Have the Ravens Truly Hit Rock Bottom?
October 6, 2025
Is this the darkest hour for the Baltimore Ravens? After a humiliating 44-10 defeat to the Houston Texans, the once-promising season seems to be spiraling out of control. But here's where it gets controversial: is this really rock bottom, or is there still further to fall? And this is the part most people miss: could this be the wake-up call the team desperately needs?
The Ravens, preseason Super Bowl favorites, now find themselves among the eight teams yet to secure multiple wins, five weeks into the season. The loss to the Texans was not just a defeat; it was a historic low. It marked the second time in the franchise’s 30-year history that they’ve fallen to a 1-4 record, tied for the second-worst margin of defeat under Coach John Harbaugh, and the fifth-most points allowed in a single game. The stands at M&T Bank Stadium emptied early, a rare sight for a team once known for its unwavering fan support.
Injuries: A Valid Excuse or a Convenient Scapegoat?
There’s no denying the Ravens have been ravaged by injuries. Seven Pro Bowlers from last season were inactive, including quarterback Lamar Jackson, safety Kyle Hamilton, and linebacker Roquan Smith. However, as outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy pointed out, injuries are no excuse. “We get paid to play, so we have to play better,” he said. But is it fair to expect a team missing so many key players to perform at a high level? This is where opinions diverge. Some argue that depth is part of a team’s strength, while others believe no team can thrive with so many stars sidelined.
Pundits Weigh In: A Season on the Brink
Experts are divided on whether this is the end of the road for the Ravens’ season. Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic described the performance as “that bad in all three phases,” suggesting that if this isn’t rock bottom, the next three months will be grueling. Tim Schwartz of The Baltimore Sun echoed this sentiment, questioning if there’s “more earth to move to find a new low.” Jonas Shaffer of The Baltimore Banner highlighted the team’s lack of fight, noting that even special teams made critical mistakes.
On the other hand, some believe there’s still hope. Ran Carthon of CBS Sports refuses to write off the Ravens, though he acknowledges the “hell of a hill to climb” once Lamar Jackson returns. Bo Smolka of Press Box sees a path to recovery, starting with a win against the Rams, followed by a softer schedule that could allow the Ravens to regain momentum.
Defense in Disarray: A Troubling Trend
For the second consecutive week, the Ravens’ defense failed to step up against a struggling offense. The Texans, averaging just 16 points per game, nearly tripled that number against Baltimore. The defense allowed five touchdowns, the most points conceded at home under Harbaugh. Over the last two weeks, they’ve allowed nine touchdowns, forced only two punts, and recorded zero turnovers. Is this a temporary slump, or a deeper systemic issue?
Offense Struggles Without Jackson
The offense fared no better. Cooper Rush, in his first start as a Raven, threw three interceptions, and the running game managed a meager 44 yards on 19 carries. Derrick Henry, despite 15 carries, gained only 33 yards. NFL.com’s Kevin Patra described the matchup as “a bad one on paper” that played out even worse on the field. Without Jackson, the offense seems incapable of sustaining drives or protecting the ball. But is this solely due to Jackson’s absence, or are there deeper issues at play?
The Road Ahead: A Glimmer of Hope or a Mirage?
The Ravens’ schedule post-bye includes matchups against the Bears, Dolphins, Browns, and Jets—teams with records as poor as their own. This could be an opportunity to rebuild confidence, but it’s also a double-edged sword. If the Ravens continue to struggle, these games could become must-win battles for their opponents. Can the Ravens turn things around, or will this season be remembered as one of the franchise’s biggest disappointments?
Final Thoughts: A Call for Discussion
The Ravens’ current predicament raises critical questions. Are injuries the primary culprit, or is there a lack of depth and leadership? Can a team with such a talented roster truly hit rock bottom, or is this a temporary setback? And most importantly, what changes need to be made to salvage the season?
What do you think? Is this rock bottom for the Ravens, or is there still hope for a turnaround? Share your thoughts in the comments below—let’s spark a debate!
