Ravens vs. Dolphins Week 9 preview: Getting an inside look at Baltimore

The Miami Dolphins host the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday night, renewing a non-division rivalry that has had some good games, some absolute blowouts, and has become a lopsided affair in the recent years. In the last 12 meetings, dating back to the 2008 regular season and including the playoff game that postseason, the Ravens have won nine games. The Dolphins have started making a comeback however, with two of the Dolphins’ wins coming in the last three meetings.

Baltimore and Miami seem to find a way to land on each others’ schedules about every other year – either through the standard rotation of divisions in the schedule making or through finishing in the same place within their respective divisions. The teams see each other alot, but it has been almost two years since their last showdown.

Who are the Ravens now? What should Miami expect to see from Baltimore on Thursday night? I had a chance no this short week to talk with Nikhil Mehta, the managing editor of SB Nation’s Ravens team site, Baltimore Beatdown, and his team to discuss the Ravens’ in 2025.

The Ravens are 2-5 on the season and have not looked like the Ravens everyone expected them to be this year. While losing Lamar Jackson for the past three games is part of the issue, even when he was playing earlier this season, something has seemed off in Baltimore. Are there bigger issues with the team than just not having Jackson on the field?

The biggest issue with the Ravens this season might be the loss of Nnamdi Madubuike. Not only is he one of Baltimore’s best players, he’s also one of their most expensive. The pass rush was a glaring weakness heading into the season and the Ravens lost their most consistent rusher two games into the season.

With the bye week to recover, the Ravens have potentially found their footing again and are ready to try and make a magical run for the division title. With Jackson returning, a mostly healthy roster, and a more manageable schedule down the stretch, things in Baltimore should start looking like they did in the past two seasons. (Zach Canter, Mark Myers)

Something I never thought I would see is a Baltimore defense that is struggling to stop anyone. Dolphins fans are frustrated with Miami’s defense, which is allowing 344.4 yards and 26.9 points per game , but they are still ahead of the 379.6 yards and 30.0 points per game the Ravens are giving up. What is happening with the defense and how can Miami attack it?

The Ravens’ defense has looked much improved over the last two games. However, they remain vulnerable against the run with a lack of star power and depth on the defensive line. Their inability to generate pressure on the quarterback has also been a constant issue and they’re razor thin at edge rusher. Additionally, communication issues over the middle of the field and in the secondary have been...