Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh made a quick move that shifted the Ravens’ defense overnight. Linebacker Odafe Oweh got shipped to the Los Angeles Chargers. In exchange, Baltimore got safety Alohi Gilman. Speaking at a recent press conference, coach Harbaugh discussed what led to the move and what Gilman brings to the table for Baltimore.

For the Oweh trade, John Harbaugh noted: “It happened fast. We had a chance to consider it, in terms of what was best big picture for our team, for our defense. I thought he was rushing the passer well, probably why the Chargers wanted him… It’s not something that we take lightly, we understand this is a good player… Just had to weigh it out.”

Despite Oweh’s promising pass rush, he hasn’t quite delivered in Baltimore this year. Last season saw him log 25 solo tackles and 10 sacks. This season, he has been limited to just 5 solo tackles and no sacks. By moving Oweh to L.A., Baltimore has notably freed up around $8 million in cap space. And what about Gilman?

Gilman is a tried and tested player, and he has already impressed in practice. He’s even expected to suit up for the Ravens’ Week 6 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. Speaking about Gilman, coach Harbaugh noted:

“Alohi is gonna give us a lot. … he’s a proven player. Had a really good practice today, and I think he’s a good fit for us.”

This pivot matters. The Ravens’ defense ranks 31st overall, with 21 touchdowns and 408.8 yards allowed across just 5 games so far. Their pass defense has also been particularly shaky. On the flip side, Gilman brings solid experience as a starting safety. This trade could bolster a weak secondary and bring more stability. It’s a clear sign the Ravens are trying to fix things mid-season with a fresh roster shakeup.

Meanwhile, Harbaugh’s choice shows he’s ready to act fast. Trading a high-potential pass rusher for a reliable safety explains the team’s priorities. They want immediate help on defense and financial flexibility moving forward. The Oweh-Gilman trade is about balancing potential with reality. While the Chargers get a promising edge rusher, the Ravens gain a player ready to contribute now. 

While this strategic shift could be pivotal for Baltimore’s defense and its tough season ahead, the offense is also trying to find its rhythm. But even with franchise quarterback Lamar Jackson nursing his hamstring and absent from the latest practice, one particular wideout doesn’t seem all that worried.

Zay Flowers on Ravens without Lamar Jackson

Wide receiver Zay Flowers kept things real about missing Lamar Jackson. No sugarcoating it: missing a star QB is always tough. But Flowers made it clear the team trusts backup quarterback Cooper Rush.

“I feel like if anybody’s missing a star quarterback on any team, it’ll be challenging. So, we believe in Coop, and believe in what we got, believe in our team. So, I think we’ll be alright.”

But Cooper Rush is more than a placeholder. He came to Baltimore this year with that old Dallas Cowboys promise. His ability to step up will matter more than ever now. But so far, that old promise hasn’t quite translated. In his Week 5 quest against the Houston Texans, he left a stat line that was nothing short of a heartbreak.

14-of-20 for 179 passing yards. No rushing attempts. No touchdowns. One pick and three interceptions. The final score? A 44-10 loss.

Still, with the locker room’s confidence in him, Rush could certainly spark a comeback for the Ravens’ 1-4 record. This faith is key as Baltimore navigates a tricky stretch without its main playmaker. But will Rush hold up against the Rams defense, which ranks 10th in the league? And can Baltimore’s renewed defensive energy be enough to stop the veteran arm of Matthew Stafford? John Harbaugh is shoring up to stay competitive. We’ll just have to wait and see how it goes…