Since John Harbaugh took the reins in 2008, the Baltimore Ravens have been one of the NFL’s most stable franchises. Through quarterback changes, roster overhauls, and evolving offensive philosophies, they’ve consistently found ways to stay competitive.
Eleven playoff appearances in 16 seasons and only two losing records? That’s the kind of track record most franchises would kill for.
But in 2025, something’s off in Baltimore. Despite Lamar Jackson still under center and Harbaugh still on the sideline, the Ravens have stumbled to a 6-7 record after a gut-punch Week 14 loss to the rival Steelers.
And while other perennial contenders have also had down years, this one feels different. This isn’t a team rebuilding or retooling - this is a team that came in with championship expectations.
And now, they’re fighting for their playoff lives.
So what went wrong? A season like this doesn’t unravel because of one bad break or a single underperforming player.
It’s been a combination of factors - some expected, others more surprising - that have brought the Ravens to the brink. Let’s break down the four biggest reasons behind Baltimore’s 2025 slide.
1. A Defense That’s Lost Its Edge
Just two years ago, the Ravens defense was the heartbeat of the team - fast, physical, and downright suffocating. In 2023, they led the league in points allowed and looked like a throwback to the Ray Lewis and Ed Reed days.
That dominant performance earned then-defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald a head coaching gig in Seattle. Since then, the drop-off has been steep.
Last year, the defense slipped to ninth in scoring, still solid but no longer elite. This year, they’ve tumbled all the way to 22nd. Injuries haven’t helped - losing Pro Bowl defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike in Week 2 was a major blow - but even as the unit has gotten healthier, the results haven’t followed.
Thanksgiving was a low point, with Joe Burrow carving them up for four quarters. Then came the Steelers game, where a previously stagnant Pittsburgh offense racked up 420 total yards.
Tavius Robinson’s return will provide a boost, but one player can’t fix a defense that’s been bleeding yards and points for weeks. Right now, the Ravens D just doesn’t have the bite it once did.
2. A Receiving Corps That Lacks Firepower
Let’s be honest - the Ravens have never been known for a high-flying aerial attack during the Lamar Jackson era. They’ve typically leaned on their tight ends to carry the passing game, with Mark Andrews leading the charge. But in 2025, even that safety net has frayed.
Andrews is in the midst of the least productive season of his career, and Isaiah Likely has missed significant time. That’s forced the spotlight onto the wide receivers - and the results have been underwhelming.
Zay Flowers continues to flash potential and is closing in on a second straight 1,000-yard season. But he’s miscast as a true WR1, and with just one touchdown on the year, he’s not exactly striking fear into opposing secondaries.
Behind him, the depth thins out quickly. DeAndre Hopkins, now 33, is the only other wideout over 250 yards.
Rashod Bateman, who looked like a breakout star in 2024, has taken a major step back.
With little threat downfield, defenses have been stacking the box against Derrick Henry - and it’s working. His rushing average has dipped from 113 yards per game to just 78.8. The lack of balance is putting too much on Jackson’s shoulders, and the offense is paying the price.
3. A Hobbled Lamar Jackson
Lamar Jackson says he’s fine. The tape says otherwise.
Over his last five games, Jackson has posted a passer rating of just 70.0 and hasn’t cracked 200 passing yards in any of them. But what’s even more concerning is what he’s not doing with his legs. Jackson is averaging just 30.7 rushing yards per game - by far the lowest mark of his career.
Hamstring, ankle, and toe issues have clearly taken their toll, forcing him to stay in the pocket more often. And while Jackson has improved as a passer over the years, he’s still at his most dangerous when he’s a dual-threat nightmare for defenses.
Right now, he’s not that. And when you pair a limited version of Jackson with a struggling receiving corps, it’s no surprise the offense has hit a wall.
4. Late-Game Letdowns
Even in their best seasons, the Ravens have had a knack for making things interesting late in games - and not always in a good way. That trend has come back to haunt them again in 2025.
Week 1 set the tone. Up 40-25 on the Bills with under four minutes to play, the Ravens somehow let Josh Allen lead a furious comeback. A fumble by Derrick Henry - usually one of the most reliable backs in the league - opened the door, and Buffalo slammed it shut with 16 unanswered points.
Fast forward to Week 14 against the Steelers. Down late, Jackson appeared to hit Isaiah Likely for a go-ahead touchdown - a moment that could’ve saved the game, maybe even the season.
But on review, the catch didn’t hold up. Three plays later, the Ravens gained just five yards and turned it over on downs.
Game over.
Flip those two finishes, and the Ravens are sitting at 8-5 with a clear path to another AFC North crown. Instead, they’re 6-7, clinging to playoff hopes and needing to win at least three of their final four - a stretch that includes showdowns with the Packers and Patriots.
The Road Ahead
There’s still time for the Ravens to salvage this season, but the margin for error is razor-thin. This isn’t just about Lamar Jackson getting healthy or one defensive player returning to the lineup. It’s about rediscovering the identity that’s made this team a contender for over a decade - tough defense, explosive offense, and execution in the moments that matter most.
The Harbaugh-Jackson era has delivered plenty of highs. Whether it can deliver another playoff run in 2025 will come down to whether this team can fix what’s gone wrong - and fast.