The Baltimore Ravens have spent the first half of the 2025 NFL season fighting inconsistency, injuries, and skepticism. From offensive stalls to defensive lapses, it felt like Baltimore couldn’t quite find its identity. But in the wake of their 28-6 win over the Miami Dolphins on Thursday Night Football, there’s a growing belief that something has changed — and changed for the better.
The Ravens' unexpected midseason shift—rooted in defensive discipline, offensive balance, and renewed leadership— might just spark the kind of run that turns a shaky start into a playoff push.
Ravens might be seeing a surprise midseason comeback
1. A defensive resurgence sparked by new faces
The Ravens' defense was under heavy scrutiny early in the season. Turnovers were rare, coverage was inconsistent, and the swagger that once defined the unit was missing. But in recent weeks, that narrative has flipped.
Against Miami, Baltimore’s defense looked like the dominant force fans remember. The group forced three takeaways, including a forced fumble and recovery by Alohi Gilman and a game-sealing interception by rookie Malaki Starks, who continues to impress with his athleticism and instincts.
Coordinator Zach Orr simplified the scheme, allowing playmakers like Roquan Smith and Kyle Hamilton to fly around the field. The results spoke volumes: Miami, one of the league’s most explosive offenses, was held to just 6 points, went 0-for-3 in the red zone, and averaged fewer than 3 yards per carry.
Smith has reasserted himself as the defensive anchor Baltimore needs. His leadership, communication, and sideline-to-sideline presence have reenergized the unit. Rookies Malaki Starks, Mike Green, and veteran Alohi Gilman all played exceptionally well in this game and provided the spark this defense has needed.
That renewed defensive identity may be the key to Baltimore’s comeback hopes.
2. Lamar Jackson and the offense rediscover their rhythm
The return of Lamar Jackson was the jolt this offense desperately needed. After missing time with a hamstring injury, Jackson looked poised and efficient against Miami— throwing for 204 yards and four touchdowns on 18-of-23 passing while avoiding turnovers.
But the difference wasn’t just Jackson’s accuracy: it was the balance Baltimore found. The Ravens ran for over 150 yards, anchored by Derrick Henry’s 119-yard performance. Once Henry began pounding the Dolphins' front seven, the offense opened up.
That balance allowed offensive coordinator Todd Monkey to lean on his tight ends, and they delivered in a big way. Mark Andrews, Isaiah Likely, and Charlie Kolar combined for over 130 receiving yards and three touchdowns. Their production gave Jackson dependable targets in the middle of the field and helped keep Miami’s linebackers guessing all night.
Monken’s play-calling also deserves credit. The mix of power runs, quick play action passes, and creative tight ends' usage resembled the type of adaptable offense that can thrive down the stretch.
The win over Miami wasn’t just a statement— it was a reset. At 3-5, the Ravens are far from a finished product, but the building blocks for a turnaround are suddenly in place.
Health is trending upward, and both sides of the ball are starting to complement each other. The defense is creating short fields. The offense is finishing, the energy on the sideline- something that had been flat for weeks— has returned.
This was supposed to be the Ravens' year, but football has a funny way of rewarding teams that don't quit— and Baltimore hasn’t.
From Lamar Jackson’s leadership to the emergence of new defensive stars, this midseason shift feels more sustainable than fluky. The Ravens are playing with purpose again, and that could make them one of the most dangerous ‘’spoilers’ or dark horses in the AFC by December.
If that’s true, the rest of the league might want to start paying attention.