Can the Ravens Finally Solve Their Red Zone Woes Before It’s Too Late?

The Baltimore Ravens’ offensive struggles in short-yardage situations, especially in the red zone, have emerged as a defining challenge for the team as they approach the midpoint of the 2025 NFL season. Ranking 27th in red zone offense with a 50% touchdown conversion rate, Baltimore’s inability to consistently finish drives has undercut its ability to turn possession into points, putting increased pressure on all parts of the roster to deliver in crucial moments. Their win last week over the Minnesota Vikings illustrated this trend, as the Ravens made five trips inside the Vikings' 20-yard line but managed touchdowns on just two of those drives; the other three resulted in field goals, all successfully converted by rookie kicker Tyler Loop, but reflective of missed opportunities for greater separation and momentum. These recurring issues have sparked growing concern within the organization, especially given the team’s aspirations to contend deep into January. With every stalled red zone trip, the Ravens are finding it harder to establish the offensive rhythm that defined their most successful seasons under head coach John Harbaugh.

A significant driver of these struggles has been the inconsistent play along the offensive line, which has particularly manifested at the guard positions and at right tackle. Both Daniel Faalele and Andrew Vorhees have taken over the starting role at each guard position, but neither has locked down the spot with the kind of dominant, physical performance needed when the field shrinks and defensive lines tighten their fronts. Second-year right tackle Roger Rosengarten, who showed promise in his rookie campaign a season ago, has often been outmatched by stronger edge rushers in condensed field scenarios, resulting in lost leverage and difficulties sustaining blocks. These lapses in technique and strength have created breakdowns at the most critical points in a drive, preventing the offense from gaining the necessary push at the line of scrimmage. Until the Ravens find a more stable and cohesive combination up front, their ability to control short-yardage situations will remain limited.

As a direct result of these offensive line issues, running lanes for veteran back Derrick Henry have been far less reliable. Despite Henry’s reputation as one of the league’s most powerful runners, the push and physicality required to clear space between the tackles have often been missing. With defenses crowding the box as the Ravens approach the end zone, Henry has faced stacked fronts and collapsed gaps before he can generate momentum. This has led offensive coordinator Todd Monken to call more outside runs, aiming to stretch defenses horizontally and create opportunities for Henry on the perimeter rather than relying solely on brute-force interior carries. While these adjustments have produced occasional explosive plays, they are not a long-term substitute for consistent interior dominance, and the Ravens know they must eventually reestablish their power identity near the goal line.

Looking ahead to the final eight games of the regular season, these shortcomings loom large for Baltimore, who currently sit at 4-5 going into its Week 11 matchup against the Cleveland Browns and trails the AFC North-leading Pittsburgh Steelers by one game. The team’s playoff ambitions are increasingly dependent on their ability to correct these red zone inefficiencies and convert critical opportunities into seven points rather than three. With an offense that can move the ball effectively between the 20s but frequently stalls in scoring territory, the margin for error will be razor-thin in a division race that offers little room for slip-ups. Addressing the offensive line’s issues, finding ways to maximize Henry’s skill set, and improving play-calling flexibility in the red zone are not just keys for statistical improvement; they are essentials if Baltimore hopes to make a meaningful postseason run in a competitive AFC field. The next several weeks may ultimately define not only the Ravens’ season but also the trajectory of an offense still searching for its true identity.