The Baltimore Ravens showed the entire NFL world who they really are, defeating the Miami Dolphins in dominant fashion on Thursday Night Football. Their 28-6 win showed competence on both sides of the ball, shutting down the Dolphins in the second half, and consistently lighting up the scoreboard.
Superstar quarterback Lamar Jackson did not disappoint in his long-awaited return. The two-time MVP threw for four touchdowns, while completing 18 of 26 passes for 204 yards. While he had just five carries for 14 yards, he did not need to use his legs, as the Ravens controlled the game for all four quarters.
With the win, the Ravens improved to 3-5. They are inching back into the playoff race and are within striking distance of reclaiming the AFC North crown. Still, two games under .500 is a substantial hole that they need to dig out of.
They have clearly found a rhythm since the bye week, but Jackson and the rest of the team know they still have plenty of work to do.
Lamar Jackson knows their backs are still against the wall
Following the team’s primetime performance, Jackson mentioned that they have no room for error if the Ravens want a shot at the playoffs, and they cannot take their coming schedule lightly.
“It’s do or die. Win or go home,” Jackson said. “Usually we start off winning games, but right now we’re behind and we all gotta step it up.”
Baltimore has a favorable schedule in the coming weeks. However, if the 2025 NFL season has told anybody anything, it is that each week is unpredictable. Countless upsets and surprising division leaders are scattered across the league, and the Ravens still need to come ready to play each week.
Sure, they are considered favorites to win the AFC North, and those ahead of them have tough matchups in Week 9, like the Pittsburgh Steelers' contest against the 7-1 Indianapolis Colts, but they cannot rely on other teams losing to take what is theirs. They must control what they can control and keep dominating each game.
The offense is clicking, and the defense has now put together an outstanding stretch, but Baltimore still faces an uphill battle. With leaders like Jackson, Roquan Smith, and Marlon Humphrey back on the field, though, this team is poised to deliver on their expectations.