The Baltimore Ravens' defense is off to a league-worst start in 2025. They have allowed the most points of any unit thus far at 133, and have given up 1,627 yards, a mark that ranks 31st in the NFL, only worse than the Dallas Cowboys, who have played in two overtime games.
There have been a variety of reasons for the defense’s early-season collapse. The pass rush cannot apply consistent pressure, the secondary has failed to lock down opposing pass offenses, turnovers have not been forced, and missed tackles are quickly becoming a common theme. One of the root causes of all these miscues is the lack of communication.
Head Coach John Harbaugh highlighted the importance of communication on the defensive side of the football in his press conference on Friday. With starting linebacker Roquan Smith out for the team’s Week 5 game against the Houston Texans, Baltimore’s increasingly young unit will have to navigate the communication struggles amid the numerous injuries.
“Communication is always so important, and it’s always challenging,” Harbaugh said. “It’s always challenging for a defense at home because the home crowd is loud, trying to disrupt the offense…I’m confident. We practice it. Those guys are pros. They know the defense inside and out.”
Harbaugh also highlighted how, without Smith, they will be looking for someone new to wear the green dot and communicate the play call. While versatile safety Kyle Hamilton has taken on those duties before, he missed the past two practices due to a groin injury and is listed as questionable. If he cannot suit up, those tasks may fall onto a rookie’s shoulders.
Ravens must improve communication on defense in Week 5
It is clear that the lack of communication and understanding of the playcall has been the defense’s downfall through four weeks. The pass rush has been undisciplined, leaving rushing lanes open and allowing the quarterback to escape the pocket. In the secondary, blown coverages are a common theme early on, and many of those have led to back-breaking plays that have allowed opposing offenses to stay on the field.
Without Smith and maybe even Hamilton, potential players who could wear the green dot include rookies Teddye Buchanan and Malaki Starks. While Starks has played more snaps in 2025 and has been praised for his knowledge of the game, he has been playing a deep center field role. For Buchanan, he has the experience and is the more likely candidate for Sunday.
The Ravens LB group is missing its most important player, Pro Bowler Roquan Smith.
— Giana Han (@giana_jade) October 2, 2025
During training camp, rookie Teddye Buchanan wore the green dot when Roquan Smith wasn’t out there. DC Zach Orr also commended Buchanan for being able to understand so many roles so fast. pic.twitter.com/uI7AwY3ZqP
Regardless of who gets the opportunity, communication will be a tough task to check off against Houston. Unfortunately, due to injuries, the coaching staff will be expecting a ton from their young group to bounce back after a rough start. Even the veterans have struggled getting everyone in the right spots this season, so expecting a rookie to fulfill those duties can be a bit unfair. However, it is an issue that Defensive Coordinator Zach Orr and his unit must fix if they want any shot at salvaging this season.