The Baltimore Ravens are facing a familiar narrative this season: immense potential, star-studded talent, and yet, a performance far below expectations. While the team boasts some of the NFL’s most talented players, it’s becoming increasingly clear that coaching failures are holding the squad back. At the heart of this underachievement lies a disconnect between game strategy and the players who are capable of greatness.
### Coaching Missteps Are Holding the Ravens Back
From questionable play-calling to inefficient time management, the coaching staff has left fans scratching their heads. Head coach John Harbaugh, though revered for his past successes, appears to be struggling to evolve his game plans. Offensive coordinator Todd Monken has yet to unlock the full potential of the Ravens’ offense. It’s as if the Ravens are refusing to play to their strengths, consistently finding themselves in avoidable situations. Poor red-zone decisions, an overreliance on conservative play calls, and lackluster game adjustments are resulting in preventable losses.
In fact, the Ravens’ coaching staff seems reluctant to adapt in the heat of the moment, forcing players to make the most out of underwhelming schemes. This isn’t a personnel problem—it’s a coaching issue. The team seems disjointed and disorganized at times, reflecting a lack of cohesion and preparedness. And that’s not on the players; it’s on the coaching staff.
### Lamar Jackson: A Star in Spite of Coaching Woes
Lamar Jackson, the face of the franchise, continues to impress despite the constraints placed upon him. Jackson’s dynamic ability to shift from passer to runner makes him one of the most dangerous players in the league, but it feels like the coaching staff is holding him back. Whether it’s relying too heavily on the run game or not adjusting the offensive line to protect him better, the coaches haven’t given Jackson the support he needs.
Still, Lamar has shown resilience, delivering game-changing performances week in and week out. His passing continues to improve, and his awareness on the field is unmatched. He’s not just a running quarterback, as his critics like to claim—he’s a true dual-threat capable of carrying this team. It’s high time the coaching staff realized it and built the game plan around his strengths.
### Devontez Walker: A Playmaker Waiting to Break Out
Devontez Walker is another bright spot in a dim coaching system. His speed and route-running ability are elite, yet he’s underutilized in a Ravens offense that’s often too conservative with its wide receivers. Despite this, Walker has managed to make big plays when given the chance. You can’t help but wonder what more he could do with a creative offensive system that truly maximized his abilities.
Walker’s ceiling is high, and the Ravens would do well to lean on his talents more aggressively. But again, coaching is leaving points on the field by not getting the ball into the hands of their playmakers as often as they should.
### Mark Andrews: A Reliable Star Being Held Back
Mark Andrews is arguably one of the best tight ends in the NFL, but even his remarkable consistency hasn’t been enough to elevate the Ravens’ offense in the face of questionable coaching. He’s a reliable target who makes plays happen in clutch situations, but the offensive schemes often fail to use him effectively. Andrews is too often relegated to a safety-valve role rather than being featured as the dominant pass-catching threat he is.
With Andrews’ combination of size, speed, and catch radius, he should be dominating defensive matchups week after week. Instead, he’s left working within a system that doesn’t take full advantage of his skillset. The Ravens have one of the best weapons in the league in Andrews—it’s on the coaching staff to start using him like it.
### Odafe Oweh: A Defensive Force That Deserves Better
Odafe Oweh is becoming a cornerstone of the Ravens’ defense, and his progression as an elite pass rusher has been thrilling to watch. His speed, power, and instincts make him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. Yet, despite his individual brilliance, Oweh often finds himself carrying the defense on his shoulders, as the team’s defensive schemes fail to support his efforts.
The coaching staff has not consistently put Oweh in positions to succeed. With better defensive play-calling and more creative blitz packages, Oweh could be even more disruptive. He’s proving his worth on a regular basis, and it’s time the coaching staff stepped up to help him shine even brighter.
### Roquan Smith: The Heart of the Defense
Roquan Smith, the Ravens’ defensive leader, continues to be the pulse of the team’s defense. His tenacity and intelligence on the field are unparalleled. A sideline-to-sideline tackler, Smith is everywhere at once, often cleaning up mistakes made by others. The Ravens are fortunate to have such a dominant presence in the middle of the field, and without Smith, the defense would be in even worse shape.
However, as with Oweh, the defensive schemes aren’t doing Smith any favors. He’s forced to compensate for the deficiencies of the coaching staff’s inability to make in-game adjustments. Despite that, he remains one of the league’s top linebackers, playing at an All-Pro level.
### Conclusion: It’s Time for a Coaching Overhaul
The Ravens have the talent to be one of the best teams in the NFL, but they won’t get there unless the coaching staff starts maximizing their potential. Lamar Jackson, Devontez Walker, Mark Andrews, Odafe Oweh, and Roquan Smith are doing everything they can to elevate this team, but the coaching is consistently failing them.
Unless Harbaugh and his staff can step up, adjust their game plans, and put their best players in positions to win, the Ravens will continue to underperform. These stars deserve better, and so do the fans. It’s time for the coaching to rise to the occasion—or for changes to be made.
