The Baltimore Ravens had a signature performance on Thursday Night Football against the Miami Dolphins. The offense had its usual dominance with superstar quarterback Lamar Jackson back under center, and the defense tightened up when it mattered most and forced three turnovers.
Their Week 9 showing was the exact play people were expecting to see from Baltimore entering their 2025 campaign. While everyone knew the offense was going to be dangerous with Jackson returning, there have been constant questions about the defense since the start of the year.
The defense was off to a historic start, but their latest three-game stretch has seen Defensive Coordinator Zach Orr transform his group into a lockdown bend-don’t-break unit. They have limited the big plays, locked down opposing offenses in the red zone, and forced turnovers in three straight games. The turnovers are the most encouraging aspect of their recent play.
On Thursday night, the breakout of rookie safety Malaki Starks could prove to be the turning point that fans have been waiting for.
Malaki Starks’ elite performance could define Ravens’ second half
In Miami, Starks finally checked off a career goal. He hauled in his first career interception in the fourth quarter, snatching the ball away from wide receiver Tahj Washington on a deep ball from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. The pick proved to be the game-sealing play in Baltimore’s 28-6 win.
That game-changing play is what every Ravens fan was waiting to see from the 21-year-old. Starks was drafted in the first round due to his versatility, shutdown play as a deep safety, and ability to take the ball away. He finally showed those elite traits in Week 9.
Starks was the highest graded player on the team against the Dolphins, per Pro Football Focus (PFF). He earned a 91.2 defensive grade, including an 89.0 coverage grade, 82.1 tackling grade, and 75.6 run defense grade. No one on the field that night earned a better grade than Starks.
The rookie’s electric performance was a key factor in the Ravens’ best defensive game of the season. At deep safety, Starks was holding things down in center field and also looked far more comfortable in one-on-one situations. He showcased a quick trigger downfield, wrapping up ball carriers before they could break into the open field. His five tackles were tied for sixth on the team, but the five solo tackles were second.
Baltimore’s defense finally looked strong on all three levels. While Miami’s explosive weapons, like wide receiver Jaylen Waddle and running back De’Von Achane, found ways to move the chains, they could barely find any real success against Orr’s unit. Starks’ development played a critical part in that, and if he can continue his success, it should play a huge role moving into the rest of the season.