to get healthy, and perhaps general manager Eric DeCosta will bring in reinforcements. Even so, it was the best showing from the reserves and rookies the Ravens have been forced to rely on lately. Veteran defensive tackle John Jenkins logged his first sack of the year and forced a fumble on the same play. Linebackers Teddye Buchanan and Trenton Simpson teamed up for a sack. Collectively, the Ravens’ defense went consecutive drives without allowing points to an opposing team’s starting quarterback for the first time since Week 3 versus Detroit. Against the Rams, they walled up in two such instances. “What we’ve got to be able to do is understand, really, how close you are sometimes,” Harbaugh said. “And you can’t allow the weight of the disappointment or the weight of the scrutiny — you can’t allow that to derail you or to sidetrack you or to push you away from your goal, because we can accomplish what we want to accomplish.” Alohi Gilman opens up the defense Gilman was traded across the country on a whirlwind. He was awake for 21 of the next 24 hours. Baltimore’s newest safety, acquired from the Los Angeles Chargers in exchange for pass rusher Odafe Oweh on Oct. 7, took every rep and even directed traffic his first day on the field. Gilman brought no ego, only vowing to help in whatever way would help pick up the pieces of a broken defense. Days after Gilman’s seven-tackle debut, senior secondary coach Chuck Pagano said that “it looked like he had been here for a couple years.” Pagano called it “a seamless transition.” Safety Alohi Gilman, shown at a practice earlier this month, was superb in his Ravens debut against the Rams. Coaches are optimistic that his addition allows them to use safety Kyle Hamilton more creatively the rest of the season. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Trust in Gilman to cover the back end allows the Ravens to lean into what was a considerable strength in 2023 and a Band-Aid for the troubles in 2024: move All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton closer to the line of scrimmage. Hamilton broke out in 2023 as the only safety with at least 10 tackles for loss and 10 pass deflections, thanks to playing a majority of his snaps at slot corner. Hamilton pushed back to free safety last season when the Ravens led the league in explosive plays. Baltimore’s most pressing issue this year is its run defense. They’re calling on their highly paid Swiss Army knife to fix it. Gilman can play safety alongside rookie Malaki Starks. And Hamilton can move up to the box or near the line of scrimmage like a linebacker who can play in coverage. “He’s a beast, and offenses really have to account for him,” Pagano said. “Now, we use that to our advantage. We can make offenses predictable of where they’re going to slide and where they’re going to run the football, so that helps us out a lot.” Short-yardage situations have been a major crutch. There’s one man who might be able to fix it. Harbaugh called it the No. 1 thing on his mind heading into the bye week. The Ravens’ struggles in short-yardage situations came under intense scrutiny after a loss to the Rams in which Henry bulldozed down to the 1-yard line on four attempts. They went away from Henry for two failed tush-push attempts then back to the future Hall of Famer, only to see him stuffed on fourth down. Baltimore went into halftime tied at 3 instead of leading 10-3. Patrick Ricard catches the ball during a 2024 practice. The star fullback could return from injury against the Bears, which would give the Ravens' running game a boost. (Kim Hairston/Staff) Last year, the Ravens were the league’s third most efficient team in goal-to-go situations, scoring a touchdown 88.6% of the time. So far this year, they’re punching the ball in a 57.1% clip, which ranks 28th. Jackson’s return should help those figures (but don’t expect him under center for a tush push). But fullback Patrick Ricard could provide a quick fix. He suffered a calf injury in mid-August and has yet to make his season debut. Ricard is aiming to return in Week 8 versus Chicago, although Harbaugh made no promises. Ricard returned to practice Oct. 9. “It’s pretty much recovered from that kind of a standpoint,” Harbaugh said. “It’s just a matter of him being comfortable with his level of strength and his ability to perform.” The 6-foot-3, 300-pound Ricard is essentially another All-Pro lineman to clear a path for Henry. The 30-year-old back earned a contract extension in March for elevating the league’s best rushing attack in 2024. Baltimore ranks ninth in rushing yards per game sans Ricard. In 2024, the Ravens found the end zone 85% of the time that they reached the red zone, a league-best rate. They currently rank 15th, scoring touchdowns 40.6% of the time they get within 20 yards of pay dirt. The schedule Through seven weeks, the Ravens had the third toughest strength of schedule in the NFL, according to Warren Sharp of Sharp Football Analysis. Five playoff teams in six weeks, including a pair of AFC juggernauts, felt like too much to overcome for a battered Baltimore team. It lightens up moving forward. The next 11 games rank 23rd among the league’s toughest schedules. Despite issues in just about every positional group, four wins over the next five games (vs. Chicago, at Miami, at Minnesota, vs. Cleveland and vs. New York Jets) would get the Ravens one game within .500 by Thanksgiving. The Ravens also have five more division games. Sweeping the division isn’t impossible, considering the lowly Browns and Joe Burrow-less Bengals. The Steelers (4-2) pose the toughest test, but they have seemingly overperformed and have only a plus-10 point differential after an upset loss to the Bengals (3-4) on Thursday night. It’s a long shot, but maybe the Ravens hit a win streak that gets them to nine wins, good for a wild-card entry into the playoffs. The clock is ticking. Have a news tip? Contact Sam Cohn at scohn@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/samdcohn. View the full article

Each week during the high school football season, The Baltimore Sun and the Baltimore Ravens will select one tackle football and one girls flag football Coach of the Week. Here are the winners for Week 6: Tackle football Nick Burkhardt, Sparrows Point: Burkhardt has led the Pointers to their best start in school history at 6-0. Last week, they overcame an early deficit to knock off Pikesville. They’ll look to stay unbeaten with Western Tech and Towson remaining on their regular-season schedule. Girls flag football Sean Brunson Jr., Poly: A is a first-year coach, Brunson is leading the Lady Engineers in their inaugural season. They have won three straight, giving up one score with two shutouts, and have knocked off unbeaten teams in consecutive weeks. Have a news tip? Contact sports editor Tim Schwartz at timschwartz@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/timschwartz13. Related Articles Josh Tolentino: The Ravens lack leadership and accountability | COMMENTARY 5 reasons to be pessimistic the Ravens can turn their season around 5 reasons to be optimistic the Ravens can turn their season around Flacco rallies Bengals to upset win over Rodgers and Steelers, 33-31 READERS RESPOND: Fans say Ravens’ start more disappointing than Orioles’ View the full article

CINCINNATI — Joe Flacco passed for 342 yards and three touchdowns, Evan McPherson made a 36-yard field goal with seven seconds remaining and the Cincinnati Bengals snapped a four-game losing streak with a 33-31 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday night. Acquired from the Cleveland Browns on Oct. 7, the 40-year-old Flacco completed 31 of 47 passes in his second Cincinnati start, and outdueled 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers in only the third regular-season game between starting quarterbacks in their 40s. Rodgers went 22 of 32 for 244 yards with four touchdowns and two interceptions. He gave Pittsburgh (4-2) a 31-30 advantage with 2:31 remaining on a 68-yard touchdown to Pat Freiermuth. On second-and-20, Rodgers rolled left and found Freiermuth open downfield. The fifth-year tight end caught the ball at the Bengals 36 after getting separation from safety Geno Stone and scored his second touchdown. Flacco led the Bengals (3-4) 52 yards in eight plays, including completions of 15 and 18 yards to Ja’Marr Chase get Cincinnati into Pittsburgh territory. The 18-year veteran then found Tee Higgins for a 28-yard gain to the Steelers 5 with 1:39 remaining to put the Bengals well within McPherson’s range. Chase finished with 16 receptions for 161 yards and a TD, making him the fourth receiver in NFL history with two games of at least 14 catches in a single season. Higgins finished with six catches for 96 yards. Chase Brown had 108 rushing yards on 11 carries. Freiermuth had four catches for 106 yards for the Steelers. Jaylen Warren ran for 127 yards on 16 carries, Injuries Bengals: DE Trey Hendrickson was inactive due to a hip injury he suffered during the first half of last week at Green Bay. Up next Steelers: Host Green Bay in a prime-time game Oct. 26. Bengals: Host the New York Jets on Oct. 26. View the full article

We asked readers whether the Ravens or the Orioles had a more disappointing start to their respective season. The Ravens are 1-5 in their first six games, while the Orioles started 15-28 and fired manager Brandon Hyde. Here are the results from our online poll: Ravens — 82% (325) Orioles — 18% (70 votes) Here’s what some fans said about subpar starts for Baltimore sports teams (answers have been edited for clarity and grammar): After a disastrous April, the Orioles were confident, since the May schedule was supposedly easier. How did that work out? As it turns out, they were worse in May. And the manager was fired shortly thereafter. Now we hear the same about the Ravens. The remaining schedule is supposedly easier. We’ll see how that works out, but with all the injuries and coaching problems, I have my doubts. As Mike Preston wrote, Jackson will have to be a miracle worker — and stay healthy — to get the Ravens into the playoffs this year. — Bobby Both teams will be fine. Hitting a baseball isn’t easy. Michael Jordan couldn’t do it. And try getting blindsided by a 300-pound muscleman. The Ravens and Orioles will bounce back just as sure as the sun will rise tomorrow! — Robin Ficker It’s been a race to the bottom, but the Ravens at least have a chance to salvage their season. — Tom The Ravens. We expect this type of losing from the Orioles. — Tyice Pulliam Leadership is vitally important, and it seems like the vibes and message from Harbaugh has gone stone cold. It is falling on deaf ears. The Orioles, at least, from my standpoint, had little to no chance of winning in a division where all the other teams got better. I was expecting mediocrity. The Ravens on the other hand were Super Bowl favorites. This was the year. That prediction has gone south along with almost any Super Bowl chances. Eric DeCosta, much like Mike Elias, did little to nothing to improve their teams. And the team knows it. I hope they surprise me, but I doubt it. Color me skeptical. — Burt Wils Why not both? — Mike Vail Definitely the Ravens. Injuries have been a major contributor to both of these teams and their underperformance. The Orioles, with a young core, were hoping to be in contention for the World Series. The Ravens, on the other hand, with an experienced roster, were favored to win the Super Bowl. Just a greatly disappointing year for both of Baltimore’s professional teams. — Robert The Ravens have been the bigger disappointment, but they will turn it around after the bye. — David Salter O’s were the most disappointing, as I do not care about the very stupid and evil Ravens organization and I hope they fail at every turn. — Bill The Ravens. Everyone knew that the Orioles were going into 2025 with a questionable starting rotation. The Ravens, however, were two wins from going to the Super Bowl last season. For them to start out 1-5 is much more disappointing and unexpected. — Mark Miller This is hilarious! I’ve been calling the Ravens “the football Orioles” all season. — Steve Scheinberg Related Articles Staff picks for Week 7 of 2025 NFL season: Commanders vs. Cowboys, Buccaneers vs. Lions and more Mike Preston: Fire Harbaugh? Now? Don’t be ridiculous. | COMMENTARY Ravens reset: 5 most important questions facing 1-5 team entering bye Joe Flacco vs. Aaron Rodgers: AFC North rivalry takes on a touch of gray Watch ‘Overtime’ of Ep. 8 of the BMore Football Podcast with The Baltimore Sun’s Mike Preston and Jerry Coleman presented by Rice Law The Raven’s gonna win the AFC North! The season isn’t over after six games. If we make a trade for some defensive help … I honestly think that the Raven’s will win the division. — Kenny Anderson Both. This has been the most miserable sports year I can remember in my 60 years as a Baltimore sports fan. The worst thing is that both teams have blown threw their window of opportunity, and while not exactly starting over, are taking a few steps back. — Bill Bruns The Baltimore Sun reader poll is an unscientific survey in which website users volunteer their opinions on the subject of the poll. To see results from previous sports polls, go to baltimoresun.com/sportspoll View the full article

Baltimore Sun staff writers and FOX45’s Patrice Sanders pick every game of the NFL season. Here’s who they have winning in Week 7: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cincinnati Bengals (Thursday, 8:15 p.m.) Brian Wacker (11-4 last week, 62-30-1 overall): Bengals Sam Cohn (10-5 last week, 64-28-1 overall): Steelers Mike Preston (11-4 last week, 63-29-1 overall): Steelers Josh Tolentino (9-6 last week, 63-29-1 overall): Steelers C.J. Doon (9-6 last week, 58-34-1 overall): Steelers Bennett Conlin (11-4 last week, 57-35-1 overall): Steelers Tim Schwartz (8-7 last week, 53-39-1 overall): Steelers Patrice Sanders (10-5 last week, 56-36-1 overall): Steelers Los Angeles Rams vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (Sunday, 9:30 a.m.) Wacker: Rams Cohn: Rams Preston: Jaguars Tolentino: Jaguars Doon: Rams Conlin: Rams Schwartz: Rams Sanders: Rams New Orleans Saints vs. Chicago Bears (Sunday, 1 p.m.) Wacker: Bears Cohn: Bears Preston: Bears Tolentino: Bears Doon: Bears Conlin: Bears Schwartz: Bears Sanders: Bears Miami Dolphins vs. Cleveland Browns (Sunday, 1 p.m.) Wacker: Browns Cohn: Browns Preston: Browns Tolentino: Dolphins Doon: Dolphins Conlin: Browns Schwartz: Dolphins Sanders: Dolphins Las Vegas Raiders vs. Kansas City Chiefs (Sunday, 1 p.m.) Wacker: Chiefs Cohn: Chiefs Preston: Chiefs Tolentino: Chiefs Doon: Chiefs Conlin: Chiefs Schwartz: Chiefs Sanders: Chiefs Philadelphia Eagles vs. Minnesota Vikings (Sunday, 1 p.m.) Wacker: Eagles Cohn: Eagles Preston: Eagles Tolentino: Eales Doon: Eagles Conlin: Eagles Schwartz: Eagles Sanders: Eagles Carolina Panthers vs. New York Jets (Sunday, 1 p.m.) Wacker: Panthers Cohn: Jets Preston: Panthers Tolentino: Panthers Doon: Panthers Conlin: Panthers Schwartz: Panthers Sanders: Panthers New England Patriots vs. Tennessee Titans (Sunday, 1 p.m.) Wacker: Patriots Cohn: Patriots Preston: Patriots Tolentino: Patriots Doon: Patriots Conlin: Patriots Schwartz: Patriots Sanders: Patriots New York Giants vs. Denver Broncos (Sunday, 4:05 p.m.) Wacker: Broncos Cohn: Giants Preston: Broncos Tolentino: Broncos Doon: Broncos Conlin: Broncos Schwartz: Giants Sanders: Broncos Indianapolis Colts vs. Los Angeles Chargers (Sunday, 4:05 p.m.) Wacker: Colts Cohn: Chargers Preston: Chargers Tolentino: Colts Doon: Colts Conlin: Chargers Schwartz: Colts Sanders: Chargers Green Bay Packers vs. Arizona Cardinals (Sunday, 4:25 p.m.) Wacker: Packers Cohn: Packers Preston: Packers Tolentino: Packers Doon: Packers Conlin: Packers Schwartz: Packers Sanders: Packers Washington Commanders vs. Dallas Cowboys (Sunday, 4:25 p.m.) Wacker: Commanders Cohn: Cowboys Preston: Cowboys Tolentino: Commanders Doon: Cowboys Conlin: Cowboys Schwartz: Commanders Sanders: Commanders Atlanta Falcons vs. San Francisco 49ers (Sunday, 8:20 p.m.) Wacker: 49ers Cohn: Falcons Preston: 49ers Tolentino: Falcons Doon: Falcons Conlin: 49ers Schwartz: Falcons Sanders: Falcons Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Detroit Lions (Monday, 7 p.m.) Wacker: Lions Cohn: Lions Preston: Buccaneers Tolentino: Lions Doon: Buccaneers Conlin: Lions Schwartz: Buccaneers Sanders: Buccaneers Houston Texans vs. Seattle Seahawks (Monday, 10 p.m.) Wacker: Seahawks Cohn: Seahawks Preston: Seahawks Tolentino: Seahawks Doon: Seahawks Conlin: Seahawks Schwartz: Seahawks Sanders: Seahawks View the full article

After each Ravens loss, the chants of “Fire Harbaugh” get stronger, but that’s because a lot of people around here are silly. Actually, a better description is asinine. Baltimore fans need to let the 2025 season play out. It’s impossible to shuffle several injured starters in and out of the lineup and win, especially when one is among the NFL’s best players in quarterback Lamar Jackson and another is a top middle linebacker named Roquan Smith. Wins aren’t going to happen without them, especially against the elite teams. So far, the Ravens have played perhaps the league’s toughest schedule with games against Buffalo, Detroit, Kansas City, Houston and the Los Angeles Rams, all playoff teams from a year ago. Only Cleveland can be considered a sleeper. The Ravens have produced a 1-5 record, and it’s well-deserved. But to fire a coach with an 18-year history in this town that includes a Super Bowl victory, four AFC championship game appearances and 12 playoff bids is ridiculous. Remember, this is not Major League Baseball and the Ravens aren’t the Orioles. Where is the logic? More importantly, let’s just use some common sense. The X-factor in any season is injuries. Look around the NFL. You think Cincinnati (2-4) is happy after losing quarterback Joe Burrow in the second game of the season? What would happen to the Rams if they lost quarterback Mathew Stafford or Kansas City lost Patrick Mahomes? It’s a quarterback-driven league, and when you lose your star, it’s just about over until he returns. In the words of Mr. T from “The A-Team” fame, “I pity the fool.” It has happened here with Jackson missing the past two games since going down late against Kansas City. There was hope that Cooper Rush or Tyler Huntley could be decent backups, but that was like believing in Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny. It’s called wishful thinking. The expectations were for the Ravens to play harder, which they didn’t do against Houston, or be entertaining, which was not the case against the Rams. Yet, it’s all about perspective. Those looks on Harbaugh’s face on the sideline didn’t provide any optimism. It’s as if he has run out of answers, or might break down and cry at any minute. That’s not something fans want to see. But if I were missing Jackson, left tackle Ronnie Stanley, defensive tackles Nnamdi Madubuike and Broderick Washington, Smith, cornerback Marlon Humphrey, safety Kyle Hamilton, outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy and fullback Patrick Ricard, I’d tear up, too. Ravens fans express their disappointment during a loss to the Rams. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Back in 2001 after the Ravens won their first Super Bowl title, they lost Jamal Lewis (ACL tear) and Leon Searcy (torn triceps tendon) during one of the first few weeks of training camp. They weren’t going to repeat without their best running back and their powerful tackle on the right side. That’s nothing compared with the losses suffered by the Ravens this season. Also, where is the loyalty? The younger generation has none because they change jobs as often as they change socks, selfies still remain in style and everything is about me, me, me. Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti, 65, is old school. He admittedly declares his impulsiveness, and it’s safe to assume that he has wanted to fire Harbaugh several times since he became coach in 2008. But Bisciotti is aware of the mass injuries and the consequences and losses that follow. In MLB, there are 162 games compared with just 17 in the NFL regular season. The Ravens have never made a head coaching change during the season, even when the late Ted Marchibroda won only 20 games in his first three years. Who on this staff would replace Harbaugh? Secondary coach Chuck Pagano, 65, or offensive coordinator Todd Monken, 59? Sorry, no offense to them, but the trend in the NFL these days is to hire a head coach in their 30s or early 40s. Plus, these are the Ravens, not the Tennessee Titans, who fired second-year coach Brian Callahan this week after only two seasons with a 4-19 record, including 1-5 this year. Harbaugh, 63, is the most complete coach in the franchise’s 30-year history, even though neither he nor former coach Brian Billick could draw up plays and schemes like Marchibroda. With a career record of 173-109, Harbaugh ranks 16th all-time in coaching wins. Harbaugh might not be a big game coach, and his clock management and gambles on fourth down or 2-point conversions are risky business. He can build teams, though, and is exceptional at chemistry, which is why his players often wear those corny little T-shirts with his slogans on them. Harbaugh is also a fighter, in the same class as Kansas City’s Andy Reid and Pittsburgh’s Mike Tomlin when it comes to feistiness. It will be interesting to see how he responds with his character in question. The Ravens have had periods like this before, most notably in 2004 and 2005. In those seasons, they had players such as middle linebacker Ray Lewis, outside linebacker Peter Boulware, safety Ed Reed, tight end Todd Heap, Lewis, offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden and cornerbacks Deion Sanders and later Samari Rolle, who signed as an unrestricted free agent. The Ravens finished 9-7 in 2004 and 6-10 in 2005. In 2004, Jamal Lewis, Ogden, Heap, Sanders and center Mike Flynn all missed considerable playing time. In 2007, Billick lost the locker room to veterans like Ray Lewis and Reed, which forced the Ravens to hire Harbaugh. No one knows what Harbaugh can do with this group, but let the season play out. The Ravens have their problems. The offense is inconsistent, the defense has no clue and the special teams aren’t so special. Related Articles READERS RESPOND: Fans say Ravens’ start more disappointing than Orioles’ Staff picks for Week 7 of 2025 NFL season: Commanders vs. Cowboys, Buccaneers vs. Lions and more Ravens reset: 5 most important questions facing 1-5 team entering bye Joe Flacco vs. Aaron Rodgers: AFC North rivalry takes on a touch of gray Watch ‘Overtime’ of Ep. 8 of the BMore Football Podcast with The Baltimore Sun’s Mike Preston and Jerry Coleman presented by Rice Law But the remaining 11 games — and yes, the Ravens need to win nine of them to get to the magic number — are loaded with teams that don’t have a bonafide starting quarterback such as Minnesota, the New York Jets and Cleveland. The AFC North-leading Steelers (4-1) might have their usual end-of-season collapse, and the Ravens still have to face them twice. It’s very easy to point fingers at Harbaugh. It’s just as easy to single out general manager Eric DeCosta, who has loaded up with cornerbacks and receivers instead of using first-round draft picks to select interior linemen. Ravens fans want to terminate everybody. Fire Harbaugh. Fire DeCosta. Fire Poe. But the next time you get that urge, don’t do it. Please, no more emails, texts or babbling phone calls about getting rid of anyone. Above all things, remember, it’s still just a game. And there are 11 more to play. Have a news tip? Contact Mike Preston at epreston@baltsun.com, 410-332-6467 and x.com/MikePrestonSun. View the full article

The Ravens cannot lose Sunday. That’s one of a few luxuries an early season bye week provides struggling Baltimore, which limps into the much-needed break 1-5 and in search of itself as much of victories. The Ravens are losers of four straight and are off to their worst start in a decade with a several players, including quarterback Lamar Jackson, battling injuries. While players get four days off beginning Thursday, coach John Harbaugh, general manager Eric DeCosta and the rest of the staff will spend their time searching for solutions. “We still believe we can do it,” Harbaugh said of a playoff push, even though only four teams in NFL history have lost five of their first six games and gone on to reach the postseason. “All of our focus goes to, really, two things; the bye week and working through every aspect and issue that we can [to] find every way we can be at our best going forward with the players we have. … And then how we organize ourselves and craft our schemes.” It is a steep climb. Here are the five biggest questions Baltimore is facing once players return to work next week. How will the offense perform once Lamar Jackson is back? It’s hard to imagine John Harbaugh stretched out on the couch of a psychologist spilling his innermost thoughts, but the 18th-year coach painted such a picture when expressing just how much he’s looking forward to Jackson’s return to spark a listless offense. “I would have to say I’m leaning really hard into that, really hard,” he said Monday. “For any kind of psychological wellbeing, spiritual wellbeing, I’m leaning hard on that happening.” For good reason, obviously. DeCosta invested two years and $6.2 million into Cooper Rush with the idea that the 31-year-old veteran who led the Cowboys to a 9-5 record during his tenure in Dallas would be a capable fill-in if such a need ever arose. It hasn’t worked out that way. From training camp through Week 5 and 6 (and part of Week 4), Rush has not been good. He completed 65.4% of his passes for just 303 yards and no touchdowns to go with four interceptions for a woeful passer rating of 48.8. Rush, a prototypical drop-back passer who rarely ran run-pass option plays for the Cowboys, felt like a square peg in a round hole. Then, he didn’t even perform as well as a passer. The simple fact is the offense is built around Jackson and his ankle-breaking mobility. For the Ravens, who have largely ignored the backup role (at least financially) over the past few seasons, to spend somewhat meaningful money in the way that they did can be chalked up to a notable miss. Jackson’s return should help immediately if not immensely. Before getting injured, he completed a career-high 71.6% of his passes for 869 yards and 10 touchdowns with one interception. Yes, the offense was out of rhythm before he was sidelined. But perhaps the time off also allowed him and Monken to zero in on adjustments to the scheme. Ravens outside linebacker Mike Green blocks Malik Hamm during practice. Both could be called upon to help improve the pass rush. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) How will the Ravens generate a pass rush now? One of the biggest problems this season has been a lack of a pass rush. Only two teams — the San Francisco 49ers and Carolina Panthers — have fewer sacks than Baltimore’s eight. This, after ranking first and second the past two seasons. Now, Odafe Oweh, who had 10 sacks last season but none this year, has been traded to the Los Angeles Chargers, and fellow outside linebacker Tavius Robinson is out at least 6-8 weeks with a broken foot, leaving just three outside linebackers on the roster. “It’s been a challenge all year to generate pressure, so we are going to have to manufacture pressure,” Harbaugh said. “But also, our guys are going to have to step up and create pressure on the four-man rush. We do it with simulated pressures, too, a lot of times.” That was the case on a few occasions against the Los Angeles Rams with the Ravens tallying two sacks, but they still had just two pressures, per Pro Football Focus, in true passing sets. With only Malik Hamm and Kaimon Rucker on the practice squad — at least one of whom could get elevated for a few games — Baltimore will need to find reinforcements quickly. Help could come as soon as the beginning of next week and a trade or two would be the most likely route with the need for a disruptive player at outside linebacker and/or defensive tackle. Still, the Ravens need to find some way to generate a rush. “We have to be to be better on first down, and then on second down, we have to be better,” defensive coordinator Zach Orr said. “Right now, a lot of teams you see they get to second-and-long, [and] they get to their third-down game plan. Well against us, they’re going [to] quick game, or they’re even running the ball or going tempo to try to keep us out of our third-down package. We just have to continue to find different ways and different personnel groups to get pressure, and I think that we’ll be able to do that.” In what ways does Alohi Gilman change the defensive picture? Five days after the Ravens traded Oweh for Alohi Gilman, the safety played 44 of 53 defensive snaps and was deployed in the box, at free safety and in the slot in its loss to the Rams. He finished with the second-most tackles (seven) on the team. “He is a beast,” Orr said of the 28-year-old former Notre Dame and Navy standout. It helped that Gilman came from a similar system and has played under several defensive coordinators during his college and pro careers. He should also help change the calculus, allowing Orr to be able to move versatile and talented Pro Bowl safety Kyle Hamilton around, much the way Baltimore did during his 2023 All-Pro season. “It’s good to get back to that,” Orr said. “I think that you saw we were able to do some things with Kyle, and I think that benefited us. “Now, we use that to our advantage. We can make offenses predictable of where they’re going to slide and where they’re going to run the football, so that helps us out a lot. And credit to ‘K-Ham.’ He hasn’t played at the nickel position or dime position – it was funny, he was talking about it – since [middle of the year] last year. So, it’s been a long time. Like we said, he’s a unicorn.” Outside linebacker Adisa Isaac, the Ravens' third-round draft pick in 2024, could return in November. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) When are reinforcements coming? The Ravens’ sudden release of C.J. Gardner-Johnson just days after signing the veteran but embattled safety might have seemed odd given the timing and given the need for defensive help. But it was probably connected to timing, with Baltimore landing Gilman via trade a few hours later and then the former Charger playing fairly well when being thrust into a significant role. It also likely won’t be the last move, with Harbaugh having said that everything is on the table. That holds true to potential reshuffling of the offensive line to seeing what pass rush options are in-house to acquiring more players via trade or free agency. There should be some positive news on the injury front, too. At left tackle, Ronnie Stanley is still battling an ankle injury, so the bye week should help after he left Sunday’s game early and did not return. “It’s structurally good, or he wouldn’t be out there playing,” Harbaugh said. “It becomes a matter of his ability to perform on it, and the only person that knows that is the player; so you’ve got to go by that. But he’s fighting to get out there and play.” Fullback Pat Ricard’s situation, meanwhile, has suddenly gotten murkier. Related Articles READERS RESPOND: Fans say Ravens’ start more disappointing than Orioles’ Staff picks for Week 7 of 2025 NFL season: Commanders vs. Cowboys, Buccaneers vs. Lions and more Mike Preston: Fire Harbaugh? Now? Don’t be ridiculous. | COMMENTARY Joe Flacco vs. Aaron Rodgers: AFC North rivalry takes on a touch of gray Watch ‘Overtime’ of Ep. 8 of the BMore Football Podcast with The Baltimore Sun’s Mike Preston and Jerry Coleman presented by Rice Law After Harbaugh said he expected that he could be available for next week’s game against the Chicago Bears after being sidelined with a calf injury since mid-August, he backpedaled on that certainty. “I don’t know,” he said. “The way the injury is is it’s pretty much recovered from that kind of a standpoint; it’s just a matter of him being comfortable with his level of strength and his ability to perform. It’s him being able to get out there and push himself through practice and feel like it’s going to stay healthy, feel like he can move and run, change direction and power into people. It’s really up to him. The only thing we can do is ask him how he’s doing, how he’s feeling, and if he can push himself to do more or not, because it’s his calf. That’s all we can do right now, so I can’t really make any promises.” On the flip side, Harbaugh did say that he expects inside linebacker Roquan Smith, who has been sidelined with a Grade 2 hamstring strain since suffering the injury during a Week 4 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, to be back for the Bears game. That should help take some of the pressure off rookie fourth-round linebacker Teddye Buchanan and potentially allow Baltimore to use Trenton Simpson, who lost his starting role to Buchanan, as a pass rusher on the outside given his speed. Outside linebacker Adisa Isaac, who has been injured each of his first two years, is also expected back in mid-to-late November after landing on injured reserve with a dislocated elbow in the preseason. Can the Ravens turn things around and make a playoff push? The bad news for Baltimore is that it is 1-5 and in last place in the AFC North. The good news, potentially, is that its remaining schedule is the fifth-easiest in the league with its opponents having a combined .442 win percentage. After the Bears — who have won three straight — the Ravens head to South Florida for a Thursday night tilt against the dysfunctional Miami Dolphins (1-5), then travel to Minnesota to face the Vikings (3-2) before a trip to Cleveland for a divisional game against the Browns (1-5) and then a home date with the winless New York Jets (0-6). If the Ravens can get through that stretch 4-1 to pull within a game of .500, they’d still have a shot at 10-7 — though they will have little margin for error. The schedule still has its challenges, particularly down the stretch. Over the final six weeks, Baltimore will have two games against the division-leading Pittsburgh Steelers, a Week 17 date at the Green Bay Packers and a Week 16 contest against the suddenly ascending New England Patriots. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

Joe Flacco was asked during the preseason about continuing to play at 40 years old. However, Flacco is a youngster compared to his counterpart, 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers. Thursday night’s matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals will mark only the third regular-season game between 40-year-old starting quarterbacks. New Orleans’ Drew Brees won both regular-season games against Tampa Bay and Tom Brady in 2020. But Brady sent Brees into retirement when the Buccaneers beat the Saints in an NFC divisional round game. “Yeah, it’s one thing you guys can’t talk about this week in terms of me being older, at least, but it’s pretty neat,” Flacco said. “I’ve been in a locker room my whole life, so, you know, age isn’t something that I think about. I just view myself as one of those 20-something-year-olds in the locker room. So, it’s not something I really think about, but I think one day, when you look back on it, it’s just one of those things that’ll be pretty cool to be able to have a matchup like this.” At the beginning of the season, Flacco thought this matchup would happen when the Browns faced the Steelers last Sunday. Flacco was replaced as Cleveland’s starter after four games and then traded to Cincinnati last Tuesday, which stunned most people, including Steelers coach Mike Tomlin. With Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow sidelined until at least mid-December after toe surgery on Sept. 19, many expected them to make a move after Jake Browning was ineffective in his three starts. Few expected it to come from a division rival. “[Browns general manager] Andrew Berry must be a lot smarter than me or us, because it doesn’t make sense to me to trade a quarterback that you think enough of to make your opening day starter to a division opponent that’s hurting in that area. But that’s just my personal feelings,” Tomlin said on Monday. This will be the fourth matchup between Rodgers and Flacco. Rodgers has won the previous three. “I think it’s great for all the old guys. I know that when I watch other sports, maybe it’s because I’m the older guy, but I tend to pull for the older guys to win,” Rodgers said. “I’ve known Joe for a long time. He’s been great coming to my charity event. He’s had a great career, and it’s fun that we’re both still playing.” Rodgers has helped lead the Steelers to a 4-1 start and first place in the AFC North. He is second in the AFC with a 105.4 passer rating, along with 10 touchdowns and only three interceptions. A key to Rodgers’ success this season is that his average time to throw is 2.57 seconds, second quickest in the league and his quickest since at least 2016. He has completed 81.1% of his attempts on passes under 2.5 seconds and is averaging 8.2 yards per attempt, which is second best. He will be facing a Bengals defense that allows a league-high 7.7 yards per attempt on quick passes and eight touchdowns, second most. Joe Flacco has faced the Steelers 25 times in his career, including the playoffs, with 24 starts. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps) Flacco hasn’t had much practice time with the Bengals, but he has developed a quick rapport with star receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. He passed for 219 yards and two touchdowns against the Packers in his Cincinnati debut, but most of that came in the second half after Cincinnati fell behind 10-0 at halftime. Flacco and the Bengals (2-4) will try to snap a four-game losing streak and stay within striking distance of the Steelers. The former Ravens star has faced the Steelers 25 times in his career, including the playoffs, with 24 starts. “He knows their style of play. He knows their level of aggression on defense and played against most of their guys over there,” coach Zac Taylor said. “Obviously, he’s played them more than anybody has in this league that is currently playing, so I think he’s got a great sense of what it takes to win.” Quick start needed Cincinnati is hoping to get off to a better start. It has been outscored 79-9 in the first half during the four-game skid and is one of three teams without a first- or second-quarter touchdown in that span. “You’ve got to be willing and ready to just play the patient game as well. I think we’ve got to be efficient on early downs. And I think if we do that, then we’ll give ourselves a chance to be successful early on in the football game,” Flacco said. Going big The Steelers gave their secondary a makeover in the offseason, with all moves designed to help them match up better against Cincinnati’s dynamic tandem of Chase and Higgins. Donte Jackson (5-foot-10), Damontae Kazee (5-11) and Minkah Fitzpatrick (6-1) are gone. Jalen Ramsey (6-1), Juan Thornhill (6-0) and Darius Slay (6-0) joined Joey Porter Jr. (6-2) to give Pittsburgh a physical and veteran defensive backfield the team believes is better suited to take on maybe the best wide receiver duo in the league, no matter who the quarterback is. “You’d better have some corners taller than me if you’re dealing with the likes of Tee Higgins and people like that,” said the 5-foot-11ish Tomlin, who was a wide receiver during his college days at William & Mary. Chase and Higgins have been a problem for the Steelers throughout their careers, combining for 78 catches for 1,194 yards and nine touchdowns in 14 appearances against Pittsburgh. Thursday road woes No team has played on Thursday nights (Thanksgiving Day excluded) more often than the Steelers since the league began playing on Thursdays semi-regularly in 1980. And no team over the past 15 years has lost more Thursday night road games than Pittsburgh, which is 1-9 on Thursdays since 2009. That includes a 0-6 mark against AFC North opponents Baltimore and Cleveland. This will be the first Thursday meeting between the Bengals and Steelers in Cincinnati, and the NFL’s longest-tenured head coach doesn’t appear to be lingering on his team’s Thursday night road shortcomings. “I’m only concerned about 2025,” he said. “I got my (butt) kicked in a lot of ways over the last 19 years.” AP Sports Writer Will Graves in Pittsburgh and freelance reporter Charlie Goldsmith in Cincinnati contributed to this article. View the full article

Watch the “Overtime” segment of the eighth episode of the BMore Football Podcast with The Baltimore Sun’s Mike Preston and Jerry Coleman presented by Rice Law. The longtime sports columnist answers reader questions from Baltimore Sun subscribers after the Ravens fell to 1-5 with a 17-3 loss to the Rams. Missed the eighth episode of the pod? Watch here. Have a question for Preston about the Ravens? Message us at sports@baltsun.com. You can watch the BMore Football Podcast weekly, posting every Tuesday during the NFL season on YouTube and The Baltimore Sun, and listen on Spotify, Apple, Amazon and iHeart. Have a news tip? Contact Mike Preston at epreston@baltsun.com, 410-332-6467 and x.com/MikePrestonSun. View the full article

He wears brown collared shirts underneath his shoulder pads, practices left-handed putting despite being right-handed, and once lived in a camper as a multimillionaire. Those quirks are just part of why Marlon Humphrey isn’t your typical NFL player. “A lot of the veterans that I’ve had here, a lot of different guys that come from different teams, none of them are like Marlon,” said former Ravens edge rusher Odafe Oweh, who was traded to the Chargers earlier this month. Humphrey has played nine high-level seasons at one of the most turbulent positions in the league, become a leader in Baltimore’s locker room and is “uniquely himself.” His teammates say that they’ve never played with anybody like him. T.J. Tampa said that he “shut the room down” when he first met him. Jaire Alexander said, “There’s nobody like [Marlon].” Nate Wiggins said, “You really can’t explain him. He just does Marlon things.” The cornerback has endeared himself to Baltimore with his popular Instagram Live videos that show the relationships inside the Ravens’ locker room. He’s also frustrated them with his podcasting after losses this season. His teammates appreciate his authenticity. Humphrey declined to comment for this story, saying he only wanted to talk about football. “He’s just a genuine person. He’s gonna be himself. And that’s what we love about him,” said rookie safety Reuben Lowery III, who was cut by Baltimore earlier this month and later picked up by the Colts. That originality shows up in many ways. Humphrey wears distinctive clothing — Alexander said that he’s never seen anyone put a dress shirt under their practice gear — publicly holds teammates accountable after tough losses, and even owns a massive farm in Alabama, where he raises a variety of animals. Wiggins, an animal enthusiast, said that he’s waiting to visit the farm. One of Tampa’s first interactions with Humphrey came in a defensive meeting. Tampa watched as Humphrey entered the facility with sweatpants, a towel wrapped around his body, and a hat and durag on his head. Everyone seems to remember their first encounter with Humphrey. Former Alabama safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix recalled the cornerback visiting Tuscaloosa as a high school recruit. Humphrey, a former five-star prospect, was slated to sit down with the Crimson Tide’s defensive backs and defensive staff. Related Articles Watch ‘Overtime’ of Ep. 8 of the BMore Football Podcast with The Baltimore Sun’s Mike Preston and Jerry Coleman presented by Rice Law Funeral plans set for Ravens superfan Captain Dee-Fense Ravens release C.J. Gardner-Johnson after 1 week with team Watch Episode 8 of the BMore Football Podcast with The Baltimore Sun’s Mike Preston and Jerry Coleman presented by Rice Law The Ravens are 1-5. These 5 stats help explain the slow start. | COMMENTARY Clinton-Dix, a senior at the time, anticipated a routine meeting with a high schooler. But that was far from the case with Humphrey. Humphrey was quiet. He wasn’t brash, nor shy. Clinton-Dix and he spoke, and the Crimson Tide safety came away impressed with the 18-year-old’s maturity, Clinton-Dix told The Baltimore Sun. The two stayed in contact during Humphrey’s career, and when the freshman recovered a critical onside kick during Alabama’s national championship game against Clemson, Clinton-Dix made sure to call him. The Ravens drafted Humphrey with the 16th overall pick in the 2017 NFL draft. He entered a secondary with cornerbacks Jimmy Smith and Brandon Carr and safeties Eric Weddle and Tony Jefferson — a combined 49 years in the league between the four of them. Not an easy situation for a rookie to find playing time. But Humphrey carved out a role as a nickel back and then started the final four games as an outside cornerback after Smith tore his Achilles tendon. Humphrey has switched between the slot and boundary cornerback throughout his time in the league. At 29 years old, he’s playing some of the best football of his career. Humphrey played 500 snaps in the slot last season and 316 on the outside, according to Pro Football Focus. He turned in a career-high six interceptions and was named a first-team All-Pro. “He’s just a workaholic. He really cares about his craft. If he’s doing something wrong, he’s going to get to the bottom of what he’s doing wrong,” Wiggins said. Ravens fans clamor for autographs from cornerback Marlon Humphrey in 2024. Humphrey's teammates say he's unique personality among his NFL peers. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) He’s also become a leader for Baltimore’s defense. Humphrey said the Ravens “weren’t mature enough” and players would face repercussions for poor performances after their loss to the Buffalo Bills. But Humphrey’s frankness occasionally frustrates fans, too. After the Ravens’ defense was shredded in a 38-30 loss to the Detroit Lions, the cornerback said, “We’re not good enough.” The next day, he released a YouTube video titled “Marlon reacts to Lions-Ravens MNF loss.” The comments were unforgiving. “I’m stunned by your lack of self awareness, almost in admiration,” one user wrote. “Marlon read the room,” another commented. “Stop with the podcast [crap] and go win some games first.” Humphrey’s not going to change, though. His channel description reads like a personality promotion: “Marlon Humphrey has a lot on his mind … The Marlon Humphrey Show is not another player podcast pumping out PR-approved talking points — it is a one of a kind experience led by one of the most curious minds in sports.” That last line rings true. Ask anyone around the Ravens about Humphrey, and you’ll hear the same response: there’s nobody like Marlon. “He’s not scared to [speak up]. It’s different in that aspect,” Oweh said. “He’s gonna say whatever’s on his mind. He doesn’t care who you are. He wants you to know who he is.” Have a news tip? Contact Sam Jane at sjane@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/Sam_Jane230. View the full article

The life of late Ravens megafan Wes Henson, known as Captain Dee-Fense, will be celebrated at a funeral service next week, which will be open to the public and livestreamed online. Henson died of cancer last week, after spending years as one of the Baltimore Ravens’ most prominent ambassadors. Before becoming a Charm City icon, Henson served in the Navy for 15 years as a cryptography technician. His funeral is set to be held by March Funeral Homes at its tribute center in Randallstown on Oct. 23, with a wake at 10 a.m. and funeral following soon after at 11 a.m. A visitation is scheduled for the day before at the same location from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., and on Oct. 21 at March Funeral Home West from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. A news release Tuesday from March Funeral Homes said Henson’s family urged “everyone to celebrate his legacy by wearing purple in his honor.” The services will be livestreamed at March Funeral Homes’ website. Have a news tip? Contact Mathew Schumer at mschumer@baltsun.com, 443-890-7423 or @mmmschumer on X. View the full article

C.J. Garnder-Johnson’s time in Baltimore lasted one week. The Ravens signed the polarizing safety to their practice squad last Tuesday in an effort to bulk up their secondary on the heels of disastrous, injury-riddled defensive showing versus Houston. A week later, the team released Gardner-Johnson, a source with direct knowledge of the situation told The Baltimore Sun. Gardner-Johnson joined the practice squad but was not elevated for Baltimore’s Week 6 game versus the Los Angeles Rams. He told The Baltimore Sun that, after being let go by the Texans last month, the Ravens were his “only option.” Gardner-Johnson’s agent told ESPN that they were “looking for a clearer path to play.” That’s a reference to the Ravens making a trade the same day for Alohi Gilman. The former Chargers safety suited up days after arriving in Baltimore and played 44 snaps against the Rams in what coach John Harbaugh called a “good dynamic” for their defense. Gardner-Johnson has a history of short-lived stints. He joined the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024, tallying six interceptions en route to a Super Bowl win over the Kansas City Chiefs. A month later, he was traded to Houston in a salary dump. Gardner-Johnson disagreed. He told “The Pivot” podcast that summer it was because the Eagles were “scared of a competitor.” In Houston, the 2019 fourth-round draft pick logged 15 tackles in three games without a pass breakup. Texans coach DeMeco Ryans told reporters it was his decision to move on, citing communication issues and “what’s best for my team.” The Texans released him after three games. Baltimore signed him before Week 6. And he was let go seven days later. Baltimore Sun reporter Brian Wacker contributed to this article, which will be updated. Have a news tip? Contact Sam Cohn at scohn@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/samdcohn.x.com. Related Articles Watch Episode 8 of the BMore Football Podcast with The Baltimore Sun’s Mike Preston and Jerry Coleman presented by Rice Law The Ravens are 1-5. These 5 stats help explain the slow start. | COMMENTARY Ravens season has been ‘test,’ coach John Harbaugh says as he eyes fixes Mike Tomlin, John Harbaugh react to Joe Flacco being traded within division Former Ravens pass rusher Za’Darius Smith abruptly retires View the full article

Episode 8 of the BMore Football Podcast with The Baltimore Sun’s Mike Preston and Jerry Coleman presented by Rice Law is here. Preston and Coleman break down the Ravens’ latest loss to the Rams. Baltimore is just 1-5 on the season as it enters a much-needed bye week. You can watch it weekly, posting every Tuesday during the NFL season on YouTube and The Baltimore Sun, and listen on Spotify, Apple, Amazon and iHeart. Have a news tip? Contact Mike Preston at epreston@baltsun.com, 410-332-6467 and x.com/MikePrestonSun. View the full article