Ryan Rustvold's Blog on Sports

      The Baltimore Ravens’ offseason has been full of big changes, leaving fans and analysts wondering if they’re rebuilding wisely or taking too many risks. After a disappointing season, the team focused on adding young talent and draft picks—a strategy they’ve used successfully before.      ESPN’s Dan Graziano notes that Baltimore’s strength has been developing players through the draft, which helps manage the salary cap while keeping the team competitive. But some experts, like Adam Schefter, worry about losing veteran leadership that’s key for playoff success. The Ravens are banking on speed and athleticism, especially on defense, but critics question if this will be enough.      Local media, such as The Baltimore Sun, praise the team’s future-focused approach, while national outlets remain cautious. Last year, the Ravens’ defense dropped from 15th to 22nd in points allowed, so improving that unit is critical. Adding young defensi...

 Heading into the 2025 season, the buzz around the Ravens is pretty loud—and mostly in a good way. A bunch of analysts and rankings have Baltimore sitting near the top of the league, right alongside teams like the Chiefs, Eagles, and Bills. It feels like people are finally seeing what this team is capable of. The defense is getting a ton of love. With guys like Kyle Hamilton, Jaire Alexander, and Marlon Humphrey in the mix—not to mention exciting young talent like Malaki Starks—this secondary looks scary good. Add in the pass rush and Roquan leading the middle, and it's no wonder folks are calling this one of the most complete defensive units in the league. Jaire Alexander at Ravens Minicamp On the offensive side, Lamar looks more in control than ever. With Derrick Henry in the backfield and targets like Zay Flowers and DeAndre Hopkins, the offense has balance, speed, and power. And under Todd Monken’s system, it’s all starting to click. That said, there’s still some hesitation ...