The Baltimore Ravens are entering a favorable game against the Miami Dolphins on Thursday Night Football. While both teams have tallied just two wins in 2025, the Ravens are still have a shot to make the playoffs due to a strong roster and weak AFC North competition. Baltimore’s quarterback, Lamar Jackson, will be back in action, too, so their electrifying offense should make a return.
While Jackson’s return is the center of attention, the story of this matchup could be the battle between Miami’s offense and Baltimore’s defense. Both units have struggled; the Dolphins rank 28th in yards per game, and the Ravens rank 28th in yards allowed per game. One side is going to have to break out in Week 9.
Both units seem to be in the process of turning their troubles around. The Dolphins dropped 34 points last Sunday, and the Ravens’ defense has allowed just 33 total points in their last two games.
However, an area where Miami has done well all year is the run game through the play of running back De’Von Achane. Baltimore has had problems against the run at times this year, and they will need their lackluster defensive front to take significant strides on Thursday night.
One player who could be their secret weapon to stopping Achane and company is veteran nose tackle John Jenkins.
John Jenkins could play a huge role in Week 9 contest
The Ravens signed Jenkins late in the offseason, and his impact has flown under the radar. Injuries to defensive tackles Nnamdi Madubuike and Broderick Washington and outside linebacker Tavius Robinson have hit the defensive line hard, especially their run defense. However, Jenkins has transitioned into a bigger role seamlessly.
Jenkins has provided above-average play through seven games. He has posted a 64.2 overall grade, per Pro Football Focus, including a 74.5 pass rush grade. He has been a stout run stopper across his 13-year career, and while his 54.0 run defense grade seems subpar, he has been an essential piece next to defensive tackle Travis Jones.
Jenkins and the rest of the defensive line have a tough matchup with one of the most explosive rushers in the league, Achane. Achane is eighth in the NFL with 539 rushing yards on five yards per carry. He has also added 235 yards through the air. Anytime he hits the open field, he is a threat to take it the distance. Jenkins will need to keep crowding rushing lanes to hold the 24-year-old’s success to a minimum.
If the Ravens can limit Achane, the game will become much easier to control, and a win would become closer to a reality.