Lamar Jackson
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Lamar Jackson drops back to pass during a December 7, 2025 game.
The Baltimore Ravens have been making numerous preparations for the 2026 season. After a disappointing season last year, the team is looking to bounce back.
ESPN Insider Peter Schrager believes the Ravens are in for a good season in 2026.
Pat McAfee
“The Baltimore Ravens felt the impact of missing the playoffs and that went from the top to the bottom..
I believe that there is a freshness in that building and they’re gonna be very good” ~ @PSchrags #PMSLive
“I do think the Ravens are going to come back with a vengeance right now. The Baltimore Ravens felt the impact of missing the playoffs and that went from the top to the bottom.” Schrager said during an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show. “I believe that there is a freshness in that building and they’re gonna be very good.”
The Baltimore Ravens Struggled in 2025
Baltimore’s 2025 season started with massive super bowl expectations, but the team finished with an 8-9 record. This outcome was primarily due to the health of Lamar Jackson and Baltimore’s struggling defense.
In 2025, Jackson was off to a good start in Week 1 against the Buffalo Bills. Jackson threw for 209 yards with three total touchdowns against Buffalo. That was the last time we saw a fully healthy Lamar Jackson perform.
Even when Lamar Jackson played during the season, many questioned if he was healthy or not. Jackson did not have many fully participated in practices all year long dealing with multiple injuries (toe, ankle, back, knee). He missed four games due to injuries.
Under defensive coordinator Zach Orr, the Ravens ranked 24th in total defense during the 2025 season. Baltimore was the 10th ranked defense against the run. They were the 30th ranked defense against the pass.
Defensively, the Ravens had trouble generating pressure with a 30% pass rush win rate in 2025. According to ESPN, the win rate ranked 28th in the league.
Due to this revelation, the Baltimore Ravens fell short of their Super Bowl expectations in a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 18. In the loss, Lamar Jackson looked like his best self, but Baltimore’s defense could not hold up.
The Baltimore Ravens Have Pieces to Win Now
New head coach Jesse Minter was hired by the Ravens on January 22nd, 2026. Minter previously served as the Los Angeles Chargers‘ defensive coordinator in 2025.
In 2025, the Chargers had the 5th ranked defense in the NFL under Minter. They held opponents to 20 points or fewer in 10 of their last 11 games, and they tied for third in interceptions with 19. Minter says he wants to call the Ravens’ defense in 2026.
“I do plan on calling the defense. That’s a strength of mine. I think that’s one of the reason’s I’m sitting here.” Minter said during his introductory press conference.
After the Maxx Crosby trade fell through, the Baltimore Ravens signed pass rusher Trey Hendrickson to a long-term deal. In 2024, Hendrickson was named an All-Pro after leading the league in sacks with 17.5.
There’s no doubt that the Baltimore Ravens needed a game-changing pass rusher and they have one. The Ravens also keep their first-round picks for 2026 and 2027. The team remains stacked on both sides of the ball and will have great expectations. The biggest priority will be a healthy Lamar Jackson. If Jackson is healthy for the entire season, look out.