Baltimore Ravens Set Out to Prove They’re Top Two in the NFL, and Make No Mistake—They’re Absolutely Not Number Two
The Baltimore Ravens have heard it all before. The criticisms. The doubters. The endless speculation about what they could be rather than what they already are. Every year, analysts debate whether they belong in the league’s elite tier. Every season, a few setbacks lead to the same recycled narratives: “They’re good, but not good enough.” “They lack playoff toughness.” “Lamar Jackson can’t win the big one.” And yet, here they stand—more confident, more dangerous, and more focused than ever. Because this year, the message coming out of Baltimore is clear, bold, and unapologetic: We’re top two—and we’re not two.
This is not a team looking for validation. This is a team that knows exactly what it is and what it’s capable of. The Ravens aren’t just contenders—they’re built for dominance. They’re not chasing the shadows of other franchises. They’re building a legacy on their own terms. From top to bottom, from the front office to the field, everything about the current version of the Ravens screams excellence—and they’re ready to prove that nobody in the league is better.
Start with the most important position in football: quarterback. Lamar Jackson, the reigning NFL MVP, isn’t just playing at an elite level—he’s evolving. The days of calling him a “running quarterback” are long gone. He’s dissecting defenses from the pocket, showing patience, accuracy, and command that silences critics with every throw. His understanding of pre-snap reads and post-snap progressions has reached a level where he’s making good defenses look ordinary. And when the play breaks down? He’s still the most electric runner the league has ever seen at the quarterback position. Lamar is a cheat code, plain and simple. And now, he’s surrounded by the best supporting cast of his career.
Baltimore’s front office finally gave him weapons that match his talents. The receiving corps is deep, diverse, and explosive. Zay Flowers is a budding star who brings game-breaking ability to every route he runs. His shiftiness, hands, and fearless approach to contested catches make him a nightmare in space. On the outside, Rashod Bateman provides physicality and vertical threat, while tight end Mark Andrews remains one of the most reliable targets in the league. This is a unit that can win in multiple ways: underneath, over the top, and across the middle. There’s no more “just run the ball and hope Lamar makes magic.” This is a complete offense—and it’s scary.
But the Ravens haven’t forgotten who they are at their core. Smashmouth football is still in their DNA. The run game remains dominant, built around a powerful offensive line and a stable of punishing backs who wear defenses down by the fourth quarter. Whether it’s J.K. Dobbins thundering through the trenches or a creative dose of zone reads and RPOs, Baltimore’s run-first identity hasn’t gone away—it’s just evolved. They now hit you with pace, spacing, and unpredictability.
And the architect behind all this firepower? Offensive coordinator Todd Monken. After a successful college stint at Georgia, Monken came in and immediately modernized the Ravens’ attack. He brought tempo, creativity, and efficiency. He empowered Lamar to make real-time decisions, and it’s working. This isn’t the static, predictable offense of the past. It’s fluid, aggressive, and constantly attacking weaknesses. It adapts. It overwhelms. And it doesn’t let up.
On the other side of the ball, the defense is as Baltimore as ever—violent, fast, and opportunistic. The Ravens haven’t just built a defense; they’ve engineered a system where no one player is the entire engine. Instead, it’s a machine fueled by discipline, chemistry, and depth. Linebackers Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen form one of the best duos in football—fast, instinctive, and relentless. They diagnose plays like seasoned veterans and close gaps with ruthless efficiency. The front seven is deep and talented, capable of generating pressure without exotic blitzes, while still dialing up chaos when needed.
And in the secondary? The Ravens’ tradition of lockdown defensive backs continues. Marlon Humphrey remains an elite presence, combining physical coverage with veteran savvy. Young playmakers like Kyle Hamilton are blossoming into stars. Hamilton, in particular, has become the X-factor—able to play safety, nickel, or even linebacker roles within different sub-packages. He’s a Swiss army knife with elite instincts and physicality.
Baltimore’s defense doesn’t just aim to stop you—they aim to take the ball, take your rhythm, and take your will. It’s not just about stats. It’s about style. About imposing their will. About making you feel every snap.
But perhaps what truly makes the Ravens dangerous in 2025 isn’t just talent—it’s the culture. It’s the identity. Head coach John Harbaugh has built something few franchises can claim: sustained excellence through stability. Harbaugh is the heartbeat of the team—tough, adaptable, and deeply respected. He’s reinvented himself time and time again, never clinging to outdated philosophies, always putting the team in position to succeed. He lets stars lead but keeps everyone accountable. He’s not just managing the locker room—he’s elevating it.
That culture is why Baltimore wins close games. Why they bounce back from injuries. Why they don’t fold when the moment gets big. This is a team forged in adversity and sharpened by expectations. They don’t chase hype. They earn their stripes—and they remember every slight. Every “they’re not quite there yet” fuels them. Every prediction that lists another team first? It’s bulletin board material.
And that’s why the “top two and we’re not two” mantra isn’t just trash talk—it’s truth. Look around the league. Sure, there are other good teams. The Chiefs are the defending champs and deserve respect. The 49ers are physical and loaded with stars. The Bengals are always dangerous. But none of them have Baltimore’s balance. None of them have Lamar playing with this level of poise and freedom. None of them match the Ravens’ combination of old-school toughness and new-age versatility. Baltimore can win in a shootout. They can win ugly. They can dominate with defense or explode with offense. However the game goes, they’re built for it.
And this season, the urgency is different. You can feel it. The Ravens know the window is now. They’ve paid their quarterback. They’ve drafted well. They’ve made the right moves in free agency. The locker room is full of leaders, veterans hungry for a ring, and young stars ascending fast. This isn’t a rebuild. This is a reckoning.
They’ve come close. The heartbreak of past playoff losses still lingers. But that pain has matured the team. It’s taught them how to finish. How to stay sharp when it counts. And this year, they’re ready to cash in on all the lessons learned.
So when the Ravens say, “We’re top two and we’re not two,” it’s not arrogance. It’s not fantasy. It’s a message to the rest of the NFL: Get ready. Because this team is done being underrated. They’re done being almost. This is a team that knows who they are—and who they’re coming for.
They’re not chasing Kansas City. They’re not worried about San Francisco. They’re not watching anyone else’s tape. Because they believe when they play their brand of football—fast, physical, fearless—nobody can beat them. And they’re not waiting to prove it in the playoffs. They’re bringing that statement to every single game.
This year, the Ravens aren’t sneaking up on anyone. They don’t want to. They want the spotlight. They want your best shot. Because they believe they’re better. And not just better—they believe they’re the best.
So go ahead. Make your power rankings. List your favorites. Crown your MVPs. Just remember that there’s a team in Baltimore that’s been building toward this moment for years. A team that’s tired of knocking on the door. A team ready to kick it down.
Top two? No. Not anymore. Because this Ravens team is ready to claim the top spot. And if you’re not ready to accept that, they’ll show you on Sundays.
