Honestly, if you told a Ravens fan last August that they’d be looking for a new head coach by January, they would’ve called you crazy. But here we are. The Ravens record last year finished at a stunning 8-9, a number that feels like a gut punch when you consider this team was a Super Bowl favorite during the preseason. It wasn't just a losing season; it was the end of an era. John Harbaugh is gone. The stability that defined Baltimore for nearly two decades basically evaporated over 18 weeks of bizarre, frustrating, and sometimes just plain bad football.
Looking back, the season was a total rollercoaster. They started like they were stuck in mud. 1-5. Can you believe that? A team with Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry managed to win exactly one game in the first month and a half. It felt like every week was a new way to lose. They'd blow a lead, or the offense would go stagnant, or someone would get hurt. It was chaotic.
Why the Ravens Record Last Year Was Such a Shock
Most people expected double-digit wins. The experts at Fox Sports had them pegged for 11-6. Instead, they finished 2nd in the AFC North and missed the playoffs entirely. The most baffling part? They were actually better on the road than at home. They went 5-3 away from M&T Bank Stadium but a miserable 3-6 in front of their own fans. That 3-6 home record is actually the worst in the history of the franchise.
It’s hard to win games when your MVP-caliber quarterback is banged up. Lamar Jackson’s stats were... fine? But not "Lamar" fine. He threw for 2,549 yards and 21 touchdowns, which is decent, but his rushing took a massive hit. He finished with a career-low 349 yards on the ground. You could see it on the tape—the explosiveness just wasn't there. He was dealing with a nagging hamstring and later a back injury that eventually forced Tyler "Snoop" Huntley into the spotlight.
The Quarterback Carousel
When Lamar wasn't on the field, things got weird.
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- Lamar Jackson: Started 13 games. B-grade performance. Still the heart of the team, but clearly hindered by health.
- Tyler Huntley: Honestly, he was the bright spot. He won both of his starts against the Bears and Packers.
- Cooper Rush: This was a disaster. Signed to be the "steady veteran," Rush looked completely lost in Todd Monken’s system. His three-interception game against the Texans (a 44-10 blowout) was arguably the low point of the entire year.
The Games That Defined the Season
The Week 1 loss to Buffalo set the tone. It was a 41-40 shootout that felt like a playoff game in September. They almost had it. They fought back. But coming up one point short was a sign of things to come.
Then came the "Thanksgiving Massacre" against the Bengals. Losing 32-14 at home on a national holiday? That’s how you get a fan base to turn on a legendary coach. By the time they hit Week 18 against the Steelers, they technically still had a chance to clinch the division with a win. Instead, they lost 26-24.
The defense, led by Zach Orr in his first year as DC, was a mixed bag. Kyle Hamilton was a beast, earning First-team All-Pro honors, and Roquan Smith did Roquan things. But they couldn't stop the bleeding in the fourth quarter. It felt like every time they needed a stop to save the season, the secondary would give up a chunk play.
Breaking Down the Rushing Attack
Derrick Henry did his part. He really did. 1,595 rushing yards is an incredible stat for a guy over 30. But there were times when the play-calling just ignored him. In the Week 16 loss to the Patriots, Henry was curiously benched during a crucial fourth-quarter drive. It drove the fans—and the local media—absolutely wild. Why have the "King" if you aren't going to let him wear the crown when the game is on the line?
What This Means for 2026
The Ravens record last year of 8-9 wasn't just a statistical failure; it was a catalyst for change. The firing of John Harbaugh after 18 seasons is a massive gamble by owner Steve Bisciotti. You don't just replace 180 wins and a Super Bowl ring overnight.
But there’s a silver lining. The roster isn't "rebuild" bad. It’s "retool" good. Zay Flowers is a star. Mark Andrews broke the franchise record for receiving yards last year. Kyle Hamilton is the best safety in football. If the new coaching staff can figure out how to keep Lamar healthy and actually use Derrick Henry in the fourth quarter, this 8-9 record will look like a one-year fluke.
If you’re looking to track how they bounce back, keep an eye on the coaching search. The rumor mill is already linking Harbaugh to the Giants, while Baltimore is looking for someone who can "unlock" the next version of Lamar Jackson.
Next Steps for Ravens Fans:
- Check the official NFL transaction wire for the new head coaching hire.
- Monitor Lamar Jackson's offseason recovery reports regarding his back and hamstring.
- Review the 2026 NFL Draft order; because of that 8-9 record, the Ravens are picking much higher than they usually do.