All season, the Baltimore Ravens' pass rush has been a problem. While the offensive line is considered by many to be the worst position group on the team, the pass rush is sometimes even worse. The defense has tallied just 19 sacks in 2025, which ranks 30th in the NFL.
In Sunday’s loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the team’s lack of pass rush was perhaps the biggest reason for the outcome. Sure, the offensive line was horrific once again, and the passing offense failed to show up, excluding wide receiver Zay Flowers. However, the pass rush legitimately did not factor in at all.
Pittsburgh quarterback Aaron Rodgers had all day to throw, as the defensive front accounted for just one QB hit. An underwhelming Steelers’ passing offense quickly morphed into a strong unit from the first snap. Rodgers completed 23 of 32 attempts for 284 yards, one touchdown, and finished with a 103.1 passer rating.
The issue was clearly the lack of success against Pittsburgh’s offensive line. If Defensive Coordinator Zach Orr did not stack the box, Rodgers was free to pick apart Baltimore’s defense. There may not be a clear fix right now, but someone who could contribute and deserves a shot is rookie defensive lineman Aeneas Peebles.
Ravens must unleash Aeneas Peebles
Peebles has only played in six games this year. He was active for the team’s first five games, but did not play again until Baltimore’s Week 13 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Even then, he played four snaps in that matchup and has seen just 71 defensive reps all season.
Most of the reason for his lack of play time has been because of his questionable play as a run defender. He stands at 6-foot-1 and weighs 290 pounds, which is the type of frame that would have some issues against the run. Still, the trouble is not the Ravens’ run defense. It is the pass rush. Peebles can supply plenty of juice there.
The 24-year-old has posted a 59.6 overall grade, per Pro Football Focus, but his 62.3 pass rush grade is above average. The numbers are obviously volatile, but he deserves a bigger chance to prove himself.
Peebles was known for his quickness off the snap and motor in college, and those are traits you cannot teach. While he is obviously be facing bigger and stronger guards in the NFL, the speed and elusiveness to counter blocks will play a significant factor on a down-to-down basis, especially in passing situations.
Defensive tackle Travis Jones is a lethal threat, but the rest of the interior group is lackluster. John Jenkins, Brent Urban, and C.J. Okoye are all effective in the run game. But they do not have the necessary explosiveness to be dangerous pass rushers. Peebles can be that guy. With a pass-happy Bengals team awaiting in Week 15, the coaching staff has the perfect opportunity to activate Peebles for gameday.