Baltimore Ravens Must Treat Every NFL Season As Win-Now With Pressure Mounting On Key Positional Groups To Deliver In 2025
The Baltimore Ravens enter every season with one singular mission—win a Super Bowl. Anything less than that is viewed, internally and externally, as falling short of expectations. That’s what happens when a franchise builds a culture of consistent winning, when playoff appearances are considered the baseline rather than the reward. But as the Ravens prepare for the 2025 NFL season, that win-now mindset feels more urgent than ever. A loaded AFC, a quarterback in his prime, and a fan base starved for another championship all combine to create a pressure cooker environment in Baltimore.
For general manager Eric DeCosta, head coach John Harbaugh, and the rest of the organization, the path forward is clear: they have to win now. Not in three years. Not as a long-term rebuild. But in 2025. Every decision must be calculated for immediate success, and any position group that underperforms will be under a white-hot spotlight.
While the Ravens possess one of the most balanced rosters in the league, that doesn’t mean there aren’t question marks. And in a conference where the margin between success and failure is razor thin, the positional groups that fall short may ultimately be the ones blamed for holding the team back from a deep postseason run—or worse, another disappointing playoff exit.
The conversation must begin with Lamar Jackson. The reigning MVP is one of the most electrifying players in the NFL and the clear centerpiece of Baltimore’s offensive engine. He’s paid like a superstar, and he plays like one. But for all of Jackson’s brilliance, the postseason success hasn’t followed. His playoff record—while often unfairly criticized—remains a sticking point among skeptics. The pressure is on him not just to perform, but to lead the team over the hump when the games matter most.
Helping him do that will be a wide receiver corps that still has much to prove. Zay Flowers flashed star potential as a rookie, but he must now show he can take over games. Rashod Bateman, a former first-round pick, is entering what feels like a make-or-break season. Veteran additions and depth pieces will have to rise to the occasion, particularly if injuries strike again. Every dropped pass, mistimed route, or missed opportunity will be magnified.
Mark Andrews remains a security blanket for Jackson and one of the league’s premier tight ends, but he too will need to stay healthy and productive. The Ravens’ offense often flows through him when things get tight, and his ability to dominate the middle of the field could be the difference in close contests.
A huge key to unlocking the Ravens’ offensive potential lies up front with the offensive line. In 2024, protection was inconsistent, particularly late in the year. Ronnie Stanley, once a stalwart at left tackle, is now battling questions about his durability and effectiveness. If he regresses further or can’t stay on the field, the blind side becomes a glaring vulnerability.
Tyler Linderbaum is an emerging star at center, and his leadership will be essential as the group looks to build cohesion. But the tackles and guard play must improve, especially when facing the elite pass rushers littered throughout the AFC. Teams like the Chiefs, Bills, Browns, and Steelers all bring relentless pressure, and if the Ravens can’t hold up in pass protection, the offense will sputter—no matter how dynamic Jackson may be.
With J.K. Dobbins no longer a long-term piece and Gus Edwards now gone, the Ravens backfield will look different. Derrick Henry’s arrival brought plenty of excitement, but he’s 31 and has logged heavy mileage. While he’s still capable of punishing defenders and controlling the tempo of a game, Baltimore must manage his workload wisely. If the offense becomes too reliant on Henry or if he declines, there will be calls for more creativity and balance.
The running back group behind Henry must be prepared to contribute. Whether it’s a rookie, a depth piece like Justice Hill, or another free agent addition, the Ravens need fresh legs and versatility to keep the run game explosive.
Baltimore’s defense was elite in 2024, but duplicating that success won’t be easy—especially up front. The defensive line, once a deep and reliable unit, is entering a critical phase. Veterans like Justin Madubuike must not only maintain their production but elevate their leadership roles. Travis Jones and Broderick Washington are expected to take steps forward, but inconsistency could lead to breakdowns in run defense.
On the edge, Odafe Oweh and David Ojabo represent the future—but they haven’t consistently produced like top-tier pass rushers. Oweh has flashed, but injuries and inconsistency have limited his impact. Ojabo’s development has been even slower due to health concerns. If neither takes a leap in 2025, Baltimore will struggle to pressure elite quarterbacks, putting even more strain on the secondary.
With the departure of veteran edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney, the Ravens may lack a reliable, veteran disruptor unless someone steps up or another piece is added. In the AFC, where getting to the quarterback is often the difference in tight games, that could be a fatal flaw.
Inside linebacker is one of the few areas where Baltimore feels comfortably elite. Roquan Smith is one of the NFL’s best at the position, and his impact on the defense is unquestioned. Patrick Queen, however, is gone, and that leaves a gap. The Ravens will look to Trenton Simpson to fill that void, but he’s still unproven over a full season.
Simpson has the physical tools—speed, range, and tenacity—but can he diagnose plays, take proper angles, and cover elite backs and tight ends consistently? If not, opposing offenses will target him relentlessly. The Ravens can’t afford a weak link at linebacker, especially in the middle of the field, where modern offenses love to exploit mismatches.
The Ravens’ secondary is another group under the microscope. Kyle Hamilton has blossomed into one of the most dynamic defenders in the NFL, but he needs help. Marcus Williams has struggled with injuries, and while young corners like Brandon Stephens and Jalyn Armour-Davis have flashed, there’s no clear CB1 with Marlon Humphrey’s regression and injury issues.
Baltimore may have to rely on rookies or low-cost veterans to fill critical roles at cornerback. In a league dominated by elite receivers and vertical passing attacks, depth in the secondary is no longer optional—it’s essential. Hamilton can cover a lot of ground, but he can’t erase coverage breakdowns alone.
If the Ravens do not find a reliable corner rotation and their safety duo doesn’t stay healthy, the entire structure of the defense could collapse under pressure from elite passing attacks.
The departure of defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald to the Seattle Seahawks left big shoes to fill. New DC Zach Orr, a rising star within the organization, is being given the reins of a championship-caliber defense. But being a great position coach and being a game-day play caller are two different things.
Orr will face immense pressure to keep the defense at the top of the league rankings while also managing egos, in-game adjustments, and critical third-down decisions. If he falters, the defense could regress quickly. Likewise, offensive coordinator Todd Monken must find ways to evolve the offense beyond heavy reliance on Jackson’s improvisation and ground game magic. His play-calling will be scrutinized, especially if Baltimore starts slow or stalls in the red zone.
Eric DeCosta has done a masterful job building a competitive roster, but even he isn’t immune to criticism. The NFL is a results-driven business, and after so many close calls, there’s a growing sense that Baltimore’s window is now. If the team underperforms in 2025, the calls for a more aggressive strategy—or even leadership change—may grow louder.
Baltimore fans are loyal and passionate, but they also know what success looks like. They remember the Ed Reed years, the Super Bowl runs, and the dominance that once defined this team. The expectation is not just to contend—but to win. And the patience for “almost” is wearing thin.
For the Baltimore Ravens, 2025 is not just another season. It’s a moment of truth. The quarterback is elite. The core is experienced. The pieces are in place. But in the NFL, opportunity doesn’t knock forever.
Every position group that fails to perform—be it offensive line, edge rush, secondary, or receiver—risks becoming the scapegoat in what could be another year of “what if.” That’s the burden of being a great team in the modern NFL. It’s also the standard in Baltimore.
The Ravens have to treat every year as a win-now situation because their roster demands it, their quarterback deserves it, and their fans expect it. Anything less will not be accepted. And in 2025, the pressure to win isn’t just real—it’s relentless.
