The Ravens have an issue with their win-loss record, but not their morale or leadership.
Kyle Hamilton and Tyler Linderbaum pushed back against any notion that the Ravens lack veteran leadership amidst their 1-5 start. In fact, both Pro Bowl players believe that Baltimore's ability to stay unified while facing adversity has been a plus.
"I don't think morale is super low," Hamilton said. "I don't think there's been a drop in practice, drop in talk around the building. We still feel like we're talented enough to make the playoffs and make some magic when we do.
"It's not going to be anarchy around here. This is the time you have to stick together. We need to get this thing turned around because it is inexcusable. Everybody can say what they want about our schedule being tough, but at a certain point, we're going to have to beat these teams in the playoffs. We're 1-5. People are coming in here thinking we're slim pickings, a free win. It's up to us to kill that narrative and get it turned around."
Hamilton and Linderbaum joined the Ravens as first-round picks in 2022 and quickly earned the respect of their teammates. Both have been named to multiple Pro Bowls and have rarely missed practices or games since arriving in Baltimore.
According to Linderbaum, there hasn't been a lack of focus or attention to detail. Players are working hard every day, and while the results haven't shown it, Linderbaum believes the hard work will pay off.
"I think we have great leadership in the locker room," Linderbaum said. "A lot of veteran players, a lot of guys that have played a lot of good football, and a lot of guys that hold each other accountable, so I don't really see an issue in veteran leadership at all. Guys are happy and excited to still come in here and practice at a high level and perform at a high level.
"I think the bye week was great. A good opportunity to make a run and go 12-5. I think guys are just as intentional Week 1 as they are now. That's the kind of players we have."
Head Coach John Harbaugh said dealing with being 1-5 is a challenge, but he expects the team to respond to the adversity.
"It's not fun being 1-5," Harbaugh said. "You walk around carrying that every single day. That's part of the deal. You've got to be strong. You've got to have broad shoulders to deal with it."
Linderbaum also said Harbaugh's message still "absolutely" resonates with the team.
"He is one of the best coaches in the league for a reason," Linderbaum said. "He's been doing it for a long time. At the end of the day, it's our responsibility as players to go out there and play as hard as we can, no matter what the situation is."
The Ravens don't have much room for error if they're going to become the fifth team since 1970 to make the playoffs after starting 1-5. With 11 games left, they likely have to win a minimum of eight. Hamilton said the team's mindset is already in playoff mode.
"Every game for us is a playoff game; that's how it feels and how it's going to have to be from here on out," Hamilton said. "We dug ourselves into a deep hole, but in order to get in the dance, we got to really be locked in from here."
Harbaugh Addresses Ping Pong and Other Games Being Removed From Locker Room
The ping pong table, basketball hoop, and video game consoles that were in the Ravens' locker room earlier this season were removed several weeks ago after the Week 5 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Asked about that development on Wednesday, Harbaugh said it was the players' decision to remove the games, not his.
"The stuff was taken out of the locker room," Harbaugh said. "I was informed after it was gone by the equipment guy. A couple of veteran players got together and decided that they wanted to take that stuff out.
"My pinball machine that I gifted the guys two years ago at Christmas, I don't know where it's at right now. It's in the storage room somewhere, I guess. I'll take it back home."
Hamilton hopes that the games being removed will have a positive impact, but it wasn't a major concern for him.
"It wasn't my decision," Hamilton said. "I didn't even realize it was gone, to be honest. I guess it's kind of a big thing now. If we felt like we needed to do that as a team, I'm all for it."
Harbaugh Declines to Name No. 2 Quarterback
If Jackson cannot play against the Bears, it remains to be seen who will start at quarterback between Cooper Rush and Tyler Huntley.
"I don't think I want to get into all that," Harbaugh said. "[There's] really no value for me to be making too many comments on that."
In his two starts with Jackson sidelined, Rush completed 25 of 39 passes for 251 yards and tossed four interceptions to zero touchdowns. He threw for just 72 yards against the Los Angeles Rams before the bye.
Huntley provided a late-game spark against the Rams, going 10-of-15 for 68 yards passing and 23 yards rushing. He adds more of a running threat.
Huntley has a history of filling in for Jackson against the Bears. In 2021, Jackson fell ill on the Ravens' trip to Chicago and Huntley stepped in for a 16-13 victory in which he completed 26 of 36 passes for 219 yards.
"I think Huntley brings a lot to this offense," veteran wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins said. "I remember watching the Ravens when he was here. He kept those guys in games and won games as well. He's a veteran quarterback. He knows this team. He knows the players in this locker room."
Roquan Smith's Return Takes Hamilton Back to 2022
Roquan Smith has been sidelined by a hamstring injury for the past two-and-a-half games, but he expects to play Sunday against his former Bears, the team that drafted him eighth overall in 2018.
Hamilton said Smith's return to the field this week reminds him of the feeling when Smith arrived via trade from the Bears midway through the 2022 season.
"It provided a spark then," Hamilton said. "If we can get this thing turned around, I think getting him back will be a big step in doing that."
Smith had an instant impact on the Ravens' defense in 2022. They gave up 14 or fewer points in five of the following six games.
