Raven Country

Ravens Safety's Game-Changing Play Earns AFC Defensive Honors

One Baltimore Ravens defensive back turned big play into a defensive award.
Ca'ren Franklin|
Dec 14, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown (30) is tackled by Baltimore Ravens safety Alohi Gilman (12) during the third quarter at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images
Dec 14, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown (30) is tackled by Baltimore Ravens safety Alohi Gilman (12) during the third quarter at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images | Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images

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Baltimore Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens finally had a defensive highlight last week, and it came in the form of safety Alohi Gilman. Acquired midseason from the Los Angeles Chargers in a trade that sent Odafe Oweh and a first-round pick to LA, Gilman has quickly started to make an impact.

In a 24-0 shutout of the Bengals, one of the few bright spots for the Ravens’ defense this season, Gilman turned heads with a huge interception return. Kyle Van Hoy’s pick set him up, and Gilman raced 84 yards to the end zone, showcasing his speed, awareness, and playmaking ability. On top of that, he recorded eight tackles, proving he’s not just a turnover specialist but a reliable presence in the secondary.

Turnover Machine in Action

Gilman’s performance is particularly noteworthy considering the chatter around him earlier in the season. Critics questioned his tackling and wondered if the Ravens had overpaid in the trade, giving up a first-round pick for a midseason addition. Those concerns are fading fast.

Gilman consistently forces turnovers, giving the Ravens momentum and creating game-changing opportunities. His impact has been felt beyond the stat sheet as well, setting an example for a secondary that’s needed playmakers all year.

There’s a hint of the Notre Dame safety influence here, like Kyle Hamilton’s ability to change a game without always being the headline. Gilman doesn’t just show up on paper — he forces the kind of plays that shift the tide, and Baltimore’s defense has been better for it.

Trade Looks Like a Win

The Ravens’ gamble on Gilman is starting to pay off. At one point this season, Baltimore’s defense began to show marked improvement, ranking second in points allowed, seventh in EPA per play, and ninth in success rate — a noticeable jump from earlier struggles. Gilman’s presence in the secondary has been a big factor, helping the Ravens create more stops and turnovers while adding stability to a group that’s faced injuries and inconsistency.

The Bengals game was the clearest example yet of what Gilman can bring: a player who makes decisive, explosive plays when the defense needs it most. After a shaky start to the season and some skepticism about the trade, it looks like the Ravens got the boost they hoped for.

Alohi Gilman isn’t just filling a spot in the secondary — he’s changing the way the Ravens defend, and if he keeps this up, that midseason trade could be remembered as one of Baltimore’s smartest moves.

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Ca'ren Franklin
CA'REN FRANKLIN

Ca’ren Franklin is a sports writer based in Southern California, bringing a grounded voice to both basketball and football coverage. A communication is major with a minor in philosophy that sharpens their storytelling, current studies at California Lutheran University and works as a digital and multimedia editor with the school’s newspaper, The Echo, to develop their reporting and multimedia skills. On top of that, Ca’ren covers the Baltimore Ravens for On SI, rights for LADE (LakersAllDayEveryday), and covers the Los Angeles Sparks for The Lead.

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