The Baltimore Ravens face questions about more than their on-field performance after consecutive losses, and several of the team's most respected veterans acknowledge the need for changes in the locker room.
Running back Derrick Henry and offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley addressed the team's leadership Wednesday, two days after head coach Jesse Minter challenged his players to take greater responsibility during difficult stretches of games. The comments followed Baltimore's 35-13 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, a game in which the Ravens squandered a 13-point halftime lead and allowed 35 unanswered points. It marked the second consecutive week Baltimore failed to protect a double-digit advantage against an AFC North opponent.
According to The Athletic's
Jeff Zrebiec, Stanley said several veterans met after Sunday's loss and acknowledged that "something needs to change."
Ronnie Stanley said Minter has stressed to team how leaders need to step up.
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) October 28, 2026
Stanley said a few of the vets met after Sundays game and they understand “something needs to change.” pic.twitter.com/EZpFrxKg5c
The meeting followed Minter's public comments Monday, when the first-year head coach questioned whether the Ravens had enough players willing to take control during critical moments on the sideline.
Minter said the team has players who care about doing things correctly but needs more leadership when games begin moving in the wrong direction. His comments reflected frustration with Baltimore's inability to respond when opponents generate momentum, an issue that has contributed to the team's disappointing 4-3 start. News & Notes
Stanley, the longest-tenured player on Baltimore's roster, acknowledged that the veteran players understood the importance of Minter's message. The Ravens have enough experience throughout their roster to expect better communication and execution, particularly when adversity strikes.
Henry offered an equally direct assessment of his own performance as one of the team's captains.
According to Zrebiec, the veteran running back didn't believe he did a good enough job leading the team, taking personal responsibility rather than blaming his teammates. Henry also emphasized the need for better communication throughout the organization, from in-game interactions to sideline and locker-room conversations.
Derrick Henry in the wake of Jesse Minter’s leadership comments says they need better communication, be it in games, sideline, locker room etc. He’s one of the captains pic.twitter.com/CfgjfN3SCd
— Brian Wacker (@brianwacker1) October 28, 2026
The comments suggest Baltimore's veterans understand that the team's recent struggles cannot be solved solely through personnel changes or game plan adjustments. Speaking to ESPN's Jamison Hensley, Henry emphasized the team's responsibility to correct its mistakes.
"Nobody can fix this but us. It's how you respond," Henry said.
"Nobody is running away from it."
The remarks reflected accountability from one of Baltimore's most accomplished players, who has consistently emphasized execution and consistency throughout his career.
Henry's performance has also been under scrutiny during the Ravens' recent losses. Baltimore struggled to establish a productive running game against Cincinnati, limiting the offense's ability to sustain drives and control the clock after halftime.
The veteran running back carried 17 times for 45 yards against the Bengals, as the offense produced just 13 points despite carrying a shutout into halftime. Yahoo Sports Henry acknowledged after the game that his individual production wasn't good enough, a sentiment he reinforced Wednesday while discussing the need for improved leadership.
The Ravens have now gone two consecutive games without scoring a second-half point, highlighting a problem that extends across multiple areas of the team.
Against Cleveland, Baltimore led 10-0 before the Browns rallied to a 13-10 win. The following week, the Ravens were outscored 35-0 after halftime against Cincinnati, surrendering touchdowns on five consecutive possessions. The struggles have led Minter to examine how his team responds to adversity, especially after opponents adjust or build momentum.
Baltimore has also dealt with significant injuries, including quarterback Lamar Jackson, who has missed three straight games with a high ankle sprain. Henry described Jackson as "the heart and soul of the offense" Wednesday, acknowledging that the quarterback's potential return would provide an important boost.
However, questions about the Ravens' leadership extend beyond Jackson's availability. Minter has emphasized that established veterans must help maintain the team's focus and execution regardless of who is on the field.
That responsibility falls on players such as Henry, Stanley, Andrews, Smith, and Hamilton, all of whom hold key roles in the organization. The Ravens now face a difficult road matchup against the Buffalo Bills (5-1) on Sunday, giving Baltimore another opportunity to demonstrate whether the discussions following the Cincinnati loss can produce a different result.
For Henry, the most important response will come through the team's performance rather than additional conversations about what needs to change.
The Ravens have acknowledged their problems, and their veteran leaders have accepted responsibility for helping address them. The next challenge is carrying that accountability onto the field and maintaining it as momentum shifts.
After consecutive second-half collapses, Baltimore needs more than another strong start. It needs its leaders to help ensure the Ravens can finish what they begin.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Derrick Henry, Ronnie Stanley respond to Minter's leadership challenge
