The Baltimore Ravens need all hands on deck in their Week 6 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. They still have high hopes for the 2025 season, despite the horrendous 1-4 start, and if they want to turn it all around, they will need several key starters to step up ahead of such a crucial stretch.
The defense is the clear issue five weeks in. Almost no one on the defensive side has played well, but the offense’s lackluster play in recent weeks is becoming a glaring problem. With or without quarterback Lamar Jackson, Baltimore’s consistency on offense has been troubling.
They are expected to be without Jackson again on Sunday, and possibly the biggest matchup of the Ravens’ game with the Rams is their offensive line against Los Angeles’ defensive line.
While Baltimore’s offensive line has struggled, the Rams’ defensive line is one of the best in the league. Baltimore’s 16 sacks allowed is fifth-worst in the NFL, and Los Angeles’ 15 sacks is tied for third-most in the NFL. It is truly a battle of one of the worst offensive lines versus one of the best defensive lines.
Truthfully, there will not be much stopping the Rams from pressuring Cooper Rush, but if second-year pro Roger Rosengarten can step it up, the Ravens offense could find a rhythm.
Roger Rosengarten will play a big role on Sunday
Rosengarten is set to draw matchups against pass rushers Jared Verse and Byron Young. The dynamic duo is among the best in the league; Verse has forced 23 pressures, and Young has 20. Young’s 5.5 sacks also ranks second in the NFL.
Everyone knows tackle Ronnie Stanley is capable of holding his own on the left side. Knowing that, Rosengarten becomes the prime target. While his 71.2 pass blocking grade, per Pro Football Focus (PFF), ranks 28th among qualifying offensive tackles, he has been inconsistent at times. The NFL’s best fronts have given him fits, with a 50.1 PFF grade against the Detroit Lions and a 55.7 grade against the Houston Texans.
Rosengarten, along with guards Andrew Vorhees and Daniel Faalele, have also made it tough for running back Derrick Henry and the rest of Baltimore’s rushing attack to find gaps and create big gains. Rosengarten’s 56.4 run blocking grade, per PFF, is where he falls short, and he must show improvements there on Sunday.
If Jackson does not play as many expect, Baltimore should once again look to rely on Henry and the quick passing game. Rosengarten will play a significant role in that game plan, and if he can hold his own against two elite edge defenders, Baltimore could take the steps they need to look more competitive heading into the rest of the year.