News Ravens Team Notes

Baltimore Ravens approval poll: GM Eric DeCosta

2025 NFL Scouting Combine

Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images

Do you approve of the job Ravens General Manager Eric DeCosta has done for the Ravens?

Over the past seven years, the Baltimore Ravens’ front office has been led by the second general manager in team history: Eric DeCosta. He’d been a member of the team since 1996, beginning as an intern during the inaugural 1996 season. After 23 years of service and graduating from the “20/20 Club,” and a litany of promotions, he became the Ravens’ Executive Vice President and General Manager in 2019.

Over the past seven years, DeCosta has made the Ravens a Super Bowl contending team with draft selections, trades, free agent signings and contract negotiations.

The Ravens have sustained their Super Bowl contention in large part to DeCosta’s decision-making.

Now, Baltimore Beatdown will be conducting repeated approval polls for DeCosta. The first iteration comes following significant marks in the League Year - the 2025 NFL Draft — and after the Ravens released kicker Justin Tucker.

Baltimore Beatdown asks you to consider DeCosta’s roster construction, draft selections, decisions on trades, re-signings and free agent additions into the calculus on whether you approve of DeCosta’s the job he’s doing as the Ravens’ General Manger.
Click to expand...

Source: https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2...post-2025-nfl-draft-free-agency-justin-tucker
 
Which 2025 free agent is the most important to re-sign for the Ravens?

NFL: Baltimore Ravens at Kansas City Chiefs

Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Baltimore has a long list of quality players set to hit free agency next year

Being one of the best organizations at drafting and developing players means that the Baltimore Ravens will lose more quality talent to free agency than most teams. With a long list of important players set to hit free agency in 2026 and a quarterback on a massive contract, Baltimore will surely part ways with one or two players they would prefer to keep.

The list of notable Ravens in the last year of their contract includes running backs Derrick Henry and Keaton Mitchell, tight ends Mark Andrews, Isaiah Likely, and Charlie Kolar, center Tyler Linderbaum, guard Daniel Faalele, safety Ar’Darius Washington, defensive tackle Travis Jones, outside linebackers Odafe Oweh and Kyle Van Noy, punter Jordan Stout, wide receivers DeAndre Hopkins and Tylan Wallace, and fullback Patrick Ricard.

Today’s Question of the Day is:

Which 2025 free agent is the most important to re-sign for the Ravens?​


My answer: Tyler Linderbaum

It was a tough choice between Linderbaum, Likely, Jones, and Henry. Likely has emerged as a reliable playmaker for quarterback Lamar Jackson and has delivered in big moments. With Andrews set to turn 30 this season, locking up Likely to keep him with Jackson long-term would be preferable. If Likely prices himself out of Baltimore with a big season in 2025, then the Ravens can turn to re-signing Andrews at a cheaper price.

Jones is an underrated component of Baltimore’s defense and should be even more important this season following the retirement of defensive tackle Michael Pierce. Jones commands double teams in the middle of the defensive line and allows other players, such as Nnamdi Madubuike, to face more one-on-one battles on passing downs. While he has yet to rack up the individual stats of a player like Madubuike, Jones is a force as a pass rusher.

If anyone can beat Father Time at the running back position, it is Henry, but I am still weary of handing out a big contract to a running back who is set to turn 32 next year. If Henry has another season similar to last year, then the Ravens may not have a choice but to re-sign him to keep the unstoppable duo of Henry and Jackson alive. With the resurgence of running back value in recent years, Henry may fetch a hefty deal on the open market despite his age. Henry’s desire to remain with Jackson in Baltimore will play an important part in whether or not he decides to chase the money.

I decided to go with Linderbaum, not because I feel that he is the best player on the list, but because of the significance of fielding a strong offensive line to protect Jackson. The Ravens had a musical chairs rotation of centers to start Jackson’s career, with Matt Skura, Patrick Mekari, and Bradley Bozeman all starting games at the position before the arrival of Linderbaum in 2022. Inaccurate snaps were a recurring problem in those years, with one even ending in a concussion that took Jackson out of a playoff game against the Buffalo Bills. Linderbaum has provided stability in the center of the offensive line and has all the traits of a franchise staple. While his pass blocking can still improve, Linderbaum is a special run blocker with his athleticism allowing him to reach players down the field that most linemen would not be capable of. The last thing I want general manager Eric DeCosta to do is detract from the offensive line.

Which 2025 free agent do you think is the most important to re-sign for the Ravens? Scroll down to the comment section and let us know!
Click to expand...

Source: https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2...-for-the-ravens-linderbaum-likely-jones-henry
 
Ravens sign three undrafted rookies, including kicker John Hoyland

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: OCT 30 Wyoming at San Jose State


The Baltimore Ravens signed three undrafted rookies.

On Monday, the Baltimore Ravens signed three undrafted rookies, bringing their roster to 89 players. The three signed were Wyoming kicker John Hoyland, Army offensive tackle Lucas Scott and Louisiana-Lafayette defensive back Keyon Martin.

Hoyland finished his five-year college career going 73-of-92 (79.3). In 2024, he completed 15-of-19 attempts (78.9). According to Baltimoreravens.com’s Ryan Mink, “Hoyland only missed twice in 54 attempts during his career from under 40 yards. Three of his four misses last season were from 50 or more yards.”

Hoyland joins sixth-round pick Tyler Loop as competition for the open kicker position on the Ravens’ roster after the team released Justin Tucker on May 5.

Scott joins the Ravens as another versatile offensive lineman. He began his career at Army as a right guard and right tackle before transitioning to fullback/tight end. Interestingly, he played for Army Head Coach Jeff Monken, cousin of Ravens’ Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken.

Martin was ranked as one of NFL.com’s top undrafted rookie free agents. He was ranked as The Athletic’s Dane Brugler’s No. 70 cornerback in the draft on “The Beast.” He exceled in his Pro Day, running a 4.38 40-yard dash and a 6.89 three-cone, which would’ve ranked No. 13 among all prospects at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine.
Click to expand...

Source: https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2...drafted-rookies-including-kicker-john-hoyland
 
Ravens safety suffers major injury during offseason conditioning

AFC Wild Card Playoffs: Pittsburgh Steelers v Baltimore Ravens

Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images

Ar’Darius Washington tears Achilles; will potentially miss all of 2025 season.

In a shocking news release Tuesday evening, Ian Rapoport revealed Baltimore Ravens safety Ar’Darius Washington tore his Achilles during conditioning this offseason.


Sources: #Ravens safety Ar'Darius Washington, who was expected to play a key role in Baltimore’s defense next season, has torn his Achilles, the MRI has confirmed.

The injury, which occurred during conditioning, will cause him to miss most or all of the 2025 season. pic.twitter.com/yzzHbcqLT9

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 13, 2025​
Click to expand...

This is a massive blow. Sure, the Ravens added Malaki Starks in the first round this past draft, which will help offset this. But that was to help support Kyle Hamilton and Washington playing full time. It would have allowed the Ravens to have three reliable safeties, allowing Hamilton to play his versatile chess piece role that had him in Defensive Player of the Year discussions in 2023. In 2024, Hamilton was moved to a traditional free safety role, which helped turn around a failing defense, but limited his splash play impact as a versatile weapon.

The hope was that drafting Starks would put everybody in comfortable positions: Starks at free safety, Washington at strong safety, and Hamilton at nickel with the ability to move around and do anything. Then all three would have the ability to move around from those typical assignments to create confusion.

The Achilles tear comes at an awful time for Washington. After being a priority UDFA, Washington missed significant time his first three years in the NFL despite massive flashes and even won a starting role for Baltimore in 2023 out of training camp before getting hurt in the second game. Then in 2024, he eventually leapfrogged both Marcus Williams and Eddie Jackson on the depth chart to help turn the defense around, creating multiple impact plays. He was given the low tender as a restricted free agent. He will be an unrestricted free agent in 2026, but now will have to do so following this massive injury.

With the loss of Washington, Hamilton and Starks line up as the top two, every down safeties. Both are capable of playing in any three of the rotational spots between free safety, strong/box safety roles, or nickel roles, though Starks' best spot in college was as a free safety. Behind them, second-year players Sanoussi Kane, a seventh-round pick, and UDFA Beau Brade are the next in line. Both flashed in preseason last year and seemingly earned more and more snaps down the stretch when Williams was benched and Jackson cut.. Both will likely have a shot at having significant snaps on the defense in 2025.

Outside of Brade and Kane, the Ravens could go look on the market for another safety. Justin Simmons, Julian Blackmon or even a Chuck Clark reunion are possibilities to fill a traditional safety role to allow Hamilton to be a versatile weapon again.

Achilles are tough injuries, and while the expectation is that Washington will miss most or all of the season, there have been swift recoveries before. Cam Akers tore his in mid-July and then returned in January for the Rams' Super Bowl run in 2021. Aaron Rodgers returned to practice 77 days after tearing his in 2023. Ravens legend Terrell Suggs tore his in April of 2012 but returned six months later to help contribute during their Super Bowl run that year. Hopefully, Washington can find a similar recovery timeline to those players.
Click to expand...

Source: https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2...nditioning-ardarius-washington-tears-achilles
 
NFL schedule release 2025: Baltimore Ravens leaks, news, rumors

Los Angeles Rams v Detroit Lions

Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images

All of the 2025 NFL schedule releasee news, rumors and dates for the Baltimore Ravens.

The Baltimore Ravens’ 2025 schedule — and the entire NFL schedule — shall be released on Wednesday, May 14 at 8 p.m. ET. But the three-day rollout of announcing games, leaks, rumors and more are already well on their way, so Baltimore Beatdown is providing an all-encompassing tracker.

The Ravens’ opponents are already known. The Ravens will play their six AFC North games, the NFC North, AFC East, AFC division winners from 2024 and the Los Angeles Rams for their extra opponent.

Home: Bengals, Steelers, Browns, Patriots, Jets, Texans, Bears, Lions, Rams

Away: Bengals, Steelers, Browns, Bills, Chiefs, Dolphins, Packers, Vikings

Latest Ravens schedule news​

Ravens 2025 schedule leaks​

  • Week 1 — (not Chiefs)
  • Week 2 —
  • Week 3—
  • Week 4 — (not Steelers, Vikings)
  • Week 5 — (not Browns, Vikings)
  • Week 6 — (not Jets)
  • Week 7 — (not Rams)
  • Week 8 —
  • Week 9 —
  • Week 10 — (not Packers)
  • Week 11 — (not Dolphins)
  • Week 12 —
  • Week 13 — (not Bears, Lions)
  • Week 14 —
  • Week 15 —
  • Week 16 — (not Packers, Bears)
  • Week 17 — (not Chiefs)
  • Week 18 —
Click to expand...

Source: https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2...lease-2025-baltimore-ravens-leaks-news-rumors
 
Roundtable Reactions: Ravens 2025 schedule released

AFC Wild Card Playoffs: Pittsburgh Steelers v Baltimore Ravens

Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images

The Baltimore Beatdown staff share their reactions to the Baltimore Ravens 2025 NFL schedule.

The Baltimore Ravens’ 2025 schedule has been released and below you’ll find both the schedule and the reaction from the Beatdown staff.

BALTIMORE RAVENS 2025 REGULAR SEASON SCHEDULE​


A gauntlet, as expected. The Ravens open against the blasted Buffalo Bills for what will be a critical tiebreaker come season’s end. Week 3 they face a mighty test in the Detroit Lions on Monday Night Football, only for a short turnaround against the Kansas City Chiefs on the road. Getting to their Week 7 bye week 4-2 is crucial. Those tiebreakers are going to haunt them if dropped.

The good news is the Ravens will have a long stretch of home games afterward. Three straight games at home and a bye week has them at home for a month straight. They’ll need it because their next three on are on road, with a rapid turnaround.

Closing out the season in Pittsburgh for what can only be imagined as for the division and hopefully the No. 1 seed is how it should be. — Kyle Phoenix


The NFL schedule-makers were not kind to the Ravens early in the season, as they’ll have to face five playoff teams within the first six weeks. Luckily, four of these matchups are at home.

If the Ravens can manage to tread water during this period, they should be primed up to go on a run following the Week 7 bye, as the strength of schedule lightens up significantly. Although the Ravens will have to play all but one of their divisional games after the bye, they play only three playoff teams over the final 11 games; one of which is the Pittsburgh Steelers.

All-in-all, the schedule sets up nicely for the Ravens to be in the double-digit win total area, competing for the AFC North crown once again. — Frank Platko


For the second year in a row, the Ravens will start the season with a prime time game against the team that knocked them out of the playoffs. The first 4 weeks are particularly challenging for Baltimore, facing the Bills, Chiefs, and Lions within that span with two of those on the road.

For the third year in a row, the Ravens are stuck playing on a holiday. After back-to-back games on Christmas, Baltimore will play on Thanksgiving this year. Overall this looks like a challenging schedule once again, but the Ravens should be up to the task as usual as long as Lamar Jackson is standing. — Dustin Cox


It’s a tale of two halves. Before the Week 7 buy, the Ravens have some of their toughest games on the year. Bills, Lions and Chiefs all in the first four weeks, Texans and Rams follow. Five playoffs teams in the first six weeks. But after that, the Ravens only play 3 playoff teams from weeks 8 to 18. But that doesn’t include the Bengals and Dolphins who were on the precipice last year. The Bears, Jets and Patriots could all be improved as well. Finishing the season with four division games in the last six weeks will also be tough. The NFL is trying for a third year in a row to ruin a holiday in Baltimore with a Thanksgiving game this year.

Overall, it’s a difficult schedule. But that’s what happens when you’re a first place team in your division. I wish the bye week was a little later than Week 7 but it’s better than Week 4. All of it doesn’t matter anyways. As long as Lamar Jackson is on that field, this is a playoff team. The defense was bottom barrel the first half last year and they still won the division.

All that matters is securing the best seed possible to get ready for a Super Bowl run.

Just. Win. Games. — Zach Canter
Click to expand...

Source: https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2...table-reactions-ravens-2025-schedule-released
 
Ravens schedule 2025: Dates, game times, primetime games and more

2025 NFL Draft - Previews

Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images

The official Baltimore Ravens schedule for 2025.

The Baltimore Ravens’ 2025 NFL regular season schedule has been released!

If you’re a fan of watching the Ravens in primetime, you’re in luck. The Ravens are slated to play nearly a quarter of their games on a national broadcast. Miraculously, they won’t be on television during Christmas. However, you’ll be able to watch them on Thanksgiving.

Discount Coupon For Buying Tickets​


Vivid Seats is offering $30 off your first Vivid Seats order of $300 or more (new customers only, $300 minimum before taxes & fees).

Website: Vividseats.com
CODE: SBN30Ravens

BALTIMORE RAVENS 2025 REGULAR SEASON SCHEDULE​


RAVENS PRESEASON SCHEDULE

  • Pre-Week 1, Aug. 7 (Thu) — Colts, 7 p.m.
  • Pre-Week 2, Aug. 16 (Sat) — Cowboys, 7 p.m.
  • Pre-Week 3, TBD — Commanders
Click to expand...

Source: https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2...025-dates-game-times-primetime-games-and-more
 
Roundtable Reactions: Ravens sign RB Derrick Henry to extension

AFC Divisional Playoffs: Baltimore Ravens v Buffalo Bills

Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images

The Baltimore Beatdown staff share their reactions to the news of the Ravens signing RB Derrick Henry to a 2-year extension.

According to reports, the Baltimore Ravens have signed running back Derrick Henry to a two-year, $30 million extension. Below are the reactions from the Baltimore Beatdown staff.


It was all but confirmed the Ravens and Henry would come together for a contract extension. DeCosta spoke glowingly of Henry and the two sides wanted to get a deal done. Henry wanted to be fairly compensated and the Ravens desired to keep his services after a dominant 2024 season.

Now, it’s complete. Henry gets the biggest deal in NFL history for a running back over 30 years old and the Ravens bear witness to more years of Henry obliterating run defenses and back-breaking first down runs in late contests. An all-around win for both sides as the Ravens push for a Super Bowl. — Kyle Phoenix


It’s a risky move giving this much money to a running back over the age of 30, but Derrick Henry isn’t exactly a normal running back. Henry is fresh off one of his best seasons in the NFL and does not appear to be slowing down at all. Playing alongside Lamar Jackson means he is not the focal point of the offense anymore like he was for almost his entire career with the Tennessee Titans, which could help his longevity. — Dustin Cox


While this extensions was talked about as a possibility as the Ravens needed to create cap space, this move is so much more than that. Derrick Henry will now likely retire as a Baltimore Raven, whether that’s at the end of this contract after 2027 or later if he continues to play on one-year deals after that.

While giving money to running backs over the age of 30 is rare, so is a player like Henry. The King showed no signs of slowing down last year, going second in the league in yards while also being first in yards after contact, missed tackles forced and first down runs according to PFF. I don’t see Henry slowing down any time soon either. The offense is simply better with a mega star back like Henry next to Lamar Jackson. — Zach Canter
Click to expand...

Source: https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2...ons-ravens-sign-rb-derrick-henry-to-extension
 
Can Ravens overcome ‘worst possible matchup’ in Week 1 vs. Bills?

AFC Divisional Playoffs: Baltimore Ravens v Buffalo Bills

Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images

Last year, the Ravens opened the season against the Chiefs, who were labeled the “worst possible matchup at the worst possible time.” Will the Ravens avoid doing so a second time?

Last season, the Baltimore Ravens opened the season on the road against the back-to-back defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs. Two of the NFL’s super powers — with their superstar quarterbacks — went toe-to-toe. The game even decided by a toe, with Isaiah Likely being an inch from scoring a touchdown that would’ve allowed the Ravens to tie or go for the win.

Click to expand...

The game was a heartbreaker for Ravens fans. The Chiefs bounced Baltimore from the AFC Championship Game months prior, then started the next season 1-0 at their expense. But Sports Illustrated’s Connor Orr wrote a piece after the September 6 tilt that resonated.

The Ravens were critiqued for their roster changes. They had a new defensive coordinator in Zach Orr after Mike Macdonald became the Seattle Seahawks head coach. Critique that already was brimming boiled over. But Orr suggested levity of the situation.

“But what if the Chiefs were simply the worst possible matchup for Baltimore at this point in the season, and the finer points of the Ravens’ overall philosophy are going to work over the long term,” Orr asked. “The Ravens went into Thursday night announcing to the NFL that they are going to negate some of the inexperience on their offensive line with a dizzying array of misdirectional blocking up front that involves almost any offensive player capable of laying a hand on someone else.”

“On paper, this is a solid idea, except during the very rare moments when you happen to be playing against a team with a generational talent as an interior defensive lineman (Chris Jones), who can break up the misdirectional blocking and clog up the power running game, as well as a defense that is so good at tackling in space collectively that it was able to blunt even the greatest collection of skill-position players in the NFL when it faced the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII.”

Orr challenged the notion of just how many other teams can go into a heavyweight bout against Baltimore and defeat them. We know now only four others had the ability to do so. And a painful fifth one in the Divisional round.

You can argue it was fewer, as the Ravens beat the hell out of themselves in Week 2 against the Las Vegas Raiders and again in Week 8 against the Cleveland Browns.

Turning to 2025, the Ravens will open the season again facing the team to knock them out of the previous season’s playoffs. The Bills will be prepared.

The Ravens must avoid repeating their mistakes of the postseason — and last year’s beginning.
Click to expand...

Source: https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2...ome-worst-possible-matchup-in-week-1-vs-bills
 
Power ranking every 2025 Ravens’ matchup by difficulty

Syndication: Democrat and Chronicle

Tina MacIntyre-Yee/Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Which games on the 2025 schedule will be the easiest and hardest for the Ravens?

Following the official NFL schedule release for the 2025 season, the Baltimore Ravens’ 17 matchups for the upcoming year are now set. The Ravens have the ninth-most difficult schedule for 2025, based on the win percentages of each team from last year.

Every contest is more difficult or easier than others, on paper, based on various different factors. When going through the entire Ravens’ schedule for the new season, which games profile as the most challenging? Let’s rank every game in order from easiest to hardest, starting with the most-favorable matchups on down.


1. Week 12 — Ravens vs. Jets (Sunday, 1:00pm)

The Jets were only a five-win team last season and don’t project to be much better in 2025 despite massive changes this offseason. The Ravens will face Aaron Glenn’s squad at home late in November, which is a favorable spot. This will be their first home game following a three-game road trip and will start a new three-game home stand.

2. Week 2 — Ravens vs. Browns (Sunday, 1:00pm)

Following their regular season opener on the road, the Ravens will host the Browns in Week 2 for their first home game of the year. The Browns were even worse than the Jets last season, but the aspect of a divisional matchup makes this slightly more difficult. There will be great anticipation for this game if Joe Flacco is Cleveland’s starting quarterback.

3. Week 11 — Ravens @ Browns (Sunday, 4:25pm)

The Ravens’ second contest against the Browns is not until Week 11, which is a late-afternoon road matchup. It will mark the end of a three-game road trip, meaning travel mileage could play a factor. Nevertheless, this still profiles as one of the Ravens’ easier games on the schedule.

4. Week 8 — Ravens vs. Bears (Sunday, 1:00pm)

In their first game following their bye in Week 7, the Ravens will host the Bears. This will mark their third consecutive game at home. The Bears are expected to be much improved in 2025 after hiring Ben Johnson and adding lots of talent in the offseason. While this may be the case, the Ravens traditionally have been very good after their bye week — and also have had success at home against young quarterbacks and young head coaches.

5. Week 16 — Ravens vs. Patriots (Sunday, 1:00pm)

In their final home game of the season, the Ravens will face the Patriots just four days before Christmas Day. Like the Bears, many anticipate the Patriots will make a big improvement this season; possibly even becoming a playoff team. While they will be a much more formidable opponent with Mike Vrabel head coaching, the Ravens should still be a heavy favorite in this spot.

6. Week 14 — Ravens vs. Steelers (Sunday, 1:00pm)

The Steelers always give the Ravens a challenge, but the Ravens did go 2-1 against them last season with a blowout victory at home in the playoffs. Pittsburgh still has a big question mark at quarterback, but they will remain a formidable opponent under Mike Tomlin and tough defensive matchup. It helps that the Ravens will have a few extra days of rest entering this matchup, as it follows a Thursday night game the week before.

7. Week 9 — Ravens @ Dolphins (Thursday, 8:15pm)

After their matchup against the Bears, the Ravens will travel to Miami for a Thursday night game against the Dolphins. The Ravens struggled and lost by 12 points in this same spot a couple years ago. Being the road team playing on a short week is never an advantageous position, but the Ravens should fare better in Miami this time around. The Dolphins could be in store for a bit of a rocky season.

8. Week 10 — Ravens @ Vikings (Sunday, 1:00pm)

The Ravens will travel from Miami to Minnesota the following week, fortunately with extra days of rest. The Vikings are unlikely to be a 14-win team against next season but still have a talented roster and should be one of the league’s better defensive teams once again. Brian Flores notoriously is a blitz-happy defensive coordinator. Fortunately, Lamar Jackson was arguably the best quarterback when facing pressure last season.

9. Week 5 — Ravens vs. Texans (Sunday, 1:00pm)

The Ravens have dominated the Texans in recent years unlike any other team. The last time Houston beat the Ravens was 2014; the Ravens are 6-0 against the Texans since 2017 with five straight by 16+ points. They memorably won 34-10 in the playoffs in 2024 and 31-2 on Christmas last season. Despite this history, the Texans will pose a challenge in Year 3 of the C.J. Stroud-Demeco Ryans era. This matchup also comes in the middle of a brutal stretch where the Ravens will play four straight playoff opponents.

10. Week 18 — Ravens @ Steelers (TBD)

The Ravens will once again close out the season against the Steelers, this time on the road instead of at home. If the Ravens already have the division title wrapped up again like last year, the difficulty level of this matchup decreases. However, it’s more likely there will be playoff implications at stake and the Steelers could be looking to play spoiler.

11. Week 15 — Ravens @ Bengals (Sunday, 1:00pm)

In mid-December, the Ravens will play the Bengals for the for the second time in just three weeks. It will also mark the end of a tough stretch of four divisional games in five weeks and three consecutive in a row. One of these teams will be looking to get revenge from their loss to the other two weeks prior. The Bengals should once again have a high-powered offense that will be one of the Ravens’ most difficult defensive tests of the season.

12. Week 6 — Ravens vs. Rams (Sunday, 1:00pm)

Directly before their bye week, the Ravens will host the Rams to conclude a six-game stretch of playing all but one playoff team. The Rams nearly challenged for a spot in the Super Bowl last season and have one of the NFC’s best rosters. Two years ago, the Ravens escaped with a 37-31 overtime win in this same spot. A similarly entertaining and down-to-the-wire contest could play out once again in 2025.

13. Week 13 — Ravens vs. Bengals (Thursday, 8:20pm)

For the third straight season, the Ravens are going to host the Bengals in a primetime game on Thursday night. The Ravens won the previous two of these, including last year’s memorable comeback one-point victory. The stakes will be higher this time around as this matchup is on Thanksgiving Day. Playing on a short week in a high-stakes spot, against a formidable divisional opponent, makes this one of the tougher games on the schedule.

Week 3 — Ravens vs. Lions (Monday, 8:15pm)

The Ravens have a track record of success against NFC opponents and when playing at home in primetime games. They also thrashed the Lions at home by 32 points in 2023. The Lions are much better now, though, and have established themselves as one of the best teams in the league under Dan Campbell. While the Lions will be going through a transition with two new coordinators, this will still be one of the Ravens’ biggest tests of the season.

Week 1 — Ravens @ Bills (Sunday, 8:20pm)

The Ravens will once again begin their season with a tough task at-hand. Last year, it was playing the defending champions on the road. This year, they’ll return to the sight of their playoff defeat at the hands of the Bills. The Ravens surely will welcome a chance to get revenge and start their 2025 season on a high note. Regardless, the Bills are one of the best teams in the league and will be a difficult out. This will be an extremely highly anticipated Sunday night showdown.

Week 4 — Ravens @ Chiefs (Sunday, 4:25pm)

Shortly after playing both the Bills and Lions within the first three weeks, the Ravens will have to take on the Chiefs in Week 4. The Ravens checkered history of struggles against Kansas City are well-documented and they’ve never won on the road here in the Lamar Jackson-Patrick Mahomes era. There’s a first time for everything but until the Ravens prove otherwise, the Chiefs are their kryptonite.
Click to expand...

Source: https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2...nking-every-2025-ravens-matchup-by-difficulty
 
Ravens sign RB Derrick Henry to 2-year extension

Baltimore Ravens v Dallas Cowboys

Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images

The Baltimore Ravens have signed running back Derrick Henry to a two-year, $30 million extension.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Baltimore Ravens have signed running back Derrick Henry to a two-year, $30 million extension. The deal is the largest in NFL history for a running back over 30 years old.

Henry, 31, stays a Raven after all expectations of the two sides getting a contract extension complete have arrived. During the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, General Manager Eric DeCosta was asked about if the Ravens were going to work on an extension with Henry and he was forward with his interest in getting a deal done with Henry.

“Well, I see [Sr. Vice President, Ravens Media] Michelle [Andres] over here, [and] she helps decorate my office wall, and I think we have a picture of Derrick [Henry] going up on my wall,” DeCosta said. “So, what does that tell you?”

During the Ravens’ Pre-Draft Press Conference, DeCosta didn’t share how far along the two sides were, but said they were working on things behind the scenes business-wise and didn’t want to go into detail. But it was clear the intent for them was to sign Henry.

Henry re-signs an extension that all but confirms he will be retiring as a Raven. While the money is high for an “over-30 running back,” he’s proven traditional thinking and metrics do not apply to him.

The deal makes Henry the third-highest paid running back in the NFL by average annual value. By total value, the deal ranks No. 8.

In his first season with the Ravens, Henry finished the season leading the NFL in rushing touchdowns (16), and rushed for 1,921 yards on 325 carries (5.9 yards per carry). His play can complement any team, but in the Ravens’ backfield paired with quarterback Lamar Jackson, he synergizes with the Ravens more than any other roster.
Click to expand...

Source: https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2...year-extension-nfl-news-running-back-contract
 
Early game-by-game predictions for the Ravens 2025 schedule

Cleveland Browns v Baltimore Ravens

Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images

How will the Ravens fare in each game of their 2025 schedule?

The Baltimore Ravens’ 2025 schedule is now officially released. While the team’s final roster is a long way from being finalized, all 17 of their opponents and matchups are set in stone.

The Ravens have one of the league’s more difficult schedules. Based on opponents win percentages from last season, the Ravens’ face the ninth-hardest draw of any team. In their continued quest to break through their postseason wall, Lamar Jackson and company will play eight returning playoff teams and the entire NFC North division.

While the start of the 2025 season is still several months away, let’s make some far-in-advance, way-too-early predictions for each game of the Ravens’ schedule.


Week 1: @ Buffalo Bills — Sunday, 8:20 PM

The Ravens get a chance at avenge last year’s playoff defeat, as they’ll travel back to Buffalo to take on Josh Allen and the Bills. The Bills should again be one of the AFC’s top teams and an obstacle for the Ravens in the postseason, so getting a win here would set the tone for the year. While the Ravens match up well against the Bills, this game will go likely go down to the wire once again. We’ll say the Ravens come up just short by a field goal or less, setting the stage for their revenge to wait until January.

Result: Loss, 23-21 (0-1)


Week 2: vs. Cleveland Browns — Sunday, 1:00 PM

The Ravens typically play very well after a loss. Even if they were to win in Buffalo, a home opener against the Browns in Week 2 is a favorable spot. The Ravens may very well face off against Joe Flacco here, should he begin the season as Cleveland’s starting quarterback. That makes for a fun storyline and potential “revenge game” as many will call it, but the Browns have a lot of question marks — at quarterback and elsewhere on the roster.

Prediction: Win, 1-1


Week 3: vs. Detroit Lions — Monday, 8:15 PM

The Lions should give the Ravens a tougher test than two years ago, when the Ravens beat them by 32 points in Baltimore. While Detroit has since established themselves as one of the league’s best teams, the Ravens have several factors working in their favor: they have a high success rate against NFC opponents, they usually play well at home and on primetime, and the Lions will be integrating two new coordinators early in the season.

Prediction: Win, 2-1


Week 4: @ Kansas City Chiefs — Sunday, 4:25 PM

The Ravens are just 1-6 against the Chiefs in the Lamar Jackson-Patrick Mahomes era including postseason matchups. That lone victory was at home a few years ago, meaning the Ravens are winless in Kansas City. They came up short inches short (literally) of potentially winning here in Week 1 last season. Could they finally turn the tide this time around? This should be another competitive matchup but it doesn’t help that the Ravens will be playing on a shorter week. Until proven otherwise, it’s hard to predict the Ravens will exorcise their demons against the Chiefs.

Prediction: Loss, 2-2


Week 5: vs. Houston Texans — Sunday, 1:00 PM

Whereas the Ravens struggle against the Chiefs, the opposite is true when they play the Texans. Against Houston, the Ravens have won six straight games dating back to 2017. That includes four consecutive wins by 16+ points. The Ravens are 2-0 against the C.J. Stroud-Demeco Ryans combo and outscored the Texans by a combined 65-12. The Texans might put up a better fight this time and have to be respected as back-to-back division champions with playoff wins in each of the past two years. However, the Ravens seem to have their number.

Prediction: Win, 3-2


Week 6: vs. Los Angeles Rams — Sunday, 1:00 PM

For the third consecutive game, the Ravens will have to play a division champion from last year. This matchup against the Rams before their bye will mark the end of facing five playoff opponents within six weeks. The Ravens would love to be above .500 heading into their break but it won’t come easy against a talented, well-coached Los Angeles team. The Rams took the Ravens down to the wire in Baltimore two years ago in overtime. This game could play out in a similar fashion and should be super competitive. Matthew Stafford and Sean McVay have the chops to steal one on the road against the Ravens.

Prediction: Loss, 3-3


Week 8: vs. Chicago Bears — Sunday, 1:00 PM

John Harbaugh usually has his team ready to roll coming out of the bye week. They’ll get a favorable matchup at home against a young Bears team, who many expect to make a big jump this season. After the Bears hired Ben Johnson and loaded up with new talent, particularly on the offense line, they should be much improved. However, the Ravens are traditionally very good against young quarterbacks and young head coaches at home.

Prediction: Win, 4-3


Week 9: @ Miami Dolphins — Thursday, 8:15 PM

A Thursday night road trip to Miami was a disastrous spot for the Ravens a few years ago, where they scored just 10 points and lost by double digits. This time around, they should fare better against a shaky Dolphins team. Playing on a short week as the road team is still not an advantageous spot to be in but look for the Ravens to score plenty of more points than they did in that previous matchup.

Prediction: Win, 5-3


Week 10: @ Minnesota Vikings — Sunday, 1:00 PM

The Vikings exceeded everyone’s expectations last season by winning 14 games. While they may not be one of the league’s elite teams again, they’re still talented and well-coached under Kevin O’Connell. The Ravens will have a few extra days of rest to prepare to face a blitz-happy defense coached by Brian Flores. While they’ll have the advantage of facing a first-year starting quarterback in J.J. McCarthy, the Ravens typically lose one game on the road that they probably should have won. Let’s say maybe this one is it.

Prediction: Loss, 5-4


Week 11: @ Cleveland Browns — Sunday, 4:25 PM

The Ravens’ second divisional game of the season does not come until Week 11 and is again against the Browns. The Ravens were upset in Cleveland last year in a frustrating defeat, so they’ll look to avoid another trap game here. They should be able to bounce back handedly this time around and handle whoever the Browns are starting at quarterback by this point in the year.

Prediction: Win, 6-4


Week 12: vs. New York Jets — Sunday, 1:00 PM

The Jets are going through a transition after hiring a new head coach, Aaron Glenn, and replacing Aaron Rodgers with Justin Fields at quarterback. While they still have plenty of talented pieces on the roster, they don’t figure to be very much improved in the first year of Glenn’s tenure of rebuilding the team’s culture. The Ravens have defeated the Jets by double digits in each of their recent matchups and should win decisively again here.

Prediction: Win, 7-4


Week 13: vs. Cincinnati Bengals — Thursday, 8:20 PM

In a short turnaround, the Ravens will be featured on Thanksgiving Day in a primetime night matchup against the Bengals. The Ravens have hosted the Bengals on Thursday night twice in recent years and won both times, including a comeback one-point victory last season. The Bengals will undoubtedly be super eager to get a win here and should pose a challenge for the Ravens, especially defensively. However, the Ravens usually get up for high-stakes contests like these and have had the Bengals number at home lately. It should be a close and high scoring game once again.

Prediction: Win, 8-4


Week 14: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers — Sunday, 1:00 PM

The Ravens will get their first taste of the Steelers in early December, in the middle of a three-game divisional stretch. The Steelers are no stranger to beating the Ravens on the road, which they did in Week 18 last year too. The Ravens were resting starters in that game, though, and beat the Steelers by 17 points in the Wild Card round of the playoffs. While this should be a more competitive game and Pittsburgh can never be counted out, the Ravens can continue their midseason momentum with a big win here.

Prediction: Win, 9-4


Week 15: @ Cincinnati Bengals — Sunday, 1:00 PM

Only two weeks after Thanksgiving, the Ravens will have to play the Bengals again this time on the road. Last season, the Ravens erased a deficit in Cincinnati and escaped with a narrow 41-38 overtime victory. With how competitive each of their two games were in 2024, one may think the Bengals could get some better luck in one of the matchups this season. The Bengals will likely be playing with very high urgency at this point in the year, looking to compete for the divisional title and a spot in the postseason.

Prediction: Loss, 9-5


Week 16: vs. New England Patriots — Sunday, 1:00 PM

The Ravens are no stranger to facing off against a Mike Vrabel-coached team and he’s had some documented success against Baltimore in the past. Now, he’s leading a Patriots team that’s expected to be much improved in rising sophomore Drake Maye’s second year under center. However, it will be a tall task for Maye and this Patriots team to defeat a Ravens team on their own turf in late December. The Ravens should be able to handle business in this spot and they’ll need a win with playoff implications on the line.

Prediction: Win, 10-5


Week 17: @ Green Bay Packers — TBD

No time has been set for this game but it’s possible this could end up being a primetime matchup in Green Bay. Lamar Jackson has never played at Lambeau Field before, making this an even more anticipated contest. The Packers, like the Ravens, should also have playoff hopes to be playing for here. The Ravens have favorable matchups head-to-head against them but the Packers are well-coached and have a good home field advantage; so they could pull out a close win.

Prediction: Loss, 10-6


Week 18: @ Pittsburgh Steelers — TBD

As mentioned previously, the Steelers beat the Ravens in the regular season finale last season. Flash forward to this year and the Ravens will again have to go through Pittsburgh to conclude the schedule, this time on the road instead of at home. The Ravens should have more to play for this time around. The Ravens haven’t swept this season series in many years and the Steelers will again be a tough out. But in a potential AFC North title-clinching game, it’s hard to see the Ravens faltering in a major way.

Prediction: Win, 11-6
Click to expand...

Source: https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2...ns-for-the-ravens-2025-schedule-baltimore-nfl
 
Baltimore Ravens approval poll results: GM Eric DeCosta

Baltimore Ravens v Cleveland Browns

Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images

Overwhelmingly, Baltimore Ravens fans approve of the job General Manager Eric DeCosta is doing.

A couple weeks ago, Baltimore Beatdown conducted its first true approval poll of Baltimore Ravens General Manager Eric DeCosta. We highlighted the positives from DeCosta’s tenure, the areas of issue and things he’s had to navigate. At the end, we asked the simple and defining question: “Do you approve of the job Eric DeCosta is doing as the Ravens’ General Manager?”

The votes are in and by far and away, DeCosta has the approval of the fanbase.



DeCosta is one of the NFL’s best General Managers. His decisions have continued steering the Ravens toward championship contention. He’s drafted well, signed talented players, extended those who needed to be secured long-term and made the tough decisions to let those walk, maneuvering with business acumen over the appeal to emotion.

There are few flaws to DeCosta’s efforts. His free safety signings of Earl Thomas III and Marcus Williams didn’t pan out. Everything pointed toward those signings working — especially in the Ravens’ defensive system. But they didn’t strike true. He’s pointed to his own frustration being unable to land a “true X” receiver, but notes they are challenging to come by.

Overall, DeCosta has done exponentially done more positives for the team since 2019 than any negatives, and it’s reflected in the poll results.
Click to expand...

Source: https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2...-ravens-approval-poll-results-gm-eric-decosta
 
What has been the best free agent signing under Ravens GM Eric DeCosta?

NFL: AFC Wild Card Round-Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens

Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

One signing stands above the rest.

The Baltimore Ravens are rarely big players in free agency, opting instead to build their roster through the draft while spending to retain homegrown talent. This was true under legendary general manager Ozzie Newsome and remained the status quo with the transition to Eric DeCosta in 2019. This does not mean that DeCosta has not made several key signings over the years, though.

Today’s Question of the Day is:

What has been the best free agent signing under Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta?​


My answer: Derrick Henry

DeCosta has made several strong signings during his tenure as general manager, so it was difficult to choose the best one. Other contenders include guard Kevin Zeitler, outside linebackers Jadeveon Clowney and Kyle Van Noy, and running back Mark Ingram. Although he has only been in Baltimore for one season so far, Henry’s impact eclipses all other options.

Pairing Henry with quarterback Lamar Jackson went as well as anyone could expect, with each bringing out the best in one another and resulting in arguably the best seasons of each player’s career. Only Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley had more rushing yards than Henry in 2024. The impact Henry’s work ethic and leadership have on the team cannot be overstated either. DeCosta rewarded Henry with a two-year extension earlier this month, keeping him under contract through the age of 33 — a point far beyond where the majority of NFL running backs see their production deteriorate drastically. Henry has so far staved off the effects of Father Time, and DeCosta is betting on him to continue being the exception.

What do you think has been DeCosta’s best free agent signing? Scroll down to the comment section and let us know!
Click to expand...

Source: https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2...ng-under-ravens-gm-eric-decosta-derrick-henry
 
Ravens star safety named amongst NFL’s top 25 under 25

AFC Wild Card Playoffs: Pittsburgh Steelers v Baltimore Ravens

Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images

After another season being named an NFL All-Pro, safety Kyle Hamilton has been ranked amongst the top players still under the age of 25.

Over the past two seasons, safety Kyle Hamilton has asserted himself as one of the top safeties in the NFL after notching his second consecutive All-Pro nod (second team) in 2024.

The best players tend to not only earn praise and accolades during the season, but also in the dead of the offseason, as well. In a new set of rankings by the folks over at Pro Football Focus, Hamilton was recently ranked as the third-best player in the NFL under the age of 25. The only two ahead of him? Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (No. 2) and Detroit Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell.

“Hamilton has quickly established himself as one of the league’s top safeties, finishing in the top three at his position in at least one of PFF overall grade, PFF coverage grade and PFF run-defense grade in each of his first three NFL seasons,” says analyst Jonathon Macri.

“Hamilton’s versatility makes him one of the most valuable safeties in the league, and he even brings pass-rush upside, having generated 36 pressures and seven sacks in his NFL career.”
Click to expand...

This past season, Hamilton started all 17 games for the first time in his three-year career. He finished with a career-high 107 total tackles, four tackles for loss, two sacks, nine pass breakups, one interception, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery.

In this year’s draft, the Ravens used their first-round pick on Georgia safety Malaki Starks in hopes that the two could grow together into one of, if not the best, safety duo in the NFL. Starks’ game fits well as a high-IQ centerfielder that will complement Hamilton’s game-changing ability when he plays up on and around the line of scrimmage.

If the Ravens hope to take the next step towards a Lombardi Trophy, Hamilton’s continued progression will have to play a key role. Fortunately, he seems to be steadily on that path.
Click to expand...

Source: https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2025/5/20/24433363/ravens-kyle-hamilton-pff-25-under-25
 
Open Thread: What is the most anticipated game on the Ravens’ 2025 schedule?

Baltimore Ravens v Kansas City Chiefs

Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images

The Ravens have a schedule full of stacked opponents. Which of their regular season games are you most looking forward to?

The Ravens’ 2025 regular season schedule is a gauntlet. They face eight playoff teams — five of them in the first six weeks. Getting through the early adversity will be difficult, but rewarding if they come away with some tie-breaking victories.

Their first four weeks include the Buffalo Bills on Sunday Night Football, a Week 3 matchup against the Detroit Lions on Monday Night Football at home, and on the road in Week 4 against the Chiefs in the afternoon broadcast. They also have what should be an exciting Thanksgiving game against the Cincinnati Bengals at home in prime time.

This leads us to our Question of the Day.

What game are you most looking forward to on the Ravens’ 2025 schedule?​


My Answer: @ Kansas City Chiefs, Week 4

I want to watch the Ravens go against the best. On their schedule and in the AFC, the Chiefs are the best. The Ravens’ have the roster and makeup to become the best, but must put it together.

The Ravens could very well be backs-against-the-wall. They could be staring at 1-3 if they drop a pair of games to the Bills and Lions. The Bills at home to kick off the season is a tall order. Two weeks later they’re going toe-to-toe with what should be a healthy, hungry Lions roster will be tough. And then, on a short week, the Ravens head to Kansas City.

This is the game I have circled. It’s the one I’m certain the players, coaches and organization has circled. And if the Ravens can conquer the Chiefs — even if it’s “just the regular season,” it’s a significant success.

While I’m sticking to Week 4 KC as my answer, I will say the Thanksgiving matchup against the Bengals at home in prime time is a narrow No. 2 for me. That game will be fun, even if it comes at the expense of a second or third helping to keep focused.

But how about you? What game are you most looking forward to on the Ravens’ 2025 schedule? Let us know in the comments below!
Click to expand...

Source: https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2...-anticipated-game-on-the-ravens-2025-schedule
 
Joe Burrow would like a Ravens-Bengals prime-time game in Cincinnati, and I don’t blame him

Cincinnati Bengals v Baltimore Ravens

Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images

Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow expressed his displeasure for having to face the Ravens in prime time in their stadium for the fourth consecutive season.

Each season, the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals face off twice. But for the past three — and again in 2025 — the Ravens’ home game will be nationally broadcast, this time on Thanksgiving. And Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow isn’t thrilled about it.

“Playing in Baltimore for the fourth straight prime-time year isn’t ideal,” Burrow said on Tuesday, via ESPN. “Maybe we can get one of those in Cincinnati next year. Please.”

And I have to say, I don’t blame him.

From a fan-supportive position, he’s arguing to play in front of his home crowd in prime time. Nothing unique or wrong about the statement. If the Ravens had to head to Cincinnati the past three and again in 2025, there would be nothing wrong with roles reversed and Lamar Jackson saying he’d want to play the game in Baltimore. Supporting the fan base is obvious.

My second reason for agreement: the Ravens have had twice as many home prime-time games since 2019 than the Bengals (12-6). In six years, the Ravens have averaged two home prime-time games a season to the Bengals’ one. And for two teams that are consistently in the running for the AFC North Division title, splitting the past four would make it just a bit more even.

And finally, the teams’ winning percentages in home prime-time games are equal since 2019 (.833). Under the lights in their own stadium, the Ravens and Bengals are formidable teams. Heading to M&T Bank Stadium for a prime-time game is not a pleasantry. The same goes for opponents at Paycor Stadium.

Any edge a team can get the better. The Ravens have had that edge against the Bengals the past four years. You can’t blame Burrow for wanting to play at home under the lights, rather than heading to Baltimore.
Click to expand...

Source: https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2...-time-game-in-cincinnati-and-i-dont-blame-him
 
Which Ravens game should have been primetime?

NFL: DEC 10 Rams at Ravens

Photo by Mark Goldman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Which Baltimore Ravens game do you wish was primetime?

Ravens fans have become used to a nationalized schedule. Call it the “Lamar Jackson Effect,” but since his first MVP year, the Ravens are scheduled for nationally televised games with frequency.

Currently, the Ravens have four nationally televised games, four at night against the Buffalo Bills, Detroit Lions, Miami Dolphins and Cincinnati Bengals. They also have two in the mid-game window against the Kansas City Chiefs and Cleveland Browns.

But what is weird is that despite Lamar Jackson’s impact, there are 10 teams with more night primetime games than the Ravens. Uniquely, the San Francisco 49ers, Atlanta Falcons and Dallas Cowboys have more, though none of which exceeded above .500 last year.

With so many other teams having more prime-time games than the Ravens, it leads us to today’s topic.

Today's question of the day is:

Which game would you make primetime?​


My answer: Los Angeles Rams

While another division game popped into my head, I deferred in a different direction, between the Rams and Minnesota Vikings.

The Vikings are a compelling team this year with new quarterback J.J. McCarthy, the superstar factor in wide receiver Justin Jefferson and the fact they were one win from being the No. 1 seed in the NFC last season. Combine that with the “first time against Brian Flores since the lauded Thursday Night Football in Miami against Lamar Jackson Cover 0” story, and you’ve got exciting television.

Nevertheless, I decided upon the Rams.

McCarthy is a mystery. If he isn’t great his first year, it ruins the prime time appeal. But there is a good chance this is the last time Jackson and Matthew Stafford meet up.

The last time the Ravens and Rams faced off, 2023, was Game of the Year worthy. The back and forth, Jackson and the Ravens taking the lead with under two minutes in the fourth on a 3rd-and-17 touchdown pass and two-point conversion, only for the Rams to tie it up with no time left.

All of it culminating with “The Ty-Breaker.” A 76-yard punt return walk-off touchdown in overtime from Tylan Wallace.


Tylan Wallace takes it all the way for a walk-off punt return TD! pic.twitter.com/VWBqUd82VN

— NFL (@NFL) December 10, 2023​
Click to expand...

It would be mighty challenging for the sequel to live up to the first, but I would have loved to see it on prime time. Instead, it’ll be a 1 p.m. ET matchup in Week 6.

What game would you have liked to have seen on primetime? Share in a comment below!
Click to expand...

Source: https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2...-have-been-primetime-ravens-schedule-2025-nfl
 
Isaiah Likely wants a jersey change to No. 8, but only after Lamar Jackson fulfills his promise

Baltimore Ravens v Houston Texans

Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images

Early in his career, Lamar Jackson said he wants to change his jersey number to No. 1 after winning a Super Bowl. If that happens, Likely wants to wear No. 8.

In 2021, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson shared he wants a jersey number change in his career.

He joined the Ravens’ team podcast, “The Lounge,” and his dream would be be to go from No. 8 to No. 1, but only after winning a Super Bowl.

“If we win the Super Bowl, I’m going to No. 1,” Jackson said. “I want the No. 1. That’s my first number ever. My dad told me, ‘Get No. 1 because that’s the best. You’re the best.’ And it always stuck with me.”

Jackson isn’t the only Raven hoping for a number change after a Super Bowl victory, as tight end Isaiah Likely joined Up & Adams and discussed a change to a single-digit jersey number. Kay Adams suggested either No. 1 or No. 3, and Likely shared the No. 1 is on standby for Jackson.

“See, I like one, but one is on standby for that boy that wears eight after we get the whole [gestures to holding a trophy]. After we do that right there.” Likely said. “Eight got first dibs. Once we got that Lombardi right there, eight’s going out the door.”

Boldly, Likely wants the No. 8 if Jackson stays true to his word and makes the change to No. 1.

“See the vision. If we win, right? When we win, eight’s gone. Boom. Switch to one,” Likely said. “Then I’m going to look at eight and say, ‘Look, I think it’s time to pass it on. Pass up eight.’ I’m going to ask him! I’m like his little brother. It’d be crazy for him to say no. Unless he wants to double retire.”

Unfortunately for Likely, he does.

“I want to retire No. 8 and No. 1,” Jackson said. “I want to do that here at the Ravens. So, I want to win a Super Bowl with No. 8 on, do as much as I can with No. 8 on, then come back and do the same thing with 1 on.”
Click to expand...

Source: https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2...only-after-lamar-jackson-fulfills-his-promise
 
Ravens ranked No. 8 in list of Top 10 QB-WR duos

NFL: Baltimore Ravens at Los Angeles Chargers

Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

High praise for Baltimore’s quarterback and wide receiver combination.

The quarterback-wide receiver duo is considered one of the most important combinations for a team to have in the modern-day NFL. Having a good or elite connection between signal-caller and wideout is often the main driving factor in how potent an offense is.

The Baltimore Ravens’ lack of premier talent at the wide receiver position in their franchise history has been well-documented. While they long struggled to draft and develop players at the position, that tide may be beginning to turn thanks to Zay Flowers.

Flowers, the team’s first-round pick in 2023, became the team’s first wide receiver draft pick in franchise history to make a Pro Bowl last season. In his second career season, Flowers led the Ravens in receiving with 74 receptions, 1,059 yards, and five total touchdowns.

With Flowers emerging as a rising star at the position and Lamar Jackson established as one of the league’s elite quarterbacks, where do they rank in the hierarchy of duos? According to Fox Sports, they’re a Top 10 combination in the league.

In a recent ranking of the of the 10 best QB-WR duos in the NFL today, Fox Sports listed Jackson and Flowers at No. 8.

“Jackson was already one of the game’s best quarterbacks before the Ravens selected Flowers in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft” the article reads. “However, the addition of Flowers has helped make Jackson one of the league’s top passers, too.”

As the paragraph goes on to note, Jackson had a career-best season himself in 2024 and one of the most impressive statistical campaigns of any quarterback in history. Jackson threw for 4,172 yards with 41 touchdowns and only four interceptions. He led all quarterbacks in both passer rating and yards per attempt, while still rushing for 915 yards and averaging 6.6 yards per carry on the ground.

Although he finished second behind Josh Allen in MVP voting, it was certainly an MVP-caliber season from the two-time winner, and he was named first-team All-Pro. It’s hard to attribute all of Jackson’s success merely to Flowers, but there’s certainly a correlation between the simultaneous growth of the two.

In the Fox Sports’ ranking, the Jackson-Flowers duo ranks ahead of QB C.J. Stroud and WR Nico Collins of the Houston Texans and QB Tua Tagovailoa and WR Tyreek Hill of the Miami Dolphins. They’re one spot below the Washington Commanders’ Jayden Daniels-Terry McLaurin combo and Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans in Tampa Bay.

While it’s fair to debate whether they should be higher or not, the fact that the Ravens have a QB-WR duo considered one of the league’s best was a foreign concept for many years. It’s further proof of how the team’s offensive makeup and dynamic has grown recently.

The Jackson and Flowers connection should only continue to grow in Year 3 and beyond, so it’s possible they could continue to climb lists like these in the seasons to come.

You can find the full ranking from Fox Sports here.
Click to expand...

Source: https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2...ltimore-lamar-jackson-zay-flowers-combination
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top