On Thursday Night Football, the 2–5 Baltimore Ravens traveled to Miami to face the 2–6 Dolphins in a matchup between two struggling AFC teams looking to salvage their seasons. Baltimore made a statement on both sides of the ball, led by the return of star quarterback Lamar Jackson, who had been sidelined since Week 5 with a hamstring injury. Jackson looked sharp, completing 18 of 23 passes for four touchdowns against a Dolphins defense that has been one of the league’s worst all year.
Photo Cred: ThePress.Net
The win moves the Ravens closer to contention in the AFC North, and with one of the softer remaining schedules in the division, they now have a realistic chance to make a late-season push—especially with the Steelers likely to fall to 4–4 after facing the powerhouse Indianapolis Colts. While the offensive explosion was expected with Jackson back, the real story was the Ravens’ defense.
After a rough start to the season, Baltimore’s defense has turned a corner, holding opponents to 17 points or fewer in three straight games—including just three points allowed to Miami. If this defensive resurgence continues, the Ravens could be in position not only to win the division but also to make some noise in the playoffs. On the other side, the Dolphins are in complete disarray.
Following the 22-point loss, the team fired general manager Chris Grier as Miami fell to 2–7. Despite heavy speculation about his job security, head coach Mike McDaniel is expected to remain in place for the rest of the season. Miami’s issues, however, extend beyond coaching—the roster lacks depth and star power, and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has failed to live up to his massive $50 million per year contract.
Photo Cred: Dolphins
His poor play, coupled with questionable public comments, has only added to the turmoil. With limited talent, front-office turnover, and an uninspiring upcoming quarterback draft class, the Dolphins face an uncertain future. A full rebuild may be on the horizon, and trading down in the draft to accumulate assets could be the only viable path toward long-term stability.
