The Baltimore Ravens aim to reach the Super Bowl for the first time since the 2012-2013 season. For that to happen, the pass rush must show improvement rather than a regression in 2025. The Ravens finished in the top 10 in pressures and sacks but posted a mediocre pressure percentage, ranking 8th in pressures, 2nd in sacks, and 15th in pressure percentage, which impacted their pass defense in 2024.
Baltimore Ravens’ first-round pick had a breakout 2024 season
Odafe Oweh had a breakout 2024 campaign, boasting career highs in tackles for loss, quarterback hits, sacks, and starts. He recorded 39 tackles, nine TFLs, 23 QB hits, ten sacks, and one forced fumble in 17 games and ten regular-season starts, along with three tackles, one TFL, three QB hits, and one sack in two postseason games. Oweh also posted 48 pressures, 24 hurries, and a 71.2 overall PFF grade.
Even with his breakout season, the Ravens’ pass rush had a rough outing in the Divisional Round loss to the Buffalo Bills, combining for only one sack. The lackluster performance stuck with him.
Baltimore Ravens EDGE rusher put on weight this offseason
During last week’s interview with Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic, Odafe Oweh shared that he put on 20 pounds during the offseason, beefing up from 245 to 265 pounds to add power to his game. He said he focused on eating and lifting more to reach 265 pounds.
“We didn’t have the outing — at least, I didn’t have the outing I wanted, so I thought a lot of that had to do with my weight and being able to be stout in certain positions,” Oweh said, via Zrebiec. “As soon as the season was done, I went to Miami, started eating, lifting and then gaining weight.”
He enters a pivotal 2025 season
Odafe Oweh faces a pivotal 2025 season because he enters the final year of his contract and is set to hit free agency next offseason. Currently, he is focused on trying to be the best player for the Ravens, more so than having an expiring contract. Oweh wants to continue getting better and believes his play on the football field will take care of the other things.
“I’m just trying to be the best player for the team,” Oweh said. “I would be crazy to say (contract status) is not something a little bit in the back of my mind, but every year, I try to get better, try to be better than I was last year. To be honest, that’s really what I’m focused on. I know if I do that, it’s going to take care of itself.”
