New-Look Defense. AFC Favorites. Why the Ravens Are Built for January.
I know saying the Ravens will be really good this year isn’t exactly a bold take. They finished the 2024 season at 12–5 and won the AFC North. For the better part of the last half-decade, they’ve had a lethal offense and a commendable defense — but here’s why this 2025 defense is different and why it’s going to put the ball in Lamar Jackson’s hands even more.
Let’s start here: they were already the best run defense in football in 2024 — allowing just 80.1 rushing yards per game. The tradeoff showed up through the air: 396 completions allowed (4th-most) on 625 attempts faced (3rd-most). Teams had to throw because they couldn’t run. That kind of volume ballooned the raw total to 4,468 passing yards allowed (2nd-most), but per throw, they held up — 63.4% completion rate allowed (top 10).
This front office clearly needed to attack the defensive back market in the offseason, and it looks like they took it seriously because they got exactly what was missing: they added Jaire Alexander, one of the league’s best cover corners, and drafted Malaki Starks — an explosive, national-championship safety out of Georgia who’s near the top of my Week 1 rookies-to-watch list.
Bottom line: this defense needed a true No. 1 cover corner, and they got one. Pair that with a young safety with star potential and the back end finally matches the front.
Credit: Jeff Roberson | AP
If the coverage tightens and the run-stopping stays consistent, look out.
Combine those two new DBs with the young core — Kyle Hamilton, Marlon Humphrey, Nate Wiggins, and T.J. Tampa — and Jaire Alexander is going to teach these guys a lot. Wiggins already said: “He’s one of one.” And on the day-to-day stuff: “He’s here to teach us. Whatever we need, he’s here… he’s been a great impact. He’s a great fit in the DB room.”
Of course, it doesn’t matter how much talent you stack if the scheme isn’t right. That’s why I love Baltimore bringing back Chuck Pagano in a senior defensive role — the dude’s a defensive mastermind with decades of receipts. Wiggins lit up about having that kind of experience in the room: “He’s bringing whatever you need… if you have an off day, he’s gonna pick you up… bring the energy. He’s coached for a long time, he knows a lot of ball… he coached Ed Reed, he’s coached Hall of Famers.”
Pair that with defensive coordinator Zach Orr — now in his ninth year as an NFL coach and second as the Ravens’ DC — and you’ve got a clear plan for this secondary to snap into shape.
With Pagano in his ear, Zach Orr has the veteran guidance to sharpen the gameplan and run this defense.
If this defense buys Lamar a little more time with the ball, look out. Lamar Jackson, two-time MVP. Derrick Henry, future Hall of Famer. A deep WR room — newly extended Rashod Bateman (been one of my guys since Minnesota), Zay Flowers (no notes; elite young fringe superstar), and veteran DeAndre Hopkins. Plus Mark Andrews, one of the league’s best tight ends.
Truly one of my favorite offenses in the league, talent-wise — they can go toe-to-toe with Philadelphia.
Quick reminder of who’s piloting this thing: last season, Lamar threw for 4,172 yards, 41 touchdowns, and just 4 picks with a 119.6 passer rating — one of the best single-season efficiency lines ever (fourth-highest passer rating in NFL history). FOUR picks? It’s clear: the guy is locked in.
Credit: Shawn Hubbard | Baltimore Ravens
With the Browns and Steelers looking mediocre, Baltimore’s got a real shot to win the North again and chase a first-round bye. They finished 12–5 last year and took the division; this time, the defense might be what pushes them over the top when the calendar flips to January.
Jaire and Starks close the windows; Lamar kicks in the door. Baltimore’s built for the cold. Go ahead and book your hotels and flights for the Divisional Round and the AFC Championship — odds are, you’re headed to Baltimore. See you in January.
