The Baltimore Ravens have jumped right back into the playoff picture during their three-game winning streak. Much of that has been thanks to the defense’s masterful performance in recent weeks.
The pass coverage has been far steadier than it was earlier in 2025, and the tackling is on point. While the pass rush has still been subpar for the most part, the defensive front was finally productive in Baltimore’s Week 10 win over the Minnesota Vikings.
New acquisition in outside linebacker Dre’Mont Jones made an instant impact in his Ravens debut, accounting for three of the team’s 18 pressures of Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy. While it only led to one sack for the defense, the unit truly feasted on the opposing offensive line for the first time all year.
Jones will be looking to keep the energy up, and who better to continue that momentum against than his hometown Cleveland Browns.
Following Thursday’s practice, Jones spoke to the media about what it means to return to Cleveland.
“I get to see my girl, my kids, parents, brother. Her side of the family, too. Good to see my original support system,” Jones said. “Then, being in a familiar place. I feel like I’ve been lost for a little bit, unintentionally. I don’t know anything about Baltimore. But it’s good to be back.”
Dre’Mont Jones set for big-time homecoming
Jones made a name for himself in Ohio, becoming a standout player at Ohio State for three seasons before being drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He is now on his fourth NFL team, but has been a consistent contributor throughout his seven-year career, starting in 62 of his 100 games played.
Sunday will not be Jones’ first return to Cleveland at the NFL level. He played against the Browns on the road in 2021 while still a member of the Broncos. He failed to make much of a difference in that contest, but this time it should be different. He is not only returning home, but he is also entering enemy territory, as he plays in his first head-to-head AFC North matchup.
The 28-year-old brought fire off the edge in Minnesota, despite matching up against one of the better tackle duos in the league. Against the Browns, he will have the chance to turn those pressures into sacks.
Cleveland’s starting tackles have had trouble finding their footing in 2025. Right tackle Jack Conklin has long provided stable play at the spot, but has posted a 56.6 overall grade thus far in 2025, per Pro Football Focus (PFF), including a 44.1 pass blocking grade.
On the left side, Cam Robinson has started the last four games and has been even worse. His 43.2 PFF grade ranks 74th out of 76 qualifying tackles. He has failed to get it done in either the pass or run, with a 43.2 pass blocking grade and 55.1 run blocking grade.
With Cleveland enduring those struggles, Jones should be able to make the most of his homecoming game. With rookie pass rusher Mike Green missing practice on Friday, the Ravens might need a whole lot more from Jones. We will see if he is ready to step into that spotlight on Sunday.