Trouble has come early for the 2025 Ravens, but that doesn't mean the storm can't be weathered.
Every team in the AFC North has a losing record except the Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1). No team in the division has scored more points than it has allowed. No team in the NFL is undefeated, or unblemished.
The defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles have lost two straight games. The Kansas City Chiefs, who have won multiple Super Bowls this decade, are 2-3.
It's way too early to write off a team as talented as the Ravens (1-4), and their roster is getting healthier. What they need is a victory against the Los Angeles Rams (3-2) on Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium. At the very least, Baltimore needs a much better performance than the 44-10 loss in Week 5 against the Houston Texans.
The Ravens can no longer start the season fast. But will they end their three-game losing streak? Will they build positive momentum heading into their bye in Week 7?
We are about to find out. Here are my thoughts heading into Sunday's game, all in 50 words or less:
- Running the football and keeping the Rams' potent offense parked on the sideline will be critical for Baltimore. That means Derrick Henry needs to get cooking. He's rushed for 50 yards or fewer in four straight games. Baltimore's offensive line needs to create running lanes. When Henry rolls, the Ravens usually win.
- Henry will face a Rams team that's been solid against the run. They've seen three top running backs over their last three games – Saquon Barkley, Jonathan Taylor, and Christian McCaffery. Los Angeles held all of them to 76 yards or fewer. If Henry has a big day, he will have earned it.
- The Ravens may not have much choice but to rely on their rushing attack if Sunday's weather is inclement. The forecast calls for a chance of a nor’easter rolling through. Both teams may have to adjust their game plans accordingly.
- Two of the three interceptions that Cooper Rush threw against the Texans probably weren't his fault. But he needs to avoid turnovers at all costs. In the eight games he started for the Dallas Cowboys last season, Rush was 4-1 when he didn't throw a pick and 0-3 when he did.
- Pro Bowl left tackle Ronnie Stanley (ankle) was a full practice participant Thursday and Friday and carries no injury designation. His pass protection on Rush's blindside and run blocking are two pluses that should help Baltimore's offense.
- A strong performance from Rush could be part of a critical turning point in the season. He was brought to Baltimore as insurance in case Lamar Jackson (hamstring) went down. If the Ravens win Sunday, and Jackson returns Week 8 after the bye, that's a win-win for Baltimore.
- When the Rams last visited, Tylan Wallace's 76-yard punt return for a walk-off touchdown in overtime became one of the most memorable plays in Ravens history. They could use another explosive special teams play on Sunday. Rookie punt returner LaJohntay Wester has the juice to do it.
- I'm anxious to see safety Alohi Gilman make his Ravens debut after being traded to Baltimore on Tuesday. Gilman was a stabilizing influence in the Los Angeles Chargers' secondary. His experience may allow Baltimore's defense to produce more takeaways.
- Kyle Hamilton (groin) and Marlon Humphrey (calf) being full participants in Friday's practice was significant news for the Ravens. Their secondary will be in much better shape than it was against Houston. It will need to be defending Rams receivers Puka Nacua and Davante Adams.
- Baltimore leads the NFL in points allowed. This game isn't just about performance for the Ravens' defense. It's about pride. "We need to start fast, bring the energy, and get our swag back," Defensive Coordinator Zach Orr said. Holding the Rams in check would be the start of reclaiming that confidence.
