Rasheen Ali's Contributions Noted Positively by the Baltimore Ravens

In the Baltimore Ravens’ stacked running back room, second-year player Rasheen Ali has quietly emerged as a critical contributor—one whose versatile skill set, consistency, and clutch plays have drawn widespread praise from coaches, teammates, and fans alike. Initially brought in to provide depth behind Keaton Mitchell and Gus Edwards, Ali stepped into a larger role when Edwards suffered an ankle injury mid-season, and he’s since proven he’s more than just a fill-in. His ability to balance power and elusiveness, protect Lamar Jackson in pass protection, and deliver in high-pressure moments has made him an indispensable part of the Ravens’ offense—so much so that his contributions are now a regular topic of positive discussion in post-game pressers and team meetings. Rasheen Ali's Contributions Noted Positively by the Baltimore Ravens explores Ali’s versatile rushing impact, his underappreciated pass-blocking, clutch performances in key games, praise from coaches and teammates, and why his role will grow in the playoffs.

Rasheen Ali's Contributions Noted Positively by the Baltimore Ravens opens with Ali’s versatile rushing style—a blend of between-the-tackles power and sudden elusiveness that has complemented Mitchell’s speed and kept the Ravens’ run game balanced. Unlike Mitchell, who excels at bouncing runs to the outside, Ali thrives in tight spaces: he ranks 4th among NFL running backs in “yards after contact per carry” (3.2) since Week 10, using subtle shoulder moves and quick cuts to break tackles and turn short gains into longer ones. In the Ravens’ Week 15 win over the Cleveland Browns, Ali rushed for 78 yards on 16 carries (4.9 yards per carry), including a 12-yard run on third-and-2 where he broke two tackles to extend a drive that ended in a touchdown. “Rasheen gives us something we don’t get from Keaton—he can grind out yards between the tackles when defenses stack the box,” Ravens offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris said. “He’s not flashy, but he’s consistent, and that’s exactly what you need in a run game that’s supposed to be the backbone of your offense.” This consistency has helped the Ravens maintain their 5th-ranked run game even with Edwards sidelined.

Rasheen Ali's Contributions Noted Positively by the Baltimore Ravens delves into Ali’s underappreciated but vital work in pass protection—a skill that has drawn high praise from Jackson and offensive coordinator Todd Monken. In the NFL, running backs who can’t block are often limited to third-down roles, but Ali has become a reliable option for Jackson when the Ravens face blitzes. Film study shows Ali has allowed just one sack in 42 pass-blocking snaps this season, using his strength to hold off linebackers and his awareness to pick up delayed blitzes. In the Ravens’ Week 16 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, Ali made a critical block on a third-and-10 play: he picked up Jaguars linebacker Josh Allen, who was blitzing from the edge, giving Jackson enough time to throw a 25-yard completion to Odell Beckham Jr. “Pass protection is one of the hardest parts of a running back’s job, and Rasheen does it like a veteran,” Jackson said after the game. “He’s got my back out there—when I see him step up to block, I know I’ve got time to make a play.” Monken has also highlighted Ali’s blocking, calling it “a huge reason we’ve been able to keep Lamar upright in pressure situations.”

Rasheen Ali's Contributions Noted Positively by the Baltimore Ravens covers Ali’s clutch performances in key divisional games—moments where he’s stepped up to help the Ravens secure critical wins. None was more important than his performance in the Ravens’ Week 14 rematch against the Cincinnati Bengals: with the Ravens trailing by 7 in the third quarter, Ali rushed for 45 yards on a single drive, including a 10-yard touchdown run where he fought through two Bengals defenders to cross the goal line. The drive tied the game, and the Ravens went on to win 31-24—clinching a critical divisional victory that kept their AFC North lead intact. “That drive showed what Rasheen is made of—he doesn’t shrink from the moment,” Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said. “When we needed someone to carry the load, he stepped up and delivered.” Ali’s clutch play has also been evident in the red zone: he’s scored 5 touchdowns in his last 6 games, a stretch that has helped the Ravens improve their red-zone touchdown rate from 52% to 61%. For the Baltimore Ravens, having a running back who can deliver in high-pressure moments is invaluable—especially as they head into the playoffs, where every play counts.

Another layer of Rasheen Ali's Contributions Noted Positively by the Baltimore Ravens is the praise Ali has received from veteran teammates, who see him as a rising star and a key part of the team’s future. Edwards, who returned from injury in Week 17, has spoken openly about how impressed he is with Ali’s work ethic and poise. “When I was out, I watched Rasheen every day—he studied film, asked questions, and worked his tail off to get better,” Edwards said. “He didn’t just fill my spot—he made it his own, and that’s respect.” Defensive tackle Justin Madubuike, who often practices against Ali in training camp, has also highlighted Ali’s toughness: “Rasheen doesn’t back down from anyone in practice. He’ll run right at you, and that’s the kind of attitude we need on this team.” This veteran approval is significant for a young player, as it signals that Ali has earned the trust and respect of the teammates who set the team’s culture. For the Baltimore Ravens, fostering this kind of camaraderie and mutual respect is key to building a championship-caliber team—and Ali has quickly become a positive influence in the locker room.

Rasheen Ali's Contributions Noted Positively by the Baltimore Ravens closes with why Ali’s role will only grow in the playoffs—and how his contributions could be the difference between a short playoff run and a deep push for the Super Bowl. In playoff football, teams rely on running backs who can handle heavy workloads, block for their quarterbacks, and score in the red zone—all areas where Ali excels. The Ravens’ playoff opponents, like the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs, have tough run defenses, but Ali’s ability to mix power and elusiveness could help the Ravens keep the chains moving and control the clock. Harbaugh has already hinted that Ali will play a significant role in the playoffs, calling him “a guy we can count on when the stakes are highest.” For Ali himself, the recognition from the team is a testament to his hard work. “I just want to help the team win—whatever they need me to do, I’ll do it,” Ali said. “To have the coaches and my teammates believe in me means everything.” For the Baltimore Ravens, Ali’s emergence is a happy surprise—a depth player who has turned into a key contributor. As they head into the playoffs, his versatile skills, clutch performances, and selfless play will be critical to their success. In a league where depth often wins championships, Rasheen Ali has become one of the Ravens’ most valuable assets.