The Baltimore Ravens entered the 2025 NFL season aiming for a strong postseason run, but instead they failed to qualify for the playoffs. Tight end Isaiah Likely, reflecting on the team’s struggles, pinpointed critical issues that contributed to the collapse, with particular emphasis on inconsistent offensive execution and unfinished drives, factors that often implicate quarterback Lamar Jackson’s performance.
Likely highlighted moments when the Ravens had leads, especially recalling a narrow loss against the Buffalo Bills where a promising advantage slipped away late in the game. The team’s inability to maintain momentum in crucial situations quickly became a recurring problem affecting their overall record and playoff hopes.
Breakdown of Season’s Critical Moments and Offensive Stalling
One of the earliest signs of trouble came during the season opener against the Bills, where the Ravens surrendered an eight-point lead in the game’s final minutes. A crucial fumble by running back Derrick Henry led to a Bills touchdown, and the Ravens offense subsequently failed to sustain a drive, handing the ball back to Buffalo and sealing their own fate. These events exposed breakdowns not only in offense but also in special teams and defense.
I’d say really just little details,
Likely said when asked about what went wrong.
Like, having a lead like we did as much as we did in Buffalo. I feel like that was just the mantra of our season, just not finishing. And I felt like, when we were out there, it’d be like a drive where we have explosive plays where we get explosive touchdowns where either [Derrick Henry] runs for 60, [Zay] Flowers catches the ball and goes for 60, you know, Lamar just doing magic back there. And then we’ll have drives where it stalls out.
—Isaiah Likely, Tight End
Likely further explained how the offense struggled to consistently perform, which inevitably put more pressure on the Ravens’ defense. He noted how drives would frequently end in three-and-outs, preventing any sustained momentum and forcing the defense back onto the field without adequate rest.
Like we’ll have a three and out, we’re punting, we’re not really clicking on offense, we’re not helping the defense, you know, if they get a three and out, we’re just kicking the ball back to him.
Likely added.
So, I feel like it was just wasn’t clicking on all ends where it was just we was jelling as a team. And I felt like that was just the mantra of our season.
—Isaiah Likely, Tight End
Injury Setbacks and Defensive Struggles
Despite his ups and downs, Lamar Jackson began the season strongly, throwing and running for nine touchdowns in his first three games before a hamstring injury in Week 4 hindered his performance. While Jackson worked through subsequent knee, ankle, and toe injuries, he never fully regained his early-season form.
The defensive unit, already faltering, became one of the biggest liabilities, surrendering 136 points over a devastating four-game losing streak following the opening win over the Browns. This defensive weakness compounded the Ravens’ problems, undermining their ability to keep games within reach.
Following a brief resurgence—winning four consecutive games during Jackson’s injury sidelining—the Ravens again stumbled, losing ground quickly and ultimately missing the playoffs after rookie kicker Tyler Loop missed a potential game-winning field goal late in a matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Isaiah Likely Highlights Wide Team Responsibility and Coaching Expectations
While pointing out offensive inconsistencies, Isaiah Likely did not shy away from acknowledging broader issues within the team, including coaching.
The Ravens parted ways with longtime head coach John Harbaugh, ending an 18-year tenure marked by a Super Bowl victory and multiple AFC Championship appearances. The front office was dissatisfied with the team’s failure to leverage their roster’s talent into sustained success.
When you have a coach in Baltimore for 18 years, I feel like it’s a shock to everybody but we had a great team, so I feel like when you have a great team as we do, where everybody’s putting you on the stratosphere of Super Bowl or bust, it starts getting a little heated in conversations when you don’t make the postseason,
Likely commented.
So I feel like change was obviously coming. Nobody knew how drastic it was going to be, but I felt like everybody knew in the air that something was going to happen.
—Isaiah Likely, Tight End
Likely’s recognition of an inevitable coaching shakeup came as no surprise given the heightened expectations surrounding the Ravens’ talent and the disappointment of missing postseason play. The coaching staff underwent substantial changes as Jesse Minter was hired from the Los Angeles Chargers, becoming the franchise’s fourth head coach. Minter swiftly appointed Declan Doyle as offensive coordinator and Anthony Weaver as defensive coordinator, assembling a comprehensive new coaching roster to address the team’s deficiencies.
Challenges Await the New Coaching Staff to Rebuild Team Cohesion and Performance
The Ravens’ 2025 season statistics revealed serious areas needing improvement, allowing 354.5 yards per game defensively while scoring an average of 349.4 yards offensively. For the upcoming season, the new coaching staff faces the formidable task of correcting defensive lapses and fostering offensive consistency to capitalize on stars like Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, Zay Flowers, and Isaiah Likely.
Isaiah Likely’s perspective sheds light on the multidimensional issues that plagued the Ravens, from execution on the field to leadership decisions off it. This season’s disappointment has pushed the franchise to make significant adjustments, with hopes that fresh approaches from the coaching side and better on-field chemistry will restore Baltimore’s competitiveness in the AFC North and beyond.
As the Ravens prepare for the 2026 season, all eyes will be on how the revamped staff and roster respond to the pressure of returning to playoff contention and fulfilling the high expectations placed on this talented yet previously underperforming team.
