The Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson has been nothing short of spectacular in the 2025 NFL season. In 2025, through three games, he is leading the league with 9 touchdown passes and has yet to throw an interception, boasting a passer rating of 141.8. In the 2025 season, his performances have been marked by efficiency and playmaking ability, exemplified by his 21-of-27, 288-yard, 3-touchdown outing in a narrow 38–30 loss to the Detroit Lions.
However, the Ravens’ defense has been a stark contrast. In the same three games, Baltimore’s defense has allowed a total of 120 points, averaging 40 points per game. This includes a 41-point surrender to the Buffalo Bills and 38 points to the Lions. Such defensive lapses have overshadowed Jackson’s brilliance, placing the team at a disappointing 1–2 record. So, despite Jackson’s elite performance, the Ravens’ defensive struggles have hindered the team’s success, raising concerns about the team’s overall balance and championship aspirations.
That’s why the former NFL linebacker and current NFL analyst Emmanuel Acho has slammed the Ravens’ defensive unit in his latest take on Sept. 24. Acho made his opinion clear on the current win-loss situation of the Ravens on his X account.
He said, “The Ravens’ objective is to win a Super Bowl. Lamar’s objective is to win a Super Bowl. So if it’s not up to Super Bowl standard, it’s got to be changed immediately. You cannot waste a year of Lamar Jackson’s career, especially not eight years in. So if this defense is not up to the Jackson and Super Bowl standard, something’s got to give. You feel me?” Wait, he did not stop there.
Acho also added, “And I’m not a proponent of people getting fired, but like Kieran said, if you’re giving up 38 points and the Lions called off the dogs to some degree, by the way, if you’ve given up 38 points to the Lions and 41 points to the Bills, teams you will see in the playoffs, you got too much talent for that. Something has to give.”
The Ravens’ defense has allowed a total of 120 points in the first three games, averaging 40 points per game, which is among the highest in the league. This defensive vulnerability has placed additional pressure on Jackson and the offense to perform at an elite level to secure victories.
Ravens’ cornerback Marlon Humphrey emphasized the importance of the defense stepping up. He has stated, “I know we’ve got Jackson, but we can’t expect them to score 28 [or] 30 points per game. It’s putting unfair expectations on our offense. We’ve got to do our part.”
So, while the Ravens’ star QB continues to perform at an elite level, the Baltimore Ravens’ defensive shortcomings are hindering the team’s overall success. For the Ravens to capitalize on Jackson’s prime and contend for a Super Bowl, significant improvements are needed on the defensive side of the ball. Addressing these issues will be crucial for the team’s aspirations in the 2025 season.