Just like last year, the Baltimore Ravens have constructed another stunning turnaround on the defensive side of the football. In 2025, they were once again off to a horrendous start on defense, but they have found an answer to their struggles in the second half, and it is propelling the team to a four-game winning streak.
Entering their Week 12 matchup with the New York Jets, the Ravens’ defense has strung together five straight outings of giving up 19 points or less. They have allowed just five touchdowns during that stretch, as Defensive Coordinator Zach Orr and the coaching staff have implemented a successful bend-don’t-break strategy.
This all started with a bold move by General Manager Eric DeCosta ahead of the trade deadline, and both of his acquisitions have pioneered an incredible surge that has Baltimore’s defense looking like one of the best in the NFL over the past month and a half.
Ravens’ newest defenders playing key role in successful stretch
When DeCosta traded for safety Alohi Gilman in early October, it was seen as a daring move. The Ravens were already lacking juice off the edge, and by trading away outside linebacker Odafe Oweh, they lost a key part of their pass rush group. However, they found Oweh’s replacement when they traded for outside linebacker Dre’Mont Jones just a day ahead of the trade deadline.
Still, neither newcomer was seen as a game-changing trade at the time of the respective moves, but they are proving exactly that after another win in Week 11.
Veteran outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy could not have said it better when talking about the importance of Gilman and Jones during his press conference on Wednesday.
“I think [Gilman and Jones] fit in great,” Van Noy said. “[Gilman’s] brought an awesome demeanor to our whole team. He was elected a captain last week, that just speaks to who he is as a person and a player. He’s done a tremendous job for us, and he’s been able to settle down the back end and the whole defense.”
“Then [Jones], he’s been amazing,” Van Noy added. “Just that pissed off attitude that you like in a d-lineman…I think he does a good job of having a high standard for himself and wants to play really good football. Very versatile, too.”
The impact of Gilman and Jones cannot be understated. While their numbers are not flashy, they have let the rest of the defense feast.
At safety, Gilman is making tackles and has forced a turnover, but it is what he has allowed schematically that is making the difference. Versatile safety Kyle Hamilton’s usage near the line of scrimmage has been well-documented and the 24-year-old is clearly the most valuable player on defense. Rookie safety Malaki Starks has also benefitted, notching two interceptions and completely transforming since his early-season troubles.
For Jones, he has yet to tally a sack, but the pressures are finally coming for the defensive front. The Ravens still rank tied for third-worst in the NFL with 15 sacks, but they have made a ton of progress since their slow start. The unit has 27 hurries over the past two weeks, and Jones has accounted for four of those.
The two veteran acquisitions have undoubtedly freed up the rest of Orr’s defense, and they should continue this outstanding run they have been on in the upcoming stretch.