The rookies had a short week in Week 9, traveling to Miami for their Thursday Nigh tFootball debut. It was also the first time the Ravens won back-to-back games in 2025. With all the pressure on the team
to win games and go on a run to save the season, let’s see how the rookies handled it.
Malaki Starks
Malaki Starks had his best day as a pro. A week ago, I asked readers to be patient with Starks. In Miami, he delivered a performance that should hopefully silence some of the critics. Starks was the highest graded player on the Ravens, according to PFF. He was also the highest-graded rookie defensive back and the second-highest-graded defensive back in the entire NFL, with an overall grade of 91.2 and a coverage grade of 89.0. He also snatched his first interception of his career to slam the door on any potential collapse, showing great skills at the catch point to go up and high-point the ball out of the air. Starks was everywhere on the field Thursday, and hopefully it’s a turning point from simply doing his job and limiting plays over the top to becoming a real difference maker for the Ravens.
Mike Green
Mike Green followed up his first career sack against the Bears with another sack and two pressures against the Dolphins. It wasn’t a great day for Green according to PFF, but the good thing is that his pass rush grade was the best part of his game, which is what the Ravens need right now. Green once again played the second-most snaps of any front-seven player, above 70% of plays. Hopefully, the trade for Dre’Mont Jones will do a multitude of things to help out the Ravens and Green, including lowering his snap count and opening up some more pass rush opportunities.
Teddye Buchanan
Buchanan was seemingly everywhere on Thursday and had a “fumble assist” on both fumble plays, helping to gang tackle and hold the ball carrier while a teammate ripped the ball out. While it won’t show up on the stat sheet and gets lost in the fray, it’s a massive boost for the Ravens. This defense has struggled a lot in the past two years, including finding turnovers. Gang tackling opponents and allowing teammates opportunities is one of the most surefire ways to create chaos and positive plays as a defense. With Roquan Smith stepping in and seemingly coming back to form, Buchanan is in a better spot as a rookie developing next to an All-Pro.
Tyler Loop
Loop had one of his quietest games of the season with no field goal attempts during the game. He went a perfect 4-4 on extra points following Lamar Jackson’s four touchdown passes. Can’t ask for much more from your kicker.
LaJohntay Wester
Wester’s activity was limited by the Ravens’ three turnovers. He had one punt return for 17 yards and played two run-blocking snaps on offense.
