The Baltimore Ravens’ defense has helped levy a surge since the bye week. The team is on a three-game win streak and is poised to keep momentum going headed into their Week 11 matchup against the Cleveland Browns.
Defensive Coordinator Zach Orr has reformed his unit since its historically bad start. They are finally limiting points, getting off the field on third down, and forcing turnovers. They forced at least one turnover in each of their last four games, and have not allowed more than 19 points since Week 6.
A great deal of that success has been thanks to the acquisition of safety Alohi Gilman and the usage of versatile safety Kyle Hamilton. However, the rookie class is taking prominent steps forward, as well. Rookie safety Malaki Starks has been the best defender in the NFL over his last two contests, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF). He is playing confidently and has made interceptions in back-to-back games.
The highest-graded defender over the past two weeks:
— PFF (@PFF) November 12, 2025
🔒 Malaki Starks https://t.co/YqTEbChYoc pic.twitter.com/UJERve5edB
2025 second-round selection Mike Green is also finding his footing during this defensive renaissance. After not recording a sack in his first six professional games, he has recorded 1.5 sacks in his last three. He notched his first career sack in Baltimore’s Week 8 win over the Chicago Bears, and got in on the action again with 0.5 sacks in their primetime win against the Miami Dolphins.
The 21-year-old is supplying way more pressure lately and has been a key part of the defense’s turnaround. Now, he is being hit with a bold prediction with an important second half of the season lying ahead.
Mike Green predicted to be Ravens’ breakout player in the second half
Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report highlighted a potential breakout player from each team going into the second half of the season. For the Ravens, he picked Green. Knox wrote:
“The Baltimore Ravens defense struggled mightily early in the season, but it has played far better in the three games since the bye. So has rookie pass-rusher Mike Green, who has logged 1.5 sacks, two tackles for loss, and five quarterback hits in that span.”
“If Baltimore's defense continues to ascend—and the Ravens climb back into the playoff mix—Green will have a chance to emerge as a defensive star.”
Green is certainly on the rise. Earlier in the season, his explosiveness, which he showcased throughout his college career, was not showing up consistently on tape. It is now, though, and it is helping make a horrendous pass rush group become somewhat competitive.
Baltimore ranks tied for last in the NFL with 12 sacks, but the defensive front has been more sound in recent games. Of course, Green has contributed a ton in that area. While he still has just a 44.1 overall grade, per PFF, he has turned a corner, as Orr is truly unleashing him now, and he is getting home to the quarterback.
With trade deadline acquisition, outside linebacker Dre’Mont Jones, taking some of the attention of opposing offensive lines, Green should start to benefit, and it could lead to a big-time second half from the rookie pass rusher.