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Analyst does not sugarcoat how disappointing Ravens have been
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) warms up before the game against the New England Patriots at M&T Bank Stadium. Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images

Dan Orlovsky does not sugarcoat how disappointing Ravens have been

The Baltimore Ravens began the 2025 season with high expectations following a divisional round exit to the Buffalo Bills last season.

Early on, it was apparent this Ravens team had serious defensive issues after giving up 41 points to Buffalo in the opener. Despite improvements from that side, quarterback Lamar Jackson has dealt with multiple injuries all season, and the offense has not looked as sharp.

After blowing an 11-point lead to the New England Patriots in a 28-24 loss on Sunday night and losing Jackson to a back injury before halftime, Baltimore (7-8) is in danger of missing the playoffs altogether.

When asked what we are supposed to make of the Ravens right now on Monday's edition of ESPN's "Get Up," former player and current analyst Dan Orlovsky expressed his disappointment in the team's performance, particularly its lack of usage of running back Derrick Henry.

Dan Orlovsky calls Ravens out amid disappointing season

"I think this is the most disappointing team in the NFL this season, and when you're that, something will have to change," Orlovsky said. "...One of the problems is this is far too often a common occurrence when we sit there and go like, 'How come Derrick Henry's not getting the ball more?' This team, unequivocally, was the most talented roster in the AFC and the, rightfully so, the AFC Super Bowl pick."

Aside from an early fumble, Henry was phenomenal on Sunday night with 18 carries for 128 yards and two TDs on Baltimore's first eight drives. However, he was not on the field for a single snap on the final two drives of the game, spanning the last 12:50.

Head coach John Harbaugh explained the reasoning behind Henry's lack of touches in the loss, saying he wanted to stick to the game plan of rotating him and RB Keaton Mitchell, which the Ravens have been doing throughout the season.

Although Harbaugh acknowledged that he should have played Henry on the final drive, Ravens fans cannot be pleased with that answer, given how well Henry was playing. Sure, Mitchell has 308 yards in 11 games, but he only amassed 13 yards on nine carries against the Patriots. That should have provided even more reason to play Henry, who has the fourth-most rush yards (1,253) this season. 

As bizarre as that decision-making was, Jackson has clearly not looked like himself this season and has been a disappointment in his own right. Coming off a career-high 4,172 passing yards and 41 TDs, he only has 2,311 passing yards and 18 TDs so far. Yes, he has missed three games with a hamstring injury, but the explosiveness and maneuverability he typically displays in the pocket have been missing.

NFL.com's playoff probability currently gives Baltimore a 9% chance of making the postseason with games against the Green Bay Packers (9-5-1) and Pittsburgh Steelers (9-6) remaining. For a team that many expected to be a legitimate Super Bowl contender this season, it may not even make the playoffs at all.

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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