Film Insights into Good Plays by the Baltimore Ravens Defense

The Baltimore Ravens’ defensive resurgence in the final four weeks of the 2025 season wasn’t just a statistical blip—it was a masterclass in tactical execution, as revealed by frame-by-frame film analysis. From disciplined run stops to precision blitzes and lockdown coverage, the defense produced a series of standout plays that showcased their return to “Ravens football.” These moments, often overlooked in the chaos of game days, reveal the small, intentional choices—from pre-snap alignments to post-snap reactions—that turned the unit from a liability into a strength. Film Insights into Good Plays by the Baltimore Ravens Defense breaks down these key plays, explaining how players and schemes worked in harmony to shut down opponents and keep the team’s playoff hopes alive.

Film Insights into Good Plays by the Baltimore Ravens Defense begins with a textbook run-stop from Week 15 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, a play that exemplifies the defense’s improved gap discipline. On a second-and-3 from the Ravens’ 25-yard line, Jaguars running back Travis Etienne lined up in the I-formation, targeting the “B-gap” (between guard and tackle) to his left. Film shows defensive tackle Dre’Mont Jones immediately aligned over the Jaguars’ left guard, while linebacker Roquan Smith shaded to the same gap—pre-snap cues that signaled the Ravens had read the run. As the snap came, Jones used a quick “swim move” to beat the guard, staying anchored in the B-gap instead of overpursuing. Smith, meanwhile, scraped along the line of scrimmage, avoiding a block from the Jaguars’ fullback before meeting Etienne at the line of scrimmage. The result: a 1-yard gain, forcing a third-and-long. “This play is all about discipline,” said former NFL defensive lineman and analyst Warren Sapp, who reviewed the film with ESPN. “Jones doesn’t chase the ball—he holds his gap. Smith doesn’t overcommit—he stays patient. That’s how you stop a good running back like Etienne.”

Film Insights into Good Plays by the Baltimore Ravens Defense delves into a precision blitz from Week 16 against the Cincinnati Bengals, a play that highlighted the defense’s improved timing and communication. On a third-and-7 from the Bengals’ 30-yard line, the Ravens ran a “double A-gap blitz”—sending Smith and safety Kyle Hamilton through the two gaps between the Jaguars’ center and guards. Film shows the pre-snap setup: Smith lined up as a middle linebacker, while Hamilton shaded 5 yards deep, disguised as a coverage safety. At the snap, Smith exploded forward, using a “rip move” to beat the Bengals’ center, while Hamilton darted through the opposite A-gap, evading a block from the right guard. The two converged on Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow simultaneously, sacking him for a 9-yard loss and forcing a punt. “The disguise here is key,” said NFL Network’s Brian Baldinger, a former offensive lineman. “Hamilton looks like he’s in coverage until the last second, so the Bengals don’t account for him. By the time they react, it’s too late—Smith and Hamilton are already in the backfield.” Film also reveals that defensive end Odafe Oweh held his edge, preventing Burrow from scrambling right, closing off any escape route.

Film Insights into Good Plays by the Baltimore Ravens Defense examines a lockdown coverage play from Week 17 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, a moment that showcased the defense’s improved communication for the Baltimore Ravens. On a second-and-10 from the Steelers’ 40-yard line, Steelers quarterback Mitch Trubisky targeted wide receiver Diontae Johnson on a deep post route. Film shows cornerback Marlon Humphrey lined up in press coverage, while safety Geno Stone shaded to the middle of the field—pre-snap communication that signaled a “Cover 2” look. As Johnson tried to release off the line, Humphrey used a “jam” to disrupt his route, forcing Johnson to slow down. Stone, meanwhile, read Trubisky’s eyes, drifting toward the post route as Trubisky began his throw. The result: Stone stepped in front of Johnson, intercepting the pass and returning it 15 yards to the Steelers’ 25-yard line. “This play is a perfect example of how communication fixes coverage lapses,” said Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, who analyzed the film in a post-game meeting. “Humphrey and Stone were on the same page—Humphrey disrupted the route, Stone read the quarterback, and they made the play.” For the Baltimore Ravens, this interception wasn’t just a turnover—it was proof that their simplified coverage schemes and daily communication drills were paying off.

Film Insights into Good Plays by the Baltimore Ravens Defense explores a critical red-zone stand from Week 14 against the Cleveland Browns, a sequence that demonstrated the defense’s ability to elevate in high-pressure situations for the Baltimore Ravens. With the Browns first-and-goal from the Ravens’ 5-yard line, the Ravens shifted to a “goal-line package” with six defensive linemen and two linebackers. On first down, Browns running back Nick Chubb tried to run up the middle, but defensive tackle Justin Madubuike plugged the A-gap, while Smith tackled Chubb for a 1-yard loss. On second down, Trubisky tried to throw a fade to tight end David Njoku, but cornerback Brandon Stephens stayed step-for-step with Njoku, knocking the ball away with a well-timed “pass breakup” (film shows Stephens kept his hands on Njoku’s shoulders, avoiding a penalty). On third down, the Browns ran a trick play—Trubisky faked a handoff to Chubb, then tried to throw to a wide-open receiver in the flat—but Hamilton, who’d been reading the play from his safety position, darted forward to tackle the receiver for a 2-yard loss. The Browns settled for a field goal. “Red-zone defense is about stopping the expected and reacting to the unexpected,” said former Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis, who reviewed the film with local media. “The Ravens did both here—they stopped Chubb, broke up the fade, and shut down the trick play. That’s championship-level defense.” For the Baltimore Ravens, this stand kept the game close (the Ravens won 20-17) and marked the start of their defensive surge.

Film Insights into Good Plays by the Baltimore Ravens Defense wraps up with a turnover-creating play from Week 16 against the Bengals, a moment that combined athleticism and tactical awareness for the Baltimore Ravens. On a first-and-10 from the Bengals’ 45-yard line, Burrow dropped back to pass, targeting wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase on a slant route. Film shows cornerback Arthur Maulet initially lined up 5 yards off Chase, but as the snap came, Maulet closed quickly, using his hands to disrupt Chase’s route without drawing a penalty. This split-second delay forced Burrow to hold the ball an extra 0.5 seconds—just enough time for Oweh to beat the Bengals’ right tackle with a “speed rush” and pressure Burrow from behind. Burrow’s pass sailed high, and safety Geno Stone, who’d been playing deep zone, jumped to intercept it, returning it 20 yards to the Bengals’ 25-yard line. “This play is a chain reaction,” said NFL analyst Charles Woodson. “Maulet disrupts the route, Oweh generates pressure, Stone makes the interception. Every piece of the defense works together.” For the Baltimore Ravens, this interception led to a field goal, cutting the Bengals’ lead to 17-14 and keeping the Ravens in the game. Film of these good plays isn’t just a celebration of success—it’s a blueprint for the future: when the Ravens defense plays with discipline, communication, and precision, they’re among the best in the NFL. As the team heads into the 2026 offseason, these film insights will serve as a guide to rebuilding and maintaining their defensive dominance.