Last season, the Baltimore Ravens’ defense created significant frustration for their fanbase due to inconsistency, especially in the secondary. Up until Week 10, the defense ranked 27th in Expected Points Added (EPA) per play, leaving fans uneasy about their chances heading into the 2025 season. Despite a strong finish to the regular season where they ranked first in EPA, the early struggles highlight the team’s vulnerability.
To address these concerns, general manager Eric DeCosta focused on strengthening the secondary through the draft, selecting Malaki Starks and Mike Green, aiming to resolve past deficiencies and create a more reliable defense going forward. With these moves, the Ravens’ front office aims to eliminate excuses and bolster competitiveness immediately.
Qadry Ismail Calls for Focus on Winning Now
The Ravens’ postseason shortcomings, particularly the inability to force turnovers against the Buffalo Bills during the Divisional Round, continue to trouble supporters and former players alike. The early half’s poor defensive showing in that game compounded the issues, intensifying calls for change. Qadry Ismail, a former Ravens player who won a Super Bowl with the team in 2001, voiced his concerns firmly during an appearance on the Locked On Ravens podcast.
While praising rookie Mike Green’s promising speed and agility during offseason workouts, Ismail expressed impatience when the podcast host suggested the defense’s improvement was a long-term project.
“I’m going to stop you right there. Cause we ain’t trying to worry about the beyond… Steve Bisciotti already talked about it. Who cares about the future? We want [to win] now. Now. Now. Now. Mike Green. Now,”
Ismail said.
He further emphasized the urgency, stating,
“I ain’t worried about Malaki Starks next year, two years. I don’t really care about whether or not Odafe Oweh gets a blockbuster deal. I want now. This team is built to win now. This team is supposed to go to the Super Bowl. That’s it.”
Confidence in Lamar Jackson Contrasted by Postseason Concerns
Ismail expressed clear confidence in Lamar Jackson’s ability to lead the Ravens through the regular season but remained concerned about the quarterback’s postseason track record.
“We ain’t worried about the regular season because we know we got Lamar Jackson. He’s gonna be winning some games, balling, all the things… We want the postseason,”
Ismail remarked.
Lamar Jackson has been a dominant force during regular seasons, narrowly missing consecutive MVP awards last year due to his outstanding performance. However, the playoffs have not seen the same level of success, and Jackson’s two turnovers in the last postseason against the Bills directly contributed to critical scoring drives for Josh Allen and his team.
Ravens Brace for a Pivotal Season Ahead
With new defensive additions like Mike Green and Malaki Starks, the Ravens are positioned to address their defensive weaknesses more effectively. This year, the burden lies heavily on Lamar Jackson to break through his postseason struggles and elevate his team beyond previous disappointments. Jackson faces the challenge of outperforming other elite quarterbacks such as Joe Burrow, Josh Allen, and Patrick Mahomes if the Ravens are to fulfill their Super Bowl aspirations.
After seasons of regular-season success followed by playoff exits, the Baltimore Ravens are under increasing pressure to deliver a championship. Former players like Qadry Ismail, along with management and fans, demand immediate results. The enhanced defense, combined with Lamar Jackson’s talent, raises expectations that this year’s team will finally convert potential into postseason glory.