The Ravens’ ability to run the ball will determine how far they can go.

In 2025, the Ravens average just 27.5 rushing tries per game. This is their lowest level since 2016, when they averaged only 22.9 rushing tries. Baltimore, which led the NFL in rushing yardage in 2023 and ’24, is now ranked fifth (136.8 per game) going into the pivotal Week 14, game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Baltimore will need a strong rushing offense in December and early January to win its third consecutive AFC North championship. John Harbaugh, the head coach of the Baltimore Ravens, said that the team’s philosophy regarding the importance to run the ball effectively has not changed.

Harbaugh stated that “We are a running-team – this is a fact.” “And we’re a throwing squad, too.” We have Lamar Jackson, we have receivers, we have tight end; we all have that. But we want to be a team who runs the ball. This has been the case since 2008. “Football is what it is, and there’s no way that will ever change.”

Derrick Henry, who averaged 6.0 yards per attempt in a Ravens loss to the Cincinnati Bengals of 32-14, had only 10 rushing attempts despite his 6.0 yard average. Henry’s rushing attempts were limited after he scored a touchdown on Baltimore’s first drive. He had only five carries in the remainder of the game and none in second quarter.

Harbaugh was not happy about Henry’s lack touches, but explained that it stemmed from Baltimore failing to extend drives for long periods and being in a two-minute offense. This included the end of first half and most of the fourth quarter. In the first half, the Ravens also failed to gain one yard or none at all three times when facing first-and-10. Running isn’t very effective on second-and-10.

Rasheen Ali was the Ravens’ leading running back in terms of snaps (29), also because Baltimore tried to recover from a large deficit late in the match.

Harbaugh said, “We had 21 plays of two minutes each.” Harbaugh stated that this was a lot too many. “I’m fine with two-minute plays at the half but not at the end because it means you are trying to comeback. This is the most likely explanation for play distribution. “The circumstances of the match led us to that conclusion.”