In Week 9, the rookies were on a short trip to Miami, where they made their debut in Thursday Night Football. This was the first time in 2025 that the Ravens had won consecutive games. Let’s see what the rookies did with all the pressure to win and to go on a winning streak to save the season.
Malaki Starks’ best day ever as a professional. I had asked my readers to have patience with Starks a week earlier. He delivered an impressive performance in Miami that will hopefully quieten some critics. According to PFF, Starks had the highest rating of any Ravens player. He was also the highest-graded rookie defensive back and the second-highest-graded defensive back in the entire NFL, with an overall grade of 91.2 and a coverage grade of 89.0. He also grabbed his first career interception to put an end to any possible collapse. Showing great skills at his catch point, he went up and high-pointed the ball. Starks, who was all over the field on Thursday, is now a player that can make a difference for the Ravens.
Mike Green’s first career sack was followed by another sack, two pressures and a second sack against Dolphins. PFF said that Green’s day wasn’t great, but his pass rush grade is the most important part of his performance, and the Ravens are in desperate need of it right now. Green played more snaps than any other front-seven players, and above 70% of all plays. The trade for Dre’Mont Jones should help the Ravens, Green and the entire team. It could lower his snap count, and give him more opportunities to pass rush.
Buchanan, who was everywhere on Thursday, had two “fumble assists” where he helped to hold the ball carrier and gang tackle him while another teammate removed the ball. It’s not something that will show up in the stats and it gets lost amongst the noise, but it is a huge boost for the Ravens. The Ravens’ defense has had a tough time in the last two years. They have also struggled to find turnovers. It is easy to create chaos in a defensive unit by gang-tackling and giving teammates the opportunity to play. Buchanan, as a rookie, is better off with Roquan Smith taking over and returning to his former form.
Loop played one of his quietest matches of the season, with no field goals attempted. After Lamar Jackson’s 4 touchdown passes, he went 4-4 in extra points. You can’t ask much more of your kicker.
Wester was restricted in his activity by the three Ravens turnovers. He returned one punt for 17 yards, and played two offensive run-blocking snaps.