The Baltimore Ravens are third in the AFC North with a 1-4 score.
The Browns’ lone victory came against another struggling divisional team, the Cleveland Browns.
Comparing the defensive unit of this year to the legendary 2000 squad reveals an egregious decline, which highlights how far the defense has fallen.
The 2025 Ravens’ defense faces serious challenges. It allows significantly more points than its historic 2000 unit.
Kevin Oestreicher, an analyst at ESPN, highlighted the worrying trend. He noted that the Ravens of 2000 surrendered only 165 points over 16 games. The 2025 team has already conceded 177 points after just five matches.
The points that are given up.
– 2000 Ravens Defense: 165 Points Allowed in 16 Games
– 2025 Ravens defense: 177 points allowed in 5 games pic.twitter.com/QDoUJlcVQT— Kevin Oestreicher (@koestreicher34) October 6, 2025
The difference between the eras is a reflection of both Baltimore’s defensive struggles and modern offensive explosion.
The Ravens’ 2000 defense is one of the best in NFL history. It was characterized by physicality and precision.
The 2025 team, on the other hand, has conceded 30 or even more points in all five of its games, including a 44-10 loss at home to the Texans.
Seven of the 11 starters have missed time at different points due to injuries.
The unit’s aggressive image has not been achieved under coordinator Zach Orr who took charge in 2024.
The defense has been plagued by communication errors, lack of focus and poor game adjustments throughout the first stretch.
The pass defense is particularly problematic. It ranks last in the league, and the high point totals are a direct result.
The Ravens had to be more resilient despite missing key defenders such as Kyle Hamilton, Marlon Hushprey, Roquan smith, and Nnamdia Madubuike.
Baltimore’s record-breaking performance in 2000 could have the opposite effect.
Lamar Jackson, a two-time MVP, has been limited due to a hamstring problem. This has affected the offensive consistency of the team.
The Ravens, regardless of who takes the field at quarterback in Week 6, must act quickly to prove themselves again as a contender or they risk missing the postseason despite their high preseason expectations.