The Ravens have returned from their bye feeling rejuvenated mentally and physically.
Players and coaches have not lost their belief after a frustrating 1-5 start, and the bye gave them additional time to recharge for the run they'll need to make the playoffs.
"We all needed a mental reset, and we're ready to come back out swinging," Pro Bowl wide receiver Zay Flowers said. "We don't want to lose any more, so we've got to start it off right. Right after the bye week, everybody got fresh, everybody got a mental break. We'll come back, start off with a win, and try to go on a run."
Starting that run on Sunday against the Chicago Bears at M&T Bank Stadium would be a positive sign for Baltimore. The Bears (4-2) are riding a four-game winning streak and have built the kind of momentum that Baltimore is seeking.
With 11 games remaining, the Ravens don't know exactly how many victories they will need to reach the postseason, and they don't plan on looking too far ahead. Every game from this point forward is huge for the Ravens, and Marlon Humphrey said his sole focus this week is figuring out a way to beat Chicago.
"There would be nothing greater if we could beat the Chicago Bears this Sunday," Humphrey said. "We are 1-5. We need to focus on one game and one practice at a time.
"I just want to win a game. That would be really cool. … It is just not fun to lose games. It's something I told the defense. I've never really been a loser in my entire life. I'm not really cool with being a loser. I'm not really comfortable with being a loser, so I just want to win one game. And if that's not everybody's mindset, there needs to be a sit-down to figure out how we can get that on your mindset."
Roquan Smith Talks About Facing Bears for First Time Since Leaving Chicago
It has been a long time coming, but Roquan Smith will finally face the Bears for the first time since they traded him to Baltimore in 2022.
Smith practiced on Monday after missing the previous two games with a hamstring injury. When asked if he thought he would play against Chicago, Smith said, "Yes, absolutely."
The Bears selected Smith with the eighth-overall pick in 2018. The All-Pro inside linebacker led them in tackles every season until a contract dispute with Chicago led to his trade to Baltimore.
Smith said he's concentrating on getting a win instead of holding a grudge and has fond memories from his days with the Bears.
"I'm excited about the matchup, for sure," Smith said. "I haven't gotten a chance to play Chicago since I've been here. I'm grateful for all of my time in Chicago. A lot of amazing people over there that I have a tremendous amount of respect for, but obviously, it's the team that's on the schedule, and every team on the schedule has to get dealt with accordingly.
"You have to be the best version of yourself, week in and week out, and it happens to be the Bears. I have a lot of friends and family that will be in [town], but it's about doing my job to the best of my ability and showing the world exactly who I am."
Roger Rosengarten Says More Physicality Is Key for Offensive Line
After leading the NFL in rushing and total offense in 2024, the Ravens have fallen to 10th in rushing and 22nd in total offense heading into Week 8.
A turning point in their Week 6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams typified some of the Ravens' short-yardage issues. Late in the first half, with the score tied 3-3, the Ravens were denied on three straight running attempts after having second-and-goal from the 1-yard line. They never scored again, and the Rams rolled to a 17-3 victory.
Starting right tackle Roger Rosengarten said the offensive line wants to reestablish its physicality, not just in short yardage, but in all situations.
"We've got to make an emphasis this back half of the season of being extra physical," Rosengarten said. "It's short yardage, pass downs, normal downs. Just finishing plays. It all starts up front. Physicality, it trickles down to tight ends, receivers going in there to block, whoever. It all starts with us.
"Me personally, I just want to be more physical in the run game, pass game, finishing. Anything I can do to make myself more physical for the guys and kind of get a spark going, I'm going to do it."
John Harbaugh Discusses Plan for Emery Jones Jr.
Head Coach John Harbaugh said rookie offensive lineman Emery Jones Jr. (shoulder) could earn a role this season and will not be placed on season-ending injured reserve.
The third-round pick has been on the reserve/non-football injury list all season but started practicing on Oct. 1. His 21-day practice window ends Wednesday, when he must be moved to the 53-man roster or placed on season-ending injured reserve.
Harbaugh said Jones will be moved to the 53-man roster, but won't play this week.
"He's had a couple of weeks now of practice. He's shown a lot of good things, but he also has a lot to learn, just being honest about it," Harbaugh said. "There's a lot that goes into it, and he hasn't had all through training camp really to work the finer points out of the pass protection or the calls and things like that. But I do think he has a chance to be a factor this year. He's looking good. He's talented, and he's tough, and he wants to do well. He works really hard, so yes, he's definitely working himself into that conversation."
