After another disappointing loss, the Baltimore Ravens are facing questions about what went wrong this season — but not everyone in the locker room is pointing fingers at Lamar Jackson. According to a new report, the quarterback isn’t to blame — and even Patrick Mahomes would have a hard time thriving in the same system.
Veteran Raven Defends Lamar Jackson Amid Struggles
The Ravens’ offense has looked out of sync through the first half of the season, and one unnamed veteran believes the scheme, not the players, is holding the team back.
According to Brian Wacker, Josh Tolentino, and Sam Jane of the Baltimore Sun, a veteran offensive player defended Jackson and criticized offensive coordinator Todd Monken.
“It just feels different. I just don’t feel like guys are being put in positions to succeed with this offense,” the player said.
When asked to clarify, the player doubled down on his defense of the quarterback. “It’s freakin’ Lamar Jackson, how can you not find ways to have success with him? But I’m pretty sure if you put [Kansas City Chiefs quarterback] Patrick Mahomes out there for us right now, the same things would be happening.”
The comments highlight internal frustration with how the Ravens’ offense has been run this season — an issue that’s been magnified by the team’s 1–5 record and back-to-back losses before their bye week.
Offense Struggles Without Their Star QB
Since Jackson suffered a hamstring injury in Week 4 against Mahomes and the Chiefs, the Ravens’ offense has fallen apart. Baltimore has scored just 13 total points over its last two games with backup Cooper Rush under center, including a 17–3 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in Week 6.
The absence of Jackson’s dual-threat ability has exposed problems in the passing game, pass protection, and play-calling. Once expected to be a contender, the Ravens have looked flat — something the veteran player attributed to Monken’s approach.
Baltimore entered the season with Super Bowl expectations, but those hopes are slipping away fast. The bye week offered time to reset, but frustration remains evident both in the locker room and among fans.
John Harbaugh Gives Update on Jackson’s Injury
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh seemed hopeful in Week 7 that Jackson could return after the bye, but there’s still no official timeline. According to ESPN’s Jamison Hensley, Jackson was not present for Monday’s practice.
“I think all the guys are working really hard to get back, I can tell you that,” Harbaugh said. “We’ll see who’s back and who practices on Wednesday. I don’t want to comment on any individual guys.”
When asked specifically about Jackson, Harbaugh responded, “Same answer.”
The cautious comments reflect the uncertainty around Jackson’s status as the Ravens prepare to face the Chicago Bears, a team that has won four straight games. If Jackson can’t go, Baltimore’s offense will again depend on Rush to lead the way — something that hasn’t worked so far.
Pressure Mounts as Ravens Prepare for the Bears
Official practice reports will be released Wednesday, giving a clearer picture of Jackson’s availability.
The Ravens’ season could hinge on Jackson’s return. Without him, the offense has lacked creativity, leadership, and rhythm. With him, they still have time to recover and compete in the AFC North.
As the offensive veteran put it, the quarterback isn’t the issue — the system is. “You’ve got a special player,” the player said. “We just have to put him in a position to win. Everybody knows what Lamar can do — we’ve all seen it. It’s on us to help him do it again.”
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