In the Ravens‘ playoff defeat to the Buffalo Bills in January 2025, John Harbaugh’s sideline body language told the tale before the final whistle. The defense had fought, but the offense struggled at the worst moment, undone by a trio of uncharacteristic blunders in a 27-25 Divisional Round loss. That annoyance, subdued in postgame interviews, has carried over through the offseason, manifesting in small ways as training camp has progressed.
Only months after that playoff meltdown in Buffalo, the Ravens’ passing game now appears lacking in answers. In a preseason scrimmage, Harbaugh wasn’t shy about expressing his disappointment when his offense mustered just 59 passing yards. “Is there a record for low… how many passing errors do we have? 59? …Why don’t you have that number? Yes, we’d like to go for greater than 59 yards, I assure you,” Harbaugh said during press conference, his voice half-jesting and half-serious. The message was clear: for an offense that’s full of hype in 2025, excuses are thin.
What made the moment more acute was the way it cut against Harbaugh’s typical training camp demeanor. He’s normally measured, content to defend his offense against early criticism. But not this year. The frustration burst through. Maybe it’s because the window no longer feels as wide. Lamar Jackson’s best years are valuable, and though the Ravens doubled down on loading him up with playmakers. The product in live reps is beginning to look uncomfortably familiar.
Harbaugh’s honesty extended beyond his starters. Questioned about veteran backup Cooper Rush, who signed with the Ravens during the offseason. The coach gave a ho-hum evaluation that caught some insiders by surprise. Rush, who was known for his solid right arm in Dallas, was labeled as “capable”. But still “getting on the same page with our system.” Short of a criticism, it was another public warning that the offense from QB1 to QB2 is being watched. For a championship-minded team, that microscope only tightens up from here.