The Baltimore Ravens know they need to turn things around, and defensive lineman Nnamdi Madubuike believes the path forward is straightforward. The team needs to get back to winning football games.
Baltimore has struggled through a difficult stretch, and the arrival of quarterback Jacoby Brissett has brought some excitement to the locker room. But Madubuike knows the team's focus has to remain on getting results.
When asked about the standard of Ravens football and what the message should be as the team tries to get back to that level, Madubuike kept his answer simple.
"Win. That's Ravens history. That's Ravens football – winning, defensive team, [with] offensive execution and just winning games. So, that's the message this week is to win, and it starts
in practice. The good thing is the guys in the locker room are excited with Jacoby [Brissett] coming in, and it brings a lot of excitement. It brings a lot of just knowing that we can just go out there and execute at a high level."
The Ravens enter Monday’s game at 4-5, with four consecutive losses having erased the margin they built earlier in the season. Brissett gives Baltimore another option at quarterback, but his arrival doesn’t change the defensive and special teams responsibilities that contributed to the skid. The response Madubuike is describing has to extend beyond the offense.
Madubuike also addressed the possibility of lineup changes after head coach Jesse Minter discussed using the recent break to evaluate the team. While those decisions aren't up to the players, Madubuike said the message inside the locker room hasn't changed.
When asked whether the possibility of changes could motivate players to turn things around, Madubuike acknowledged that it could, but emphasized the team's main objective.
"I guess it could. For me, it's the same message and I think for the guys it's the same message of going out there and winning football games. That's really our main focus this week, to get back on the winning board."
The Ravens have an opportunity to respond after a disappointing stretch, but Madubuike understands that the work starts before game day. The team has to put together better practices, execute more consistently, and find a way to turn that effort into a win.
For a team that has built its identity around winning and playing physical football, Madubuike's message leaves little room for confusion. Baltimore needs to get back to the standard it expects of itself.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Nnamdi Madubuike delivers a direct message as Ravens seek a reset
