Deep into the 2025 NFL season, the Baltimore Ravens are trying to make the most of every moment. With their backs against the wall in Week 15, they played their best game of the season, defeating the Cincinnati Bengals, 24-0.
Leading up to the must-win matchup, the Ravens had their best week of practice. It clearly paid off in the victory. The offense looked lively for the first time in a long time, and the defense, as seen by the shutout, was electric from the opening snap. After a quiet start from the offense, the defense quickly set the tone, and Baltimore took control of the game from that point forward.
Defensive Coordinator Zach Orr’s unit has been firing on all cylinders since the bye week. The roles of safeties Kyle Hamilton and Alohi have made an obvious impact after the schematic changes. However, with the defensive line struggling, one of the biggest game-changers this season has been defensive tackle Travis Jones.
Jones earned a nice payday last Thursday, leading up to Sunday’s contest. He signed a three-year $40.5 million extension to remain in Charm City through the 2028 campaign.
It took just one game for General Manager Eric DeCosta’s decision to pay off.
Travis Jones makes a major impact in Week 15
Jones undoubtedly deserved that extension, and if there were any doubters, he silenced them in Cincinnati.
According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), the 26-year-old was the second-highest graded player on Baltimore’s defense that afternoon. He posted an 81.9 defense grade, taking over in nearly every way imaginable. Jones finished the game with four tackles, one sack, three hurries, and three stops. Like usual, he feasted in run defense and added some pressure on passing downs, now sitting at 2.5 sacks on the year.
Here are a couple of highlights from Jones in the win.
The Travis Jones contract extension is aging well. pic.twitter.com/Rbsl5XpFBR
— Ryan Mink (@ryanmink) December 15, 2025
Exactly why film is so important.
— Cole Jackson (@ColeJacksonFB) December 15, 2025
Nasty play by TJones. No one has the backside gap and it goes for an 8 yard gain, despite TJ bodying on the front side.
Travis Jones has multiple plays like this a game lol#RavensFlock pic.twitter.com/OCLu9t812z
On the season, Jones ranks as the fifth-best defensive lineman, per PFF, with a 77.3 overall grade. His 78.5 run defense grade also ranks fifth, and his 64.9 pass rush grade is above average.
Jones’ new contract already looked like a steal, but his effort in a critical win was a statement. He is set to earn $13.5 million per year, which is the 27th-richest annual salary for defensive tackles. Sure, he has been mostly a run stuffer thus far, but he is proving that he has the makeup to be more than that, and he proved that on Sunday.