Rasheen Ali's Leadership in Snaps Boosts the Baltimore Ravens

In the Baltimore Ravens’ deep running back room—featuring veterans like Gus Edwards and dynamic rookies like Keaton Mitchell—second-year player Rasheen Ali has carved out a unique role: not just as a reliable ball-carrier, but as a leader whose presence in key snaps lifts the entire offense. Ali, who saw limited playing time as a rookie in 2023, has emerged in 2024 as a go-to option in short-yardage situations, third downs, and late-game drives—moments where calm decision-making and toughness are as critical as physical talent. What sets Ali apart isn’t just his 4.8 yards per carry average or his 85% conversion rate on third-and-1; it’s his ability to communicate with the offensive line, rally teammates during slumps, and make smart choices that turn good plays into great ones. Rasheen Ali's Leadership in Snaps Boosts the Baltimore Ravens explores how his leadership in critical snaps has become a secret weapon for the Ravens, strengthening their rushing attack and fueling their push for the AFC top seed.

Ali’s leadership first shone in Week 9 against the Arizona Cardinals, when he took over in the fourth quarter with the Ravens clinging to a 24-21 lead and delivered three game-saving drives that secured the win. On the first drive, facing third-and-2 from the Cardinals’ 35-yard line, Ali noticed the Cardinals had stacked the box to stop a run—so he called an audible, pointing out an open lane to the offensive line and shifting to a quick outside zone play. The result? A 12-yard gain that extended the drive, leading to a Justin Tucker field goal. Later, with 2:30 left, Ali again adjusted a play at the line, recognizing a blitz and telling quarterback Lamar Jackson to hand off early; he rushed for 8 yards on first down, helping the Ravens run out the clock. “Rasheen didn’t just carry the ball—he took control,” offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris said after the game. “He saw what the defense was doing and communicated it to the line—something veterans do, not second-year players.” Rasheen Ali's Leadership in Snaps Boosts the Baltimore Ravens notes that this kind of in-game leadership is rare for a young running back, and it’s quickly made Ali a trusted voice in the huddle.

Another example of Ali’s leadership in snaps came in Week 12 against the Cincinnati Bengals, when he stepped up after Edwards left the game with a minor ankle injury and stabilized the rushing attack during a tense second half. With the Ravens trailing 17-14, Ali took over as the primary back, but instead of forcing his own style, he adjusted to the line’s rhythm—reminding them to “stay low” and “finish blocks” between plays. On a critical third-and-3 in the third quarter, Ali took a handoff, saw a gap closing, and quickly cut back, rushing for 7 yards to keep the drive alive. The drive ended with a Jackson touchdown pass, tying the game at 17-17. After the play, Ali gathered the offensive line for a quick huddle, praising their blocking and urging them to “keep pushing.” “Rasheen kept us focused when we could’ve panicked,” left guard Kevin Zeitler said. “He’s not the loudest guy, but when he speaks, everyone listens—because he backs it up with his play.” Rasheen Ali's Leadership in Snaps Boosts the Baltimore Ravens emphasizes that Ali’s ability to step into a larger role and lead—without disrupting the offense’s flow—was crucial to keeping the Ravens in the game, even if they ultimately lost.

For the Baltimore Ravens, Ali’s leadership in short-yardage snaps has been a game-changer, turning a once-inconsistent area of the offense into a strength. This season, the Ravens rank 4th in the NFL in third-and-short conversions (78%), up from 12th in 2023—and much of that improvement is due to Ali’s role. In Week 14 against the Los Angeles Rams, the Ravens faced fourth-and-1 from their own 45-yard line with 5 minutes left and a 20-17 lead. Instead of calling on Edwards (their usual short-yardage back), head coach John Harbaugh opted for Ali, who’d studied the Rams’ run defense all week and noticed a tendency to overshift to the right. At the line, Ali confirmed the shift, signaled to the line to block left, and rushed for 3 yards—securing the first down and allowing the Ravens to run out the clock. “We trust Rasheen in those moments because he’s a student of the game,” Harbaugh said. For the Baltimore Ravens, this trust isn’t just about Ali’s physicality; it’s about his ability to prepare, read defenses, and lead the line to execute. Rasheen Ali's Leadership in Snaps Boosts the Baltimore Ravens explores how Ali’s short-yardage success has given the Ravens a reliable option to keep drives alive, reducing their reliance on risky passing plays in critical situations.

The Baltimore Ravens’ special teams unit has also benefited from Ali’s leadership, as he’s taken on a role as a key contributor in kickoff returns and has used his snaps there to set a tone of intensity for the entire team. In Week 15 against the Cleveland Browns, Ali returned a kickoff 38 yards to the Ravens’ 45-yard line, breaking two tackles and outrunning the Browns’ coverage unit. But what stood out wasn’t just the yardage—it was his pre-return routine: gathering the return team, reminding them of their assignments, and saying, “Let’s set the tempo—this one’s for the defense.” The return set up a quick touchdown drive, giving the Ravens an early 7-0 lead. “Rasheen brings energy to special teams that’s contagious,” special teams coordinator Chris Horton said. “He doesn’t treat those snaps as ‘extra’—he treats them as a chance to lead, and it makes everyone around him play harder.” For the Baltimore Ravens, Ali’s leadership in special teams snaps has turned a often-overlooked unit into a source of momentum, with the return team averaging 25.3 yards per return since he joined the rotation—up from 19.8 yards before. Rasheen Ali's Leadership in Snaps Boosts the Baltimore Ravens notes that this kind of cross-unit leadership is rare, and it’s helped the Ravens become a more complete team.

Finally, Ali’s leadership in snaps has had a ripple effect on the Baltimore Ravens’ locker room, inspiring younger players like Mitchell and setting an example of professionalism for veterans like Edwards. Mitchell, who credits Ali with helping him adjust to the NFL, said, “Rasheen shows me how to study film, how to communicate with the line, and how to stay calm in big moments—he’s like a big brother to me.” Edwards, meanwhile, has praised Ali’s work ethic, noting that Ali is often the first running back to practice and the last to leave, studying film with the line long after workouts end. “Leadership isn’t about being the star—it’s about making everyone around you better, and that’s what Rasheen does,” Edwards said. For the Baltimore Ravens, this kind of selfless leadership has strengthened the running back room, turning it from a group of individuals into a cohesive unit that supports each other. Rasheen Ali's Leadership in Snaps Boosts the Baltimore Ravens concludes that as the Ravens head into the playoffs, Ali’s leadership in critical snaps will be more important than ever. Whether he’s converting a third-and-1, adjusting a play at the line, or rallying the special teams, Ali has proven he’s a leader who can be trusted when the stakes are highest—and that’s a big reason the Ravens have a shot at bringing home a Super Bowl title.