Ravens Face Uphill Battle After 1-3 Start, Jackson’s Injury Adds to Concerns
The Baltimore Ravens’ 2025 season has hit significant turbulence, as their record fell to a disappointing 1-3 following Sunday’s lopsided 37-20 defeat at the hands of Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. The loss continues a troubling pattern for a team that entered the season with championship aspirations but now finds itself in an early-season hole. Their sole victory came against the Cleveland Browns, who despite pulling off an upset against the Green Bay Packers last week, are also struggling with an identical 1-3 record. The schedule hasn’t done Baltimore any favors, pitting them against three formidable opponents—the Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and Detroit Lions—in the opening four weeks. More concerning, however, is the Ravens’ defensive regression. A unit that has traditionally been the backbone of the franchise has surrendered an alarming average of 38 points per game in their three defeats, a far cry from the defensive dominance Baltimore fans have come to expect.
Adding to the Ravens’ mounting concerns is the health of their superstar quarterback, Lamar Jackson. The two-time MVP exited Sunday’s contest against the Chiefs in the third quarter with Baltimore trailing by 17 points and did not return to action. According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, Jackson has suffered a hamstring strain, which the quarterback himself described as feeling like “a grab.” The full extent of the injury will be assessed during further medical evaluation on Monday, but even a mild hamstring strain could sideline Jackson for multiple weeks. This development comes at a particularly inopportune moment for a Ravens team already fighting to keep their season afloat, and the timing could not be worse for a franchise desperately needing its leader on the field.
The potential absence of Jackson, even for just a game or two, could prove catastrophic to Baltimore’s playoff aspirations. With three losses already on their record, the Ravens’ margin for error has become exceedingly thin. History suggests they face an uphill battle—since the NFL expanded to a 14-team playoff format in 2020, only five teams that started with a 1-3 record managed to recover and secure a postseason berth. The next two weeks will likely serve as a critical juncture in determining whether the Ravens can legitimately contend for a playoff spot or if they’ll be forced to reevaluate their expectations for the season. Upcoming matchups against the Houston Texans and Los Angeles Rams will test the team’s resilience and ability to overcome adversity during this challenging stretch.
While the Texans share Baltimore’s 1-3 record and haven’t lived up to preseason expectations, they possess a talented young quarterback in C.J. Stroud who can quickly change the complexion of any game. This makes them a dangerous opponent, particularly for a Ravens team potentially missing its offensive centerpiece. Baltimore does have the luxury of a capable backup quarterback in Cooper Rush, widely regarded as one of the league’s better reserve signal-callers. However, even with Rush’s experience, it’s difficult to envision the Ravens prevailing in either of their upcoming contests without Jackson’s dynamic playmaking ability under center. The team and fans alike will be anxiously awaiting Monday’s medical update, hoping that Jackson’s hamstring issue proves minor enough to avoid an extended absence.
The Ravens’ early-season struggles highlight how quickly fortunes can change in the NFL. Just months after entering the season as legitimate Super Bowl contenders, Baltimore now finds itself at a crossroads, with questions surrounding not only Jackson’s health but also the team’s overall identity. The defensive lapses are particularly troubling for a franchise that has built its reputation on stopping opponents. Head coach John Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald will need to address these issues promptly if the Ravens hope to turn their season around. Whether it’s scheme adjustments, personnel changes, or simply improved execution, something must change defensively for Baltimore to climb back into contention.
Despite the gloomy outlook, there remains a possibility that Jackson’s injury is less severe than initially feared, potentially allowing him to suit up for next week’s crucial matchup. The Ravens have shown resilience in previous seasons when faced with adversity, and this veteran-laden team understands the importance of not panicking after a slow start. If Jackson can return quickly and the defense can recapture its characteristic form, Baltimore still possesses the talent to make a playoff push. However, the clock is ticking, and with each passing week, the challenge grows more daunting. The next few games will reveal much about this team’s character and ability to overcome the significant obstacles they now face in what has become a season of unexpected challenges for the Baltimore Ravens.
