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Ravens Insider: READERS RESPOND: Ravens fans blame John Harbaugh for 2025 results


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We asked readers who they blame most for the Ravens’ disappointing 2025 season. Baltimore is 7-8 and needs help this weekend to have a chance at making the postseason.

Here are the results from our online poll:

  • Coach John Harbaugh — 57% (887 votes)
  • OC Todd Monken — 10% (161 votes)
  • QB Lamar Jackson — 8% (127 votes)
  • The defense — 7% (115 votes)
  • GM Eric DeCosta — 6% (95 votes)
  • Other — 5% (72 votes)
  • DC Zach Orr — 4% (62 votes)
  • The offense — 2% (28 votes)

Here’s what some fans have said about the Ravens’ subpar season (answers have been edited for clarity and grammar):

It’s most definitely a team effort on this losing season but things rest at the hands of the coach. From blown leads to head-scratching plays on offense and defense, the person ultimately giving things the green light is Harbaugh. A head coach should say “Hey, our offensive line is terrible, why don’t we do more roll outs instead of having Lamar sit back in the pocket. Also, our defense line can’t get to the QB, why don’t we disguise more blitzing. And lastly, we are winning the game, why don’t we just give the ball to the human train we have at RB.” The team relies on the head coach to maximize the talent on the team. It’s the reason Mike Tomlin has still managed to constantly keep the Steelers in contention. I’m not saying they are a great team by any means but you can see how he works with what he has and gets a win on Sunday. I don’t think Harbaugh is a bad coach, but he might be in an Andy Reid Philadelphia situation where we need a new leader. That being said it’s hard to fire him unless you know you have a standout coach that can get in and make a positive impact, stepping into the unknown is a big deal especially with the money we are paying key players, time is limited. — James H.

I don’t blame Harbaugh as much as LJ, Monken and Orr. The defense needs to remember to play four quarters, not three. Monken needs to run Derrick more. Pulling Henry in the final drive was the final straw, in my opinion. He abandons Henry and the run way too much. Derrick is built to touch the ball 25 times a game to wear out the other team and set up long runs by Keaton Mitchell after they’re winded. Our O-line is built on running, not pass blocking. Lastly, LJ choked this year. This team is built around him being dynamic and electric. When LJ is not playing we stink or he’s not 100%, he’s just not able to carry the team. He’s good for a pick or fumble in crunch time. I think it’s time to draft a QB that has a good arm but needs to learn how to throw as a third-string prospect. LJ is the best regular season player, ever. When playoffs come and competition gets tight, he chokes. — Ken K.

I wish I could have chosen two. The roster is ultimately the responsibility of the general manager and the head coach. The fact that the team again lacks a strong pass rush and has a weak inconsistent offensive line is on them. Several years of repeatedly blowing fourth-quarter leads also falls on the coaching staff. — Dennis C.

Harbaugh’s postgame news conferences after losses this year have been a joke. He acts like he has no control as he discusses things like abandoning the use of his 250-pound RB in the fourth quarter. If only Harbaugh knew someone who could do something about the problems he identifies after the fact. His time has come and gone. It happens to all of us. Time to move on. — Michael Marr

There’s enough blame to go around, starting at the top with the owner on to the general manager who has not been very successful in the draft. But when Harbaugh says after the game that they should have run Derrick Henry more, what was he thinking DURING the game? Hindsight is 20/20. Why Monken abandons the run game with Henry so often this year is a mystery, but Harbaugh is the HEAD coach, and he should be directing the OC to alter his game plan if he is observant enough to see a problem. — Robert

Monken was great creating a system for Lamar. But, he doesn’t keep with the running game, which is our strength. After the 2023 AFC Championship game with the Chiefs, I thought they’d get rid of him. Not so. How about now? — Herb Hopkins

If you want to be a hungry, lean, efficient repeat Super Bowl contender, it’s time to move on. Thank you, John Harbaugh, we wish you well. Will the owner make a move? It seems doubtful, sad to say. Not having Derrick Henry in the game the last two drives was the last straw for me. — Burt Wils

There are so many responsible from the front office that hasn’t supplied the needed roster additions (maybe it’s time to rethink best player available and go for need in the draft), coordinators who inexplicably leave the best running back on the sidelines numerous times during games over the past few years or a defense that consistently has “communication issues” early in the season. And then a coach who should be on top of things and forcing these issues being addressed in real time, not in the postgame comments. Soft players who practice when they want to. I remember Johnny Unitas and Bert Jones playing with broken ribs … just too many to blame. Guess it’s a team effort! — Dale S.

Local and national pundits noted the Ravens had the best or one of the best rosters in the NFL preseason — and here we are at 7-8 and still blowing big leads in the 4th quarter. I am concerned that the last few years have been our window, and now it is closing. We need a new coach to open the window. — Michael S.

The defense has given up to many fourth-quarter leads. they never blitz the opposing QB. Also Todd Monken should design some new plays. — Jerry Olney

Coaching. This team has way too much talent to be in the situation it’s in. — Justin Guhl

Lamar seems checked out. Definitely seems like some internal issues might be going on with the team. — Winston Dickson

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

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