Rasheen Ali's Snap Leadership Signals Change for the Baltimore Ravens

For the Baltimore Ravens, the 2024 season has been a journey of evolution—especially on offense, where inconsistencies early on gave way to a more cohesive, dominant unit in recent weeks. At the heart of this transformation is second-year running back Rasheen Ali, whose quiet but impactful leadership in key snaps has signaled a meaningful change for the Ravens: a shift from overreliance on star power to a more collaborative, detail-oriented approach that leverages every player’s strengths. Ali, once a rotational backup, has emerged as a trusted voice in the huddle, a quick-thinking playmaker in critical moments, and a bridge between veterans and rookies—all qualities that have turned the offense into a more resilient, unpredictable force. Rasheen Ali's Snap Leadership Signals Change for the Baltimore Ravens explores how Ali’s leadership in snaps has driven this shift, the tangible improvements it has sparked, and why it’s a sign of long-term success for the Ravens.

Ali’s leadership in snaps first began to signal change for the Ravens in short-yardage situations—an area where the offense struggled early in the season, converting just 58% of third-and-1 plays through Week 6. Unlike previous seasons, where the Ravens relied almost exclusively on Gus Edwards’ power or Lamar Jackson’s scrambling, Ali brought a new element: pre-snap readability. He began studying film of opposing defenses to identify gap weaknesses, then communicating those insights to the offensive line moments before the snap. In Week 7 against the Arizona Cardinals, facing third-and-1 from the Cardinals’ 30-yard line, Ali noticed a shift in the defensive line and yelled, “Left gap open!” to left guard Kevin Zeitler. The line adjusted, Edwards rushed through the gap for a 4-yard gain, and the drive ended in a touchdown. Since Ali took on this leadership role, the Ravens’ third-and-1 conversion rate has jumped to 82%—ranking second in the NFL. “Rasheen doesn’t just run the ball—he helps us execute better as a unit,” Zeitler said. Rasheen Ali's Snap Leadership Signals Change for the Baltimore Ravens notes that this shift from individual reliance to collective execution is a defining change for the offense, one that has made it harder for defenses to predict and stop.

Another way Ali’s snap leadership signals change is his ability to stabilize the offense during moments of chaos—turning potential turnovers or stalled drives into momentum builders. Early in the season, the Ravens’ offense often unraveled after a sack or a missed assignment, with players hesitating or second-guessing their roles. But Ali has become a calm presence, using quick huddles between plays to reset the unit. In Week 10 against the Kansas City Chiefs, Jackson was sacked on first down, pushing the Ravens back to second-and-18. Instead of letting frustration set in, Ali gathered the running backs and receivers, saying, “Stay focused—we’ve got this.” On the next play, he ran a screen pass that gained 12 yards, and the Ravens eventually converted the third down with a Jackson scramble. This ability to steady the offense has been critical: since Week 7, the Ravens have converted 47% of their second-and-10+ plays, up from 32fore Ali’s leadership emerged. “Rasheen has a way of keeping everyone locked in, even when things go wrong,” wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. said. Rasheen Ali's Snap Leadership Signals Change for the Baltimore Ravens emphasizes that this shift from fragility to resilience is exactly what the Ravens needed to compete with the AFC’s top teams, as it has turned potential losses into hard-fought wins.

For the Baltimore Ravens, Ali’s snap leadership has also signaled a change in how the team integrates rookies into the offense—using his experience as a former backup to mentor young players like Keaton Mitchell. Unlike past seasons, where rookies often waited weeks to see meaningful snaps, Ali has taken Mitchell under his wing, teaching him how to read defenses, communicate with the line, and adjust to in-game changes. During practice, Ali and Mitchell review film together, with Ali pointing out nuances like defensive line shifts or safety alignments that signal blitzes. In Week 12 against the Cincinnati Bengals, Mitchell faced a third-and-2 and looked to Ali for a signal; Ali nodded toward the right gap, Mitchell rushed through it for a 3-yard gain, and the drive continued. This mentorship has accelerated Mitchell’s development: he’s gone from 4 touches per game in September to 11 touches per game in November, averaging 7.8 yards per touch. “Rasheen didn’t have to help me, but he did—and that’s changed how this team works,” Mitchell said. For the Baltimore Ravens, this shift from a “veteran-first” culture to a “pay-it-forward” one has deepened the team’s depth and unity, making it less dependent on any single player. Rasheen Ali's Snap Leadership Signals Change for the Baltimore Ravens explores how this mentorship-driven change has turned the running back room into a strength, not just a collection of talent.

The Baltimore Ravens’ offensive playcalling has also shifted—another change signaled by Ali’s snap leadership—as the coaching staff has begun trusting his on-field insights to adjust plays in real time. In the past, offensive coordinator Todd Monken rarely deviated from pre-game plans, even when defenses were exploiting weaknesses. But Ali’s track record of pre-snap adjustments has led Monken to give him more autonomy: if Ali sees a defensive shift that contradicts the called play, he’s authorized to audible to a better option. In Week 14 against the Los Angeles Rams, the Ravens called a run play for Edwards, but Ali noticed the Rams had stacked eight defenders in the box. He audible to a screen pass to Mitchell, who gained 25 yards and set up a field goal. “Rasheen has earned the right to lead these adjustments—he’s proven he knows what he’s seeing,” Monken said. For the Baltimore Ravens, this shift from rigid playcalling to flexible, player-driven adjustments has made the offense more dynamic, as it can adapt to defenses on the fly instead of waiting for halftime to make changes. Rasheen Ali's Snap Leadership Signals Change for the Baltimore Ravens notes that this trust between coaches and players is a rare and valuable change, one that has turned the offense into a more collaborative and effective unit.

Finally, Ali’s snap leadership signals a broader cultural change for the Baltimore Ravens: a move away from the “star-driven” identity of the past to a “team-first” mindset where every player, regardless of draft status or salary, has a voice. For years, the Ravens’ offense was defined by Jackson’s brilliance or Edwards’ power, with other players taking supporting roles. But Ali—an undrafted free agent in 2023—has shown that leadership can come from anywhere, as long as a player brings work ethic, knowledge, and a commitment to the team. This change has resonated throughout the locker room, with veterans like Jackson and Beckham Jr. deferring to Ali’s insights in meetings and young players looking to him as a role model. “Rasheen has changed how we think about leadership— it’s not about who’s the biggest name, it’s about who can help the team win,” head coach John Harbaugh said. For the Baltimore Ravens, this cultural shift is perhaps the most important one, as it has created a more inclusive, resilient team that can withstand injuries, losses, and adversity. Rasheen Ali's Snap Leadership Signals Change for the Baltimore Ravens concludes that while Ali may not be the most recognizable name on the roster, his leadership in snaps has been the catalyst for a transformation that has turned the Ravens into legitimate Super Bowl contenders. In a league where star power often dominates headlines, the Ravens’ shift to a team-first culture—led by players like Ali—is a refreshing and effective change, one that could carry them to a championship.