After an abysmal start to the season, it seemed like the Baltimore Ravens' defense was finally starting to turn over a new leaf. However, over the past two weeks, the Ravens have unfortunately taken a step back. From Week 6 to 12, the Ravens never allowed more than 19 points.
Over the past two weeks, though, the Ravens have allowed 32 points to the Cincinnati Bengals and 27 points to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Additionally, they have allowed 300-plus yards in both of these games and have failed to generate consistent pressure.
One problem evident, especially in the Steelers game, was Mike Green's usage. The 2025 second-round pick has been the Ravens' most effective pass rusher this season, leading the team with 2.5 sacks and 23 pressures. All season long, Green has been a rising force in a lackluster Ravens' pass rush. Notably, they rank 30th with 19 sacks on the year.
Yet against the Steelers, Green played just 20 pass rush snaps. For context, the Steelers ran 36 passing plays. With the Ravens failing to generate pressure on Sunday, this decision is baffling.
The Ravens' handling of Mike Green cost them against the Steelers, and it could cost them again
In part due to the Ravens' lack of pressure, Aaron Rodgers threw for a season high 284 yards. Plus, entering this game, the Steelers didn't have a pass for over 20 yards since Week 8, but they had four such plays on Sunday.
Rodgers looked comfortable in the pocket all afternoon, and it's frustrating for Ravens fans that the coaching staff didn't make the needed adjustments. In the last four weeks of the season, Baltimore must unleash Green to maximize their playoff chances.
Despite being the Ravens' most effective pass rusher, Green has played in just 66 percent of the team's snaps. The Ravens continuing to underutilize Green is a costly mistake, especially given their subpar pass rush. Green's rare blend of speed and strength makes him a highly impactful pass rusher.
In his final season at Marshall, Green led the country in sacks. While his rookie season hasn't been perfect, Green has still been able to make his mark at the NFL level.
With the Ravens' defense struggling, and Green providing real value, it's hard not to wonder what John Harbaugh and Zach Orr are thinking by keeping him on ice. On top of this, Kyle Van Noy, arguably, the Ravens' second-best pass rusher this year, only saw 14 pass rush snaps.
The Ravens have a 6-7 record and are now fighting for their playoff chances. Several adjustments need to be made, and one of them is undoubtedly using Green more. Baltimore's mishandling of Green has already hurt them, and it could cost them even more if this trend continues.