The Ravens’ 2025 hopes are hanging by a thread — and a veteran who long believed the signs would lead him to Baltimore might play a big role in achieving them
Baltimore’s newest pass rusher has been seeing hints from the universe for years.
The Baltimore Ravens are hoping this Sunday brings a lot more than just a second win of the 2025 season. With a win against the Chicago Bears, Baltimore could facilitate some buy-in on their insistence that this season is far from over despite a 1-5 start. It could be, in theory, a launch point to a stretch in which the Ravens fulfill those lofty offseason expectations. But they’re not just banking on the in-house names to get the job done.
The Ravens have added a notable name to their pass rush this week with the signing of Carl Lawson to help get the job done. A savior for the season? Not exactly. But he is absolutely some much-needed reinforcements. And the Ravens shouldn’t have much issue in creating buy-in from Lawson despite the slow start, as the veteran said this week that he’s been seeing signs for years that he was destined to suit up for Baltimore.
New Ravens pass rusher Carl Lawson felt this may have been in the cards for his career
“I didn’t necessarily know if it was going to happen here for years, but there’s always been hints. Coming off the Achilles (injury), the first game I played was (against) the Ravens. Leaving Cincinnati, (the first game I played was against) the Ravens. It’s always kind of been one of those things that’s like, ‘Oh, there are hints there,’ but you just never know. I grew up watching Suggs and Dumervil, so just to get the opportunity to follow in footsteps of the guys that I’ve looked up to is very much a blessing.”
New Ravens pass rusher Carl Lawson’s career numbers
- 32 career sacks
- 5.0 sacks with Dallas Cowboys in 2024
- 122 career quarterback hits
- All numbers courtesy of Pro Football Reference
The addition is an essential one for the Ravens due to the waves of injuries that have rocked the edge position in Baltimore. Their depth is being tested up and down the defense, but the Ravens’ pass rush has been arguably the most problematic piece of their puzzle through the first six games. Baltimore is relying on second-round rookie Mike Green heavily — but his transition to the pros has been a challenge.
Lawson’s experience should certainly help. But how quickly he assimilates to early downs will be a determining factor in how much of a success this signing is deemed when we reach the end of the season. Based on his past year in Dallas, it is apparent that Lawson can still get after opposing quarterbacks. That’s not the question. But can he help provide depth and stability in the base defense looks as well?
Odafe Oweh is now in Los Angeles. Tavius Robinson is on injured reserve. Adisa Isaac is not yet ready for a return. The weight of this Ravens turnaround is just as much on the defense as anything else — which makes Lawson’s addition to the mix as big of a veteran practice squad addition as you’ll find this October.
Chicago Bears News
Bears at Ravens NFL Week 8 Broadcast Map: Will you be able to watch on TV?
Here are the areas of the country that will broadcast the Chicago Bears’ Week 8 game against the Baltimore Ravens.
