Ravens defense puts NFL on notice after dominant preseason opener

The Baltimore Ravens opened the 2025 preseason with a 24-16 victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Thursday night. The offense was far from sharp, with quarterbacks Cooper Rush and Devin Leary combining for fewer than 50 passing yards, and the defense surrendering over 500 total yards. Even so, Baltimore was in control for much of the game.

The difference came from a defensive unit that made timely plays, disrupted passing lanes, and pressured every Colts quarterback who stepped under center.

Mike Green Creates Constant Pressure

Rookie outside linebacker Mike Green made the most of his pass rush opportunities. On 16 true drop back rushes, the Marshall product posted an impressive 30 percent win rate, consistently forcing Indianapolis quarterbacks to move off their spots. His burst off the line and ability to shed blockers quickly made him one of the most disruptive players on the field.

Ojabo and Isaac Deliver Key Sacks

Adisa Isaac and David Ojabo accounted for the Ravens’ only two sacks of the night, but both came at pivotal moments. Ojabo’s sack on Anthony Richardson ended the quarterback’s night early, while Isaac’s takedown killed another Colts drive. Even without gaudy sack totals, both edge rushers applied steady pressure that kept the pocket collapsing.

Armour-Davis and Higgins Make Impact in Coverage

In his fourth season, Jalyn Armour-Davis looked more confident and composed than in past years. The former Alabama cornerback broke up two passes, including a crucial third-down stop on a mesh concept. His recovery speed and positioning made it difficult for Colts receivers to create separation. Rookie linebacker Jay Higgins IV also impressed, pulling in the team’s only interception and batting down two more passes. JAD and Higgins’ instincts in coverage were both bright spots and hinted at potentially adding depth to an already loaded Ravens secondary in the regular season.

Brade and Tampa Anchor the Secondary

That depth was on full display with Beau Brade and T.J. Tampa, who both made their presence felt throughout the game. Brade led the team with seven tackles, cleaning up plays and preventing chunk gains. Tampa followed closely with six tackles and two pass breakups, showing physicality and discipline in coverage. Their steady play complemented the big moments from Armour-Davis and Higgins, rounding out a secondary that looked cohesive and confident from start to finish.

Team Defense Comes Up Big

Baltimore finished with 12 passes defended, the most by any team in Week 1 of the preseason. Seven quarterback hits added to the pressure, even if the stat sheet only showed two sacks. While the defense did allow 240 passing yards, they held Daniel Jones and Riley Leonard to quarterback ratings of 70.3 and 42.4, respectively. The Colts threatened late, but the Ravens’ defense held firm in the closing minutes to preserve the win.

A Promising Start for the Defense

Week 1 revealed some offensive issues that will need addressing, but there is no question that Baltimore’s defense carried this game. Young players made crucial plays, veterans delivered in key moments, and the group as a whole looked strong. The defensive line looked much improved from past years, with several players flashing the ability to pressure quarterbacks and disrupt plays. The depth in the secondary was equally impressive, with multiple contributors making an impact against the Colts’ passing attack.

If this performance is a sign of what is to come, the Ravens could field one of the league’s most disruptive defenses in 2025. That promise should continue to look good next week against a Dallas Cowboys team that looked lackluster in all phases in their Week 1 game against the Los Angeles Rams.

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