Ravens Roundtable: Talking About Zay Flowers’ Health, the Steelers, and Other Topics

The Baltimore Ravens, one of the NFL’s most storied franchises, have had a fascinating season in 2025. With a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars, the team has both its strengths and weaknesses. As always, health and matchups are critical components of the team’s journey, especially in the unpredictable world of football. In this roundtable discussion, we’ll delve into Zay Flowers’ health and how it’s impacting the Ravens’ offense, the crucial matchups with the Steelers, and other key topics shaping the season.

1. Zay Flowers’ Health: A Key Factor for the Ravens’ Offense

Zay Flowers, the young wide receiver drafted by the Ravens, has shown flashes of brilliance in his first NFL season. However, health has become a major concern. In the fast-paced world of the NFL, injuries are common, but the impact of those injuries on key players like Flowers can’t be overstated. Flowers’ health will play a significant role in how well the Ravens’ offense performs.

Impact on the Offense

Flowers’ speed and agility make him a unique weapon for the Ravens’ offense. With the ability to stretch the field vertically, Flowers gives quarterback Lamar Jackson a deep threat that can open up space for other receivers and the running game. Jackson’s mobility is a critical aspect of the Ravens’ offense, and having someone like Flowers who can create mismatches against defensive backs is vital.

That said, Flowers’ injuries have hampered his ability to stay on the field consistently. Whether it’s a lingering ankle issue or a minor shoulder strain, these injuries have forced the Ravens coaching staff to make adjustments. While the offense has managed to stay competitive, they’ve missed Flowers’ explosive plays. The Ravens are known for their rushing attack, but if Flowers can stay healthy, it will allow the offense to become even more dynamic.

What the Ravens Need from Flowers

The most important thing for Flowers now is time on the field. If he can get healthy and stay healthy, he has the potential to make a big impact during the crucial stretch of the season. The Ravens need him to improve his route running and build more chemistry with Jackson. This dynamic pairing could elevate the Ravens’ offense to a new level.

Additionally, Flowers’ presence on the field can also take pressure off the veteran wide receivers like Rashod Bateman and Odell Beckham Jr. Both Bateman and Beckham have been effective in their own right, but the emergence of Flowers could allow them to focus on other parts of their game, rather than being the primary playmakers.

2. The Steelers: A Heated Rivalry

The Steelers and Ravens share one of the most intense rivalries in the NFL. This rivalry is built on physicality, hard-hitting defense, and emotional games. Both teams know each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and every matchup is a battle for supremacy in the AFC North.

What Makes the Steelers Dangerous?

The Steelers have consistently fielded one of the NFL’s best defenses. Under the leadership of head coach Mike Tomlin, they have a reputation for being tough, disciplined, and aggressive. Their defensive front is formidable, featuring players like T.J. Watt, who can disrupt any offensive game plan. Watt’s ability to rush the passer and create chaos in the backfield will always be a concern for the Ravens.

However, the Steelers’ offense has been a point of contention in recent years. While they’ve been inconsistent at times, rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett has shown signs of growth, particularly with his ability to manage games and execute well-timed throws. Despite the struggles of their offense, the Steelers are always dangerous because they know how to play tough, physical football.

What the Ravens Must Do Against the Steelers

In order to have success against the Steelers, the Ravens must focus on their offensive line play. The Ravens’ offensive line has been solid this season, but against a defense as talented as Pittsburgh’s, they’ll need to protect Lamar Jackson and open up running lanes. Jackson’s ability to extend plays will be crucial, especially when facing pressure from Watt and others in the Steelers’ defensive front.

On the other side of the ball, the Ravens’ defense will also play a significant role in this matchup. The Steelers’ offense may not be as explosive as some of the other high-powered offenses in the league, but the Ravens’ defense must remain disciplined and limit big plays. Players like Roquan Smith and Marlon Humphrey will be vital in ensuring that the Steelers don’t capitalize on any mistakes.

The key to a Ravens victory against the Steelers is maintaining balance. The Ravens must run the ball effectively with Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins, and they must also be able to strike quickly through the air when opportunities present themselves.

3. Ravens’ Run Game: The Heartbeat of the Offense

The Ravens’ running game remains one of the league’s best, and it’s no secret that their offensive identity is built around the ability to dominate on the ground. Lamar Jackson’s ability to break off big runs combined with the one-two punch of Edwards and Dobbins has made the Ravens a nightmare for opposing defenses.

Running Back Committee

Edwards and Dobbins each bring something different to the table. Edwards is known for his power and ability to wear down defenses with his tough running style, while Dobbins offers a burst of speed and quickness when he finds a hole. The Ravens have found a nice balance between the two, which has allowed them to keep defenses on their toes.

However, with injuries sidelining Dobbins at various points, the Ravens’ running back situation has been fluid. If Dobbins can remain healthy, the Ravens could become even more dangerous on the ground. The ability to rotate fresh legs in the backfield will be key as the team progresses into the playoff race.

The Role of Lamar Jackson

Lamar Jackson is arguably the most dangerous weapon in the Ravens’ run game. Jackson’s speed and vision allow him to make plays outside of the pocket, creating constant headaches for defenses. His ability to make defenders miss in the open field is unparalleled, and this is what sets him apart from other quarterbacks.

Jackson’s dynamic rushing ability is not only important in third-down situations but also in short-yardage and goal-line situations, where he can take advantage of mismatches against defensive linemen or linebackers. The Ravens’ success on the ground will ultimately depend on Jackson’s ability to read defenses and make quick decisions.

4. Defensive Strength: A Top-tier Unit

The Ravens’ defense has consistently been a top-tier unit under defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald. With playmakers like Roquan Smith, Patrick Queen, and Marlon Humphrey, the defense has the ability to disrupt opposing offenses in multiple ways.

Focus on Pass Rush

One area the Ravens will need to improve is their pass rush. While players like Justin Madubuike and Odafe Oweh have been effective, the Ravens’ defense hasn’t always been able to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. In high-stakes games against quarterbacks like Joe Burrow, Deshaun Watson, or even Kenny Pickett, the Ravens must find ways to consistently affect the pocket.

In particular, the addition of a dynamic edge rusher or further development from Oweh and other young players will be key for the Ravens. A strong pass rush can take a lot of pressure off the secondary and help create turnovers.

Defending the Pass

The Ravens’ secondary has been one of the league’s most effective units, thanks to the presence of Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Williams. The ability to shut down elite wide receivers and force quarterbacks into uncomfortable throws gives the Ravens a big advantage.

In a division filled with strong quarterbacks, the Ravens’ defensive backs must remain disciplined, especially in games against AFC North rivals like the Bengals and Steelers. Playing tight coverage and forcing quarterbacks into mistakes will be crucial as the Ravens push for a playoff spot.

5. Looking Ahead: Playoff Push

The Ravens have put themselves in a strong position as they approach the second half of the 2025 season. With a well-rounded team that boasts a powerful rushing attack, an improving passing game, and a defense capable of shutting down opponents, they are ready to make a deep playoff push. However, key injuries like Zay Flowers’ health and the development of younger players will determine whether they can truly challenge for a Super Bowl.

As the season progresses, every game becomes more critical. The Ravens’ matchups with divisional rivals like the Steelers and Bengals will have major implications for playoff seeding. If Flowers can get healthy, and the team remains focused on maintaining balance on both sides of the ball, they have a legitimate chance of going deep into January and beyond.