It's been so hot and humid this week, I'm sure the Ravens are grateful that training camp hasn't begun.
Players will be back on the field in just a few weeks, and expectations for the 2025 Ravens are sky high. You can't win the Super Bowl in the summer, but you can lay the foundation for a successful season.
Even in this sultry weather, I haven't cooled in my belief that the Ravens have all the necessary ingredients to win a championship. I think they've been hardened by the disappointment of recent playoff defeats and can handle the heat that comes with high expectations.
We'll find out if that's true when the weather turns cold. In the meantime, here are some summertime thoughts on the Ravens, all in 50 words or less:
- With Derrick Henry, Lamar Jackson, Justice Hill, and Keaton Mitchell, Baltimore should once again lead the NFL in rushing. The top six rushing teams in 2024 all made the playoffs. The Ravens’ ground attack is dominant, and it could be a key ingredient that puts them over the top.
- The Ravens were 10-0 in 2024 when Henry surpassed 100 yards rushing. He looked chiseled and nimble at mandatory minicamp, ready for another monster year. If you don't stop Henry in 2025, you still won't beat the Ravens.
- You think about power with Henry, but he also has the acceleration to score from anywhere on the field. Playing in an offense with so many weapons makes Henry even more explosive than he was playing for the Tennessee Titans.
- It's summer break for the Ravens, but that doesn't mean players are relaxing. Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar attended Tight End University in Nashville this week. You love to see two young players putting in extra work, striving to get better.
- Speaking of tight ends, Mark Andrews was laser-focused as always during OTAs and minicamp. The Buffalo playoff game has been placed in Andrews' rearview mirror. He's not looking back, and neither is Jackson, who made it clear at mandatory minicamp that Andrews is still “his guy.”
- Adding lockdown corner Jaire Alexander could lead to more coverage sacks for the Ravens. Going against a secondary that includes Alexander, Nate Wiggins, Marlon Humphrey, Kyle Hamilton, and Malaki Starks may make quarterbacks more hesitant.
- I admire Rashod Bateman's perseverance, a trait he discussed on "The Lounge" podcast. After overcoming injuries, Bateman wants to remain in Baltimore his entire career. He didn't run from adversity. He overcame it, which embodies the motto "Play Like a Raven."
- Expect right tackle Roger Rosengarten to reach another level in Year 2, after a strong rookie season in which he kept improving. With Rosengarten and Ronnie Stanley, Jackson can do damage from the pocket, knowing he has solid protection from edge rushers.
- Teddye Buchanan called it "a blessing" to be in the inside linebacker room with Roquan Smith, who was a consistent presence at OTAs and minicamp. Smith is a terrific mentor for Buchanan and Trenton Simpson, two young players who will be vying to earn defensive reps.
- The competition between Tyler Loop and John Hoyland to become the Ravens' next kicker could last all summer. Going through the process should harden both rookies, and the winner will be battle-tested heading into the season.
