Arguably the most concerning development of the Ravens 2025 season has been the below average play of their offensive line.
In 2024, the Ravens sported practically the same starting five across the line
as they have this year — with the exception of Andrew Vorhees, who has stepped in for now Jacksonville Jaguars Patrick Mekari at left guard. Last season, the Ravens set records on the ground and through the air, leading to one of the most prolific offensive seasons in NFL history. Baltimore was a Top 5 offense in rushing success rate, EPA per play, and yards before contact per attempt. Through the air, they were equally prolific. This year, the Ravens have seen major regression in both areas of offense which on film, looks to be at least partly due to the play of the offensive line.
The question begs: have they been as bad as they look? In 2024, Baltimore was ranked 14th in QB pressure rate at 33%. In 2025, Baltimore has inched up slightly to 11th, at 35.7%. On the ground, the Ravens were No. 1 in rushing yards before contact per carry, averaging an incredible 2.24 yards before contact. Fast forward to this year and Baltimore is averaging a more modest 1.77 yards before contact, which still ranks 5th in the NFL. The biggest difference in Baltimore’s offensive production has actually been from a stat that might not completely be their fault: quarterback sack percentage. In 2024, Baltimore was 4th in the NFL in QB sack %. This year, they’re 30th, slightly ahead of the New York Jets and Tennessee Titans. While it’s clear there has been a regression on the Ravens’ offensive line, there’s also been a concerning trend of Lamar Jackson taking more sacks than ever.
It doesn’t need mentioning that Jackson has suffered his fair share of injuries this year, which is perhaps limiting his ability to extend plays and mask the deficiencies on the offensive line. Since Week 1 in Buffalo, Jackson simply hasn’t looked like the same dynamic athlete that has routinely made defenders look silly over the years. As a result, defenses seem to be playing the Ravens just a little differently. Cleveland Browns’ superstar pass rusher Myles Garrett even cited before this past Sunday’s matchup that Jackson hasn’t been running outside of the pocket as much. Garrett promptly took advantage by racking up four sacks. The designed quarterback run game has been virtually non-existent as well, giving defenses the chance to fully key-in on Derrick Henry.
Baltimore’s offensive line hasn’t been good this year. Most fans have become used to at least one offensive lineman getting blown up on most plays. However, it’s also important to consider the impact of the most dynamic rushing quarterback in NFL history being hobbled. In Week 1, there were very few concerns about Baltimore’s offense as they looked prime to repeat or even build off their historic 2024 season. Unfortunately, Jackson hasn’t been 100% since, which has further amplified the talent issues across the offensive line.
Eric DeCosta hasn’t built a perfect roster, but it’s also easy to defend DeCosta considering how good they were in 2024. Why not run it back? At the end of the day, Baltimore’s success for the rest of the regular season will be dependent on Jackson. They might be able to get a playoff spot even if he isn’t 100%. However, against teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos, and Buffalo Bills, they will need Jackson at his best to have a chance. As far as the offensive line, Harbaugh has been steadfast that the team isn’t making changes. While his claim that the unit is playing “pretty darn good” seems far-fetched, we’ve seen other areas of the team flip the script midseason — most recently the defense. Now, it’s the offense’s turn to do the same as their star quarterback continues to get healthier.
