The Miami Dolphins host the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday night, renewing a non-division rivalry that has had some good games, some absolute blowouts, and has become a lopsided affair in the recent years.
In the last 12 meetings, dating back to the 2008 regular season and including the playoff game that postseason, the Ravens have won nine games. The Dolphins have started making a comeback however, with two of the Dolphins’ wins coming in the last three meetings.
Baltimore and Miami seem to find a way to land on each others’ schedules about every other year – either through the standard rotation of divisions in the schedule making or through finishing in the same place within their respective divisions. The teams see each other alot, but it has been almost two years since their last showdown.
Who are the Ravens now? What should Miami expect to see from Baltimore on Thursday night? I had a chance no this short week to talk with Nikhil Mehta, the managing editor of SB Nation’s Ravens team site, Baltimore Beatdown, and his team to discuss the Ravens’ in 2025.
The Ravens are 2-5 on the season and have not looked like the Ravens everyone expected them to be this year. While losing Lamar Jackson for the past three games is part of the issue, even when he was playing earlier this season, something has seemed off in Baltimore. Are there bigger issues with the team than just not having Jackson on the field?
The biggest issue with the Ravens this season might be the loss of Nnamdi Madubuike. Not only is he one of Baltimore’s best players, he’s also one of their most expensive. The pass rush was a glaring weakness heading into the season and the Ravens lost their most consistent rusher two games into the season.
With the bye week to recover, the Ravens have potentially found their footing again and are ready to try and make a magical run for the division title. With Jackson returning, a mostly healthy roster, and a more manageable schedule down the stretch, things in Baltimore should start looking like they did in the past two seasons. (Zach Canter, Mark Myers)
Something I never thought I would see is a Baltimore defense that is struggling to stop anyone. Dolphins fans are frustrated with Miami’s defense, which is allowing 344.4 yards and 26.9 points per game , but they are still ahead of the 379.6 yards and 30.0 points per game the Ravens are giving up. What is happening with the defense and how can Miami attack it?
The Ravens’ defense has looked much improved over the last two games. However, they remain vulnerable against the run with a lack of star power and depth on the defensive line. Their inability to generate pressure on the quarterback has also been a constant issue and they’re razor thin at edge rusher. Additionally, communication issues over the middle of the field and in the secondary have been persistent at times, too.
Injuries across the front seven and in the secondary have made it tougher, but the past two weeks, when the Ravens have allowed 16.5 points per game against the Rams and Bears, show signs of improvement. Make no mistake, this defense can still be attacked. Jaylen Waddle can attack the intermediate zones, making a living off of catches 10-20 yards down the field, while De’Von Achane can be a dangerous presence catching passes out of the backfield. Kyle Hamilton has started playing closer to the line of scrimmage in the last two games, so if Achane can avoid him and catch the ball in space, the Dolphins offense can have a big day. (Frank Platko, Mark Myers)
Because it became such a talking point over the weekend, I will step off the field for a second. What are the feelings around the team about the injury report drama surrounding if Jackson was a full participant in practice or was limited? Pro Football Talk speculated that the league could come down hard on the Ravens to use them as an example, making sure other teams do not mistakenly or intentionally do the same thing. Just curious on how it is being seen in Baltimore and around the team?
It’s amazing what a win can do to wipe away off-field drama. Once the Ravens defeated the Bears on Sunday, many seemed to forget about last week’s debacle. That will remain the case unless the team loses a draft pick as a result of their mistake. Fans won’t care about a fine, but they will rightfully be angry if this has a tangible impact on the team’s future.
It will also further hurt Harbaugh’s reputation with a frustrated fan base. They feel like every word that comes from his mouth either lacks conviction or is misleading. That has long been the case, but as mentioned above, winning lets a lot of things slide. (Mark Myers, Nikhil Mehta)
Is John Harbaugh’s job in jeopardy if Baltimore does not turn this season around?
It feels unlikely that John Harbaugh’s job could seriously be in jeopardy until it actually happens. Should the Ravens claw their way back into the playoff picture, a narrative can form that will help Harbaugh’s case: the team overcame injuries early and battled back. However, if the Ravens fall short of the postseason even with Jackson and other key starters back in the lineup, there’s an outside chance that a slew of organizational changes may occur.
A talent like Lamar Jackson cannot be wasted. There are no excuses for not challenging for a playoff spot due to the remaining schedule. The toughest games are out of the way, and most of the roster is healthy. Now is the time to win. (Frank Platko, Mark Myers)
What are your realistic expectations for the Ravens the rest of the season?
Lamar Jackson has proven to be an elite quarterback late in the regular season. Pair that with a favorable schedule and two remaining matchups with the Steelers to gain ground in the division, and the Ravens should have a strong chance of making the playoffs. They should fight their way back to at least .500 with a few games remaining.
That should give them a chance to win the division still, depending on how the Steelers fare over the next few weeks, or battle for a wild card spot. That final stretch of the year—the potential return of Joe Burrow in Week 15, followed by games against the Patriots and Packers, before a Week 18 game against the Steelers that could decide the AFC North—should make for an exciting finish to the regular season.
