Ravens Rise Up Offensive Rankings Because 1 Major Statistic

The Baltimore Ravens enter 2025 with a "Super Bowl-or-bust" mentality for multiple reasons. Not only do they have the roster skill and depth needed to make a deep run, but last season's playoff disappointment should add fuel to the fire and spark an unrivaled motivation.

The Ravens improved both sides of the ball this offseason, but the offense will continue to be their calling card as long as superstars Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry are on the field.

Jackson is approaching the time when he could be offered the wealthiest contract in NFL history and Henry is locked in with Baltimore having just signed the highest-paying contract ever for a running back north of 30 years old.

The dynamic duo will be lead by offensive coordinator Todd Monken, who is going on Year 3 with the Ravens. Baltimore had the No. 1 rushing attack in the NFL last year, but the pass game lagged behind slightly, ranking No. 7 in yards per game.

There is one reason why Jackson's production through the air wasn't always clicking: his protection.

Pro Football Focus noted some statistics that are a clear indication of how the offensive line can allow Jackson to be at his best.

When Lamar was given at least 2.5 seconds in the pocket to throw, he registered a league-leading 95.0 passing grade.

When he's given less time, that number lowers to 80.9. That figure still ranks eighth-best in the league, but sees a massive drop off from where it could be.

Most of that efficiency has to do to with Jackson's other-worldly ability to extend plays with his legs. However, over the course of a long, grueling regular season (and hopefully postseason), it's crucial that the O-line gives him a clean pocket as often as possible to limit fatigue and risk of injury from scrambling.

Jackson's rushing ability partnered well with the Ravens' line last season, allowing him to be sacked only 23 times, which was the lowest total of any quarterback who played all 17 games.

Baltimore retained all but one of their starting lineman from last season, most notably re-signing Pro Bowl left tackle Ronnie Stanley. The return of this contingency has prompted the Ravens to rank second in Pro Football & Sports Network's offensive rankings.

“What the Ravens did in the second year under Todd Monken gets brushed aside a bit due to what the Lions accomplished and Baltimore’s lack of postseason success," wrote Kyle Soppe. "But they are coming off of the sixth-best season on file and improved their grade by 12.9 points from 2023.”

When Jackson gets more time to throw this season, he'll also have a new receiver target with the addition of veteran DeAndre Hopkins. It may take time to determine Baltimore's true No. 1 option through the air, but Hopkins rounds out an explosive unit with Rashod Bateman, Zay Flowers and tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely.

"The sky is the limit for an offense that has yet to boast an alpha WR1 (T-30th in receptions by the position last year) and is promising big things from the underused Isaiah Likely in the season ahead," Soppe added.

If Jackson, Henry, and the rest of the offense continue to play at the top of their game in another full season together under Monken's leadership, the Ravens should have all the tools necessary to rewrite history in the playoffs and capture that elusive AFC Championship and Super Bowl.