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Ryan Clark. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

'This team is terrible': Former player blasts Ravens amid 1-3 start

By Colby Colwell | Last updated Oct 2, 2025 8:53 PM ET

The Baltimore Ravens have been arguably the most disappointing team in the NFL this season.

A 1-3 start to the season was not what was expected of this team coming into the season and has led to some playoff uncertainty already with quarterback Lamar Jackson doubtful for Sunday's game against the Houston Texans with a hamstring injury he suffered in the 37-20 Week 4 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

After such a frustrating start, current ESPN analyst and former safety Ryan Clark was on Thursday's edition of "First Take" and was asked if he is more inclined to say the Ravens will or will not make the playoffs.

Ryan Clark blasts Ravens after latest loss

"I'm more inclined to say I don't care," Clark said. ... "When's the last time we didn't care about the Baltimore Ravens? When was the last time with Lamar Jackson, under Jim Harbaugh, that we weren't talking about this team being an AFC championship contender?

"This team is terrible. ... They are a bad football team," Clark continued. ... "We've watched this team and talked about this team year after year after year and said, 'This is their year.' And it wasn't because Patrick Mahomes and Kansas City wasn't Kansas City and Patrick Mahomes or that Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills weren't Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills. It was that you were so good, so well coached, executed on game day, so well prepared and had one of the greatest players in the world that could go above and beyond when you needed him to make a play. You were supposed to win a championship. This is the year and this (is) how you show up? Your best players don't play? So I'm more inclined to say that they'll miss the playoffs than make them."

"This team is terrible. They are a bad football team."

@Realrclark25 on the Ravens pic.twitter.com/XmbCmd5Wn2
— First Take (@FirstTake) October 2, 2025

In addition to Jackson's injury concerns, running back Derrick Henry had a fumble in each of the first two games and has been held to 50 rush yards or less in the last three games. While he is embracing the challenge the team is currently facing, those are not the kind of numbers you would expect from someone of Henry's caliber.

To make matters worse, Jackson is one of several players dealing with injuries, which is the last thing the Ravens need with their league-worst defense (33.3 PPG) having a difficult time getting off the field.

Baltimore does at least have a reliable backup QB to turn to in Cooper Rush, who went 9-5 as the backup for the Dallas Cowboys in seven seasons, throwing 20 TDs and 10 interceptions. Veteran tight end Mark Andrews called Rush a 'pro's pro' and has nothing but confidence in his ability to step in and lead the team.

With a struggling defense, a sloppy start for Henry and the lone win coming against a 1-3 Cleveland Browns team, there has not been much to be pleased with through four games.

However, the offense has scored at least 30 points in three of its four games, proving it can be as efficient as any team in the league. Unless the defense can get some more stops, though, that may not be enough for a Baltimore team with such high expectations coming into the season.

Colby Colwell

Colby Colwell is a freelance contributor with a bachelor’s in Computer & Information Technology and a minor in Psychology from Western Kentucky University. With a deep passion for sports, especially NASCAR, he offers his substantial knowledge along with his adept writing skills. When he’s not writing, Colby enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time with his family

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