The Baltimore Ravens have gotten their season back on the right track with a two-game winning streak. Their offense is back to its usual dominance with quarterback Lamar Jackson back at the helm and running back Derrick Henry taking over as the game goes along. On defense, they have seen a shocking revitalization, holding their last three opponents to 17 points or less in each contest.
However, it has been far from perfect for Defensive Coordinator Zach Orr’s unit. They have allowed over 704 total yards combined over their last two games, and their sloppy loss to the Los Angeles Rams in Week 6 was full of uncharacteristic mistakes from Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford and company. While they are limiting the big plays and holding things down in the red zone, there are still obvious cracks that need to be fixed.
The Ravens remain one of the worst teams when it comes to getting pressure on opposing quarterbacks, tallying just 11 sacks through nine weeks (tied for 31st in the NFL). They also continue to have problems getting off the field on third downs, especially early in games.
These miscues cannot continue against more competitive teams, and as they travel to Minnesota to take on the 4-4 Vikings on Sunday, offensive guru Kevin McConnell will likely take advantage if Orr and his group cannot clean it up.
Ravens’ defense must step up to the plate vs. Vikings
Unlike the last two matchups, Baltimore is facing a competent defense in Week 10. Minnesota Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores always leads a feisty defense year in and year out, and in 2025, he once again has his unit in the top half of the league in yards allowed per game. If the Ravens fall behind early like they tend to, there is no guarantee that the offense will bail them out.
While the Vikings' offense does not jump off the page statistically, they have dealt with their fair share of injuries and have proved that when they are healthy, they can do damage. They also have plenty of talent scattered around the unit.
Baltimore’s defense needs to get off to a hot start and take advantage of quarterback J.J. McCarthy’s inexperience. Despite lackluster numbers in three starts, Minnesota’s arsenal of weapons is dangerous and can make things easy for the second-year pro. The biggest test will come where Baltimore has had the most problems this year: the passing attack.
The Ravens have allowed the 24th-most passing yards in the NFL with 2,001, and things will not be easy with wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison on the other side. Tight end T.J. Hockenson is also one of the better tight ends in the league. While Baltimore’s secondary has looked miles better since acquiring safety Alohi Gilman, they have still had problems shutting down receivers, and Jefferson and Addison are the best duo they have faced yet.
The Vikings could also have a strong rushing attack, depending on Aaron Jones’ status. The one-time Pro Bowler is questionable, but is coming off his best performance of the season, gashing the Detroit Lions for 78 yards on nine carries last week. Fellow running back Jordan Mason also poses a threat, accounting for 419 yards on the ground on 98 carries in eight games.
In a stretch where the Ravens have faced some lighter competition, Week 10 will be very telling for this team, and especially the defense. They have an easy road ahead, but will face electric offenses like the Cincinnati Bengals, New England Patriots, and Green Bay Packers in the second half. Sunday’s matchup will be telling if the defense has truly returned to form and if they are capable of turning this once-disastrous year into a playoff berth.