Latest news with #Ravens'
USA Today
17 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
5 causes for concern as Ravens enter training camp
We're looking at five causes for concern as the Baltimore Ravens embark on a 17-game regular season The Ravens slightly retooled this offseason and, after suffering free agent losses, regrouped and reloaded, opening another window for a Super Bowl appearance. Baltimore gave a contract extension to running back Derrick Henry and wide receiver Rashod Bateman, re-signed wide receiver Tylan Wallace, left tackle Ronnie Stanley, and fullback Patrick Ricard, and added elite talent at outside skill positions after signing wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and cornerbacks Jaire Alexander and Chidobe Awuzie. After months of waiting, the Ravens will look to put their disappointing divisional round loss to the Bills behind them as they prepare for an urgent season-opening return to Buffalo to face the reigning MVP, Josh Allen. Even with this team stocked from top to bottom, there are still concerns, and we've identified five. Health of Ravens' cornerbacks On paper, Nate Wiggins, Jaire Alexander, and Marlon Humphrey give Baltimore a dynamic and elite trio at cornerback, with Chidobe Awuzie as a solid and established fourth cornerback. Still, Alexander and Awuzie totaled just 15 games last year, and injuries have limited their productivity. A significant injury to any of the big four could subject Baltimore to some of the same problems that plagued Zach Orr's secondary early last season. Consistency of Ravens' pass rush Kyle Van Noy and Odafe Oweh are both coming off double-digit sack seasons, but there's a reason Mike Green was selected in Round 2. Outside of the dynamic duo, David Ojabo has been inconsistent, Malik Hamm has struggled with injuries, Adisa Isaac spent his rookie season battling injuries, and Tavius Robinson is emerging. Serious injury at the RB position Keaton Mitchell has missed time, and Derrick Henry isn't getting any younger after being among the top five in carries last season. A serious injury to Henry or Justice Hill could prove disastrous for a deep playoff run. Lack of wide receiver depth Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, and DeAndre Hopkins offer a solid trio at the wide receiver position, but a significant injury to Flowers, Bateman, or both could prove disastrous. Hopkins is 33 and averaged a career-low 10.9 yards per reception last year, while Devontez Walker struggled to get on the field as a rookie. LoJohntay Wester offers big-play ability, but he's a rookie, while Tylan Wallace has been solid. Can Justin Tucker be replaced? Tucker had started to regress, but there's no doubt about his place in NFL history. Now, Baltimore's special teams, Randy Brown, will be tasked with choosing between kickers Tyler Loop (sixth-round pick) and John Hoyland (UDFA) while developing a player who can be clutch in the biggest moments.
USA Today
19 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Ravens Pro Bowler mentioned as Baltimore's biggest X-factor
This coming Baltimore Ravens season is about sealing the deal. You won't convince anyone of anything to the contrary. They hosted an AFC Championship two years ago, and they lost. That loss carried over into 2024. This past January, they sought redemption. Again, they were eliminated. This time, they were bounced during the Divisional Round. Many may not want to hear this because their main goal was to raise the Lombardi Trophy, leading them to view the past two seasons as failures. However, there is much to be excited about. This team has many achievements to be proud of, and this season is indeed about sealing the deal. They have positioned themselves well to accomplish that. ESPN names the Ravens' biggest X-factor ESPN recently released a ranking of the NFL's best rosters, using projected starting lineups to inform its creation. Lamar Jackson is named as Baltimore's biggest strength. There's no surprise there, right? The right guard position was labeled their biggest weakness, while Tyler Loop was the non-starter to know. That brings us to X-factors. Left tackle Ronnie Stanley earned himself a mention. "Left tackle Ronnie Stanley. This is all about his health. Stanley didn't miss a game last season, which helped earn him a well-deserved contract, but that doesn't mean the injury risks all went away. When Stanley and Jackson are on the field, the Ravens' offense is awfully hard to beat." Those were the words of Seth Walder. He was one of the contributors to this one. It seems intriguing that no role players or young defenders were mentioned as X-factors or possible breakout stars. Perhaps that angle has been worked enough. Stanley is a two-time Pro Bowler and a former 2019 First-Team All-Pro. Baltimore is loaded. Stanley has fought his way back from past injury concerns. If he can enjoy another healthy run in 2025 (and if this team can figure out their problems along the offensive front), the Ravens may finally achieve the redemption they have been seeking.
USA Today
19 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
WATCH: DeAndre Hopkins arrives for Baltimore Ravens training camp
DeAndre Hopkins, a veteran wide receiver and future Hall of Famer, arrived at the Under Armour Performance Center for Ravens training camp .@DeAndreHopkins reporting for Training Camp The Baltimore Ravens are gearing up for the 2025 NFL season, which features plenty of new and returning faces within the organization. Several players, coaches, and front-office members are crucial to the team's success this season. One big addition was star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. Hopkins, a veteran wide receiver and future Hall of Famer, can help make the Ravens' passing game more efficient in the most significant moments. Training camp reporting day is Tuesday, and the efficient wide receiver was among the first players to arrive at the Under Armour Performance Center. Background Position: WR Age: 33 Experience: 13-year pro 2025 cap hit: $2,004,000 2024 recap Hopkins posted his seventh 1,000-yard season in 2023 with the Tennessee Titans and was still productive last year. Following a trade from the Tennessee Titans to the Kansas City Chiefs in October, he caught 41 passes for 437 yards and four touchdowns for the Chiefs over the final 10 regular-season games. Hopkins added three receptions during the postseason and caught a touchdown pass and a two-point conversion for the Chiefs during their loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX. 2025 outlook The move gives the Ravens a legit third option at wide receiver and one of the NFL's most efficient trios of pass catchers. Hopkins, most importantly, provides quarterback Lamar Jackson with an elite red zone target. Biggest question: Can Hopkins take Ravens' passing game to bigger heights? Of the 70 wide receivers who've had 500 targets since 2013, Hopkins has the fifth-lowest drop rate at 1.6%. Last season, the Ravens' wide receivers ranked 30th in the NFL with a 5.1% drop rate. With the opposing defenses likely to lock in on Derrick Henry even more in 2025, Hopkins provides the Ravens with an elite pass catcher who'll produce in the most challenging moments. Hopkins has been one of his generation's most productive wide receivers, having been selected to five Pro Bowls and named first-team All-Pro three times. Since entering the league in 2013, his 984 receptions lead all wide receivers, and his 12,965 receiving yards top all players.
USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Ravens WR Zay Flowers needs touches to remain untouchable
Baltimore Ravens WR Flowers needs his touches, and OC Todd Monken must make his targets meaningful. Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers is the best of the bunch on the team roster, and it's not even debatable. Still, with the addition of wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and the emergence of Rashod Bateman, Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken must be sure not to shy away from targeting Flowers as the primary in the passing game. With so many weapons on offense, including a dual-threat rushing attack in quarterback Lamar Jackson and running back Derrick Henry, it will be vital to draw a line of demarcation early on. Probabilities and the opponent's strategy, of course, will play a part in how Monken can distribute the football. However, Flowers, having sadly missed the 2025 NFL Playoffs with a knee injury, still finished the season with a 14.3 yards per catch average. Proving himself to be a key element in Jackson's incredible total passing yard totals last season. Big plays of 20-plus yards, including those as a result of yards after catch, have allowed Flowers to pose as a serious threat to opponents. Ravens' opponents know that they must account for the run, so Monken needs to commit to the run while keeping Flowers targeted in moderation. Ultimately, Monken needs to shy away from four-wide receiver sets and prioritize by allowing Flowers to operate as both a slot and sole Z (boundary side) wide receiver, where he can operate in space. Flowers needs his touches, and Monken must make his targets in the offensive attack meaningful.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Kyle Van Noy shreds anonymous coach over Roquan Smith 'sluggish' jab as Ravens lock arms
Roquan Smith stays locked in as critics question his form (Image via Getty) Baltimore Ravens linebacker Kyle Van Noy has ignited a wave of reaction after calling out an anonymous NFL assistant coach who questioned Roquan Smith's conditioning in a new preseason report by ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. The unnamed coach claimed Smith 'looked sluggish,' triggering immediate backlash from the Ravens' locker room and sparking a viral moment that now defines the team's defensive mindset heading into the 2025 NFL season. 'Put your name on it': Van Noy's unfiltered message The moment Van Noy came across the criticism, he didn't wait for a press conference. Instead, he fired back online with an explosive post that left no doubt about where he stood. 'Hey J Fowler tell that NFL assistant to EAD cuz Agent Zero is on some s**t and you are a B for hiding! Put your name on it!!!' he wrote on X, taking direct aim at both the coach and the outlet reporting it. Within minutes, quarterback Lamar Jackson retweeted the post, showing support without adding a word—because in Baltimore, sometimes silence says it all. — KVN_03 (@KVN_03) Fans flooded social media, applauding the show of unity. Many questioned why someone would attack Smith anonymously, especially given his leadership and consistent performance. Some even called for ESPN to stop publishing quotes that aren't attributed, arguing it feeds baseless preseason narratives. Roquan Smith's game tape tells another story While one anonymous voice questioned Smith's form, his 2024 stats delivered a different narrative. Smith ended last season with 154 total tackles, including 81 solo, along with 1.5 sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and an interception. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Many Are Watching Tariffs - Few Are Watching What Nvidia Just Launched Seeking Alpha Read More Undo He also defended four passes and led the Ravens' defense with his trademark sideline-to-sideline range and leadership. Smith, who was traded to Baltimore from Chicago in 2022, signed a five-year, $100 million deal in January 2023, making him the highest-paid inside linebacker in NFL history. With $60 million guaranteed, he's under contract through 2027, though there is an out after the upcoming season. However, sources close to the franchise say there's no plan to move on from the All-Pro linebacker, who remains a vocal captain and tone-setter in the locker room. Players are no longer silent—and fans are listening Anonymous critiques are nothing new in NFL preseason chatter, but Van Noy's response has amplified a growing pushback from current players. As platforms like X give athletes the power to respond instantly, fans are leaning more into player voices than vague scouting reports. Smith hasn't responded publicly yet—but frankly, he doesn't need to. His numbers speak volumes, and his teammates have already made one thing clear: in Baltimore, loyalty is louder than any unnamed quote. Also read: Kyle Juszczyk's wife Kristin reimagines Sydney Sweeney's runway corset in a head-turning ESPYs look Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
