The Baltimore Ravens’ 2025 season has reached a pivotal, nerve-wracking juncture, shrouded in uncertainty and fan disillusionment. Despite boasting one of the most talented rosters in the league, the team seems unable to find the crucial chemistry needed to win. With a disappointing 1-3 record that falls far short of expectations from analysts and the fanbase, the Ravens are confronting immense challenges, centered primarily on the health of superstar quarterback Lamar Jackson and the perplexing utilization of running back Derrick Henry.

Lamar Jackson’s Hamstring Injury: The Heartbeat of the Team is Under Threat

Lamar Jackson is more than just a player; he is the very pulse, the soul of the Baltimore Ravens. His dynamic mobility, his uncanny ability to extend plays, and his talent for creating magic outside the pocket are what make the Ravens’ offense so formidable. However, Jackson’s current hamstring injury casts a long and ominous shadow over the team’s ability to maintain its offensive rhythm. If his hamstring isn’t fully healed, it could severely compromise his signature elusiveness, his explosive cuts, and his capacity to escape pressure—core elements that define his game.

The coaching staff and fans are watching Jackson’s status with bated breath. His mobility is not merely a weapon; it is an integral part of the Ravens’ offensive identity. Any limitation on his ability to scramble or evade the pass rush fundamentally alters the team’s entire game plan. As they prepare for a crucial Week 5 matchup against the Houston Texans, finding stability on offense is paramount, especially if Jackson cannot perform at 100 percent.

Early Season Offensive Struggles: A Mounting Crisis

The Ravens’ offensive woes have been painfully evident, particularly in the opening halves of their games. Against the Kansas City Chiefs, they failed to generate any early momentum, forcing them into a desperate game of catch-up. In their season opener, despite showing resilience, the team collapsed in the fourth quarter against the Buffalo Bills, exposing not only defensive frailties but also glaring offensive inconsistencies.

However, the issue that has truly captured the attention and frustration of analysts and fans alike is the usage—or rather, the underusage—of Derrick Henry. Henry, the powerhouse running back renowned for his bruising runs and his ability to wear down opposing defenses, has not been featured as prominently as almost everyone expected. This is, to put it mildly, puzzling.

The Derrick Henry Conundrum: An Answer to the Confusion?

Statistically, when Baltimore commits to giving Henry the ball on early downs, they are among the league’s elite in yards per carry, averaging an impressive six yards per attempt. This is top-tier production. Yet, in a bizarre contradiction, the Ravens rank dead last in the league when it comes to handing the ball off to their running backs on first and second down.

This stark contrast points to a much larger problem: an offense that is becoming dangerously predictable. This is a fatal flaw for any team with serious playoff aspirations. ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky recently highlighted this discrepancy, emphasizing the paradox of a team with Derrick Henry ranking 32nd in the league in early-down run frequency. When they do run, they are incredibly effective, second only to a handful of teams in yards per carry.

So, the billion-dollar question remains: Why aren’t they giving Henry more opportunities? Why aren’t they leaning on him and Justice Hill to set the tone early in games? One potential reason could be the lingering concerns over Jackson’s health. The offense, especially with a backup like Cooper Rush potentially stepping in, desperately needs the stability that a strong running game provides to remain competitive.

The upcoming game against the Texans presents a perfect opportunity to test this run-heavy approach. Houston’s defense, ranked 12th in the league after four weeks, is solid but not unbeatable. Feeding Derrick Henry on early downs could be a game-changer, not just for the yardage he gains, but for its effect on the entire game. It would help establish tempo, keep the opposing defense honest, and alleviate some of the immense pressure on Jackson if he is able to play. It would also be a massive benefit to a backup quarterback like Cooper Rush, who would need a reliable ground game to manage the offense effectively.

The Peril of Predictability: A Fatal Flaw

This tactical oversight points to a broader, more worrying issue. The Ravens’ offense, which should be their greatest strength, is becoming one-dimensional and predictable. This is precisely the kind of vulnerability that division rivals and playoff opponents will exploit without mercy. When a defense knows what’s coming, their job becomes exponentially easier. For the Ravens, this is a dangerous place to be where the margin for error is razor-thin.

Looking at the bigger picture, the Ravens have built a reputation over recent seasons as a gritty, versatile, and tough-minded team. They’ve been known for a stout defense led by playmakers like Marlon Humphrey. This year, however, even the defense has faced its share of challenges. The offense has always been the engine driving this team’s competitiveness. Jackson’s dual-threat ability has kept defenses guessing for years, but if his hamstring injury continues to limit his mobility, the entire offensive scheme must adapt—and fast.

The coaching staff has been experimenting, but the results have not met expectations. In the NFL, small adjustments can make a world of difference, and that is where the focus must be now. The Ravens need to find a way to integrate Derrick Henry more deliberately into their game plan, especially on early downs, to establish a consistent and punishing rushing attack. This isn’t just about gaining yards; it’s about setting the tone, controlling the clock, and dominating the line of scrimmage—critical components for victory in a league where time of possession and field position can decide games.

The Road Ahead: Resilience and Adaptation

Lamar Jackson’s potential return and his health status will be the most critical factor shaping the offense moving forward. But even if he is limited, the team must find other ways to be effective. And let’s not forget, this season is still far from over. The AFC North, historically known for its toughness and brutal competition, is wide open. The Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, and Pittsburgh Steelers are all in the fight, making every single game count.

The Ravens, with their rich history of postseason success, are no strangers to adversity. But they must address these offensive issues swiftly if they want to remain in contention. The coaching staff, led by John Harbaugh, has demonstrated resilience and adaptability in the past. Now, more than ever, they need to get this offense clicking, especially the ground game.

The next few weeks will be pivotal. Baltimore has to get creative, find ways to maximize Derrick Henry’s immense talents, and ensure Lamar Jackson’s health doesn’t become a lingering problem that sabotages their season. The team has the talent, the experience, and the coaching to turn things around. But it all comes down to execution and making the right calls at the right moments. The fans are hopeful. The players are motivated. And the entire league is watching. A strong performance against the Texans could be the spark they need to ignite a winning streak and restore confidence in this team’s capabilities.

Ultimately, this season will be defined by resilience and adaptation. The Ravens have faced setbacks before, but with a team as talented and driven as this one, there is always hope. It is a matter of making the right adjustments to get back on track. If they can do that—if Lamar Jackson can return to full strength and the coaching staff fully commits to the run game—Baltimore could quickly turn the tide and make a serious push for the postseason. The AFC North is tough, but the Ravens have always been tougher, and this season might just be the one where they prove everyone wrong once again.