Ravens' Nnamdi Madubuike Offers Plan on Third-Down Issues

The Baltimore Ravens defense has been strong in multiple categories, but not when it comes to third-down stops. Currently, the unit is allowing a conversion rate of 41.5 percent, which ranks the team 20th in the NFL.

That figure is not something that the Ravens should be producing, and defensive lineman Nnamdi Madubuike spoke about those issues during media availability on Wednesday. 

Baltimore remains 4-1 and is off to a hot start. However, they will face tougher competition as the season goes on, and improving third-down stopping efficiency needs to be at the top of the defense's list.

Madubuike spoke about the issues the unit is having, and called it a "work in progress."

"It's a work in progress, but we are definitely on our way. Just some little things that we need to tighten up. We have the guys that are about that job and communicating. We just did the walkthrough today, and a big emphasis was on communication," Madubuike said. 

Madubuike pointed to bigger communication between the defensive line and the backend players, which could mean the secondary. The defense needs to move as one, and having communication is a sure-fire way to clean those issues up.

The Ravens' defense is continuing to evolve, and Madubuike is also ramping back up after returning from offseason neck surgery. As he grows, the pass rush and third-down efficiency should grow as well.

There are also players who remain out that could aid the third-down stops. 

Outside linebacker Trey Hendrickson has missed the past two games after undergoing a procedure to fix his broken finger. Head coach Jesse Minter stated that the defender's layoff would not be long-term, but he has not returned to practice just yet.

Reports have indicated that the Raven could get the outside linebacker back for Week 6 but that will not be determined until he takes the field. The injury reports for the week will clarify where Hendrickson stands.

Multiple Ravens players are also making an impact, such as linebacker Mike Green. Green has played very well through five games, picking up two sacks thus far. 

Green picked up 3.5 sacks during the entire 2025 season. Fellow linebacker Tavius Robinson also has three sacks this season as well.

Baltimore has the players that can impact the quarterback; they just need to find a way to tighten up when it comes to third-down situations. 

As Madubuike said, it is a work in progress. It has taken Minter's unit a bit longer to gel, but that could also be due to the injuries the team has sustained.

Madubuike just made his return, and Hendrickson remains out. Once all the pieces are back in place, the defense could find ways to impact the quarterback even more.