The Baltimore Ravens are in the midst of trying to right their early-season wrongs, as they still hope to make the playoffs in 2025. They made significant strides in doing just that on Thursday Night Football against the Miami Dolphins in Week 9, winning their second straight game, 28-6.
It was a complete all-around performance from Baltimore. After going down 3-0 early, they took off from their second offensive drive and onward. Star quarterback Lamar Jackson proved there was no rust to shake off in his first start since the team’s Week 4 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, and the defense put together its best performance to date.
Here are four winners and one loser from Baltimore’s primetime win over the Dolphins.
4 winners and 1 loser from Ravens’ Week 9 win
Winner: The coaching staff
The Ravens’ coaching staff deserves a ton of credit for Thursday’s domination. Despite the short week, the team looked the best it has looked all season. Head Coach John Harbaugh, Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken, Defensive Coordinator Zach Orr, and the assistant coaches should earn a ton of praise for getting this squad prepared.
The play in all three phases looked effortless. The offense was moving the ball at a high efficiency, the defense bent but never broke, and the special teams had their typical strong performance.
In a year where many coaches have been criticized, Thursday’s win is a breath of fresh air.
Winner: The rookies
The 2025 rookie class had a game to remember. Each of Baltimore’s rookie starters on defense made game-changing plays, leading to an outstanding defensive showing.
First-round safety Malaki Starks grabbed his first career interception and made five tackles. Second-round edge rusher Mike Green made it back-to-back weeks with a sack, teaming up with fellow outside linebacker David Ojabo for half a sack. Fourth-round linebacker Teddye Buchanan jumped in on the turnover action, forcing a fumble inside the Ravens’ own 20, and made eight tackles.
Even the rookies on special teams made an impact. Punt returner LaJohntay Wester capitalized on his one opportunity, returning one for 17 yards. Safety Keondre Jackson was a force to be reckoned with on special teams coverage, firing in on two returns for two big-time tackles.
Loser: Jaire Alexander
Veteran cornerback Jaire Alexander was inactive for yet another contest. He has only suited up for two games in 2025 and is clearly still hampered by his lingering knee injury.
Alexander has been dealt an unfair hand during his Baltimore tenure, but with the trade deadline on Tuesday, he may soon be out of a roster spot.
Winner: Derrick Henry
The return of Jackson significantly benefited running back Derrick Henry. While Baltimore’s rushing attack got off to a slow start, it got miles better as the night went on. Jackson had just one rush for zero yards in the first half, but his 13-yard scramble early in the second half undoubtedly helped open up action for Henry later on.
Henry helped put the finishing touches on the win. He carried the ball 19 yards for 119 yards, and had a long of 35 yards. He wore Miami’s defense down, and with both Jackson and fullback Patrick Ricard back now, he is poised to control games moving forward.
Winner: Tight ends
It seems the Ravens wanted to celebrate National Tight Ends Day a week late. Their dynamic trio of Mark Andrews, Isaiah Likely, and Charlie Kolar feasted on the Dolphins’ defense early and often in this one.
Andrews scored two touchdowns, hauling in two passes for 22 yards. Likely finally broke out after a slow start since returning from a foot injury, totaling three receptions for 60 yards. Kolar also got in on the action with two catches for 23 yards and a touchdown.
The two-game winning streak is clearly just the start for the Ravens. If they can keep their foot on the accelerator, they should be back in playoff contention in no time.