The Baltimore Ravens are quickly becoming one of the NFL's biggest disappointments. A 4-5 record and four consecutive losses have pushed the team further from its preseason expectations, while the defense has become a weekly liability. The latest setback, a 33-10 defeat to the Jacksonville Jaguars, intensified questions about a team that entered the season with championship aspirations.

Baltimore's problems have become difficult to separate. Lamar Jackson remains sidelined, the offense has struggled without him, and the defense has surrendered at least 33 points in three straight games. The Ravens responded by acquiring Jacoby Brissett from the Arizona Cardinals, hoping the veteran can stabilize the offense before the season slips away.

Four national outlets now have Baltimore between No. 22 and No. 25 in their latest power rankings. Their assessments reflect a team running short on time, with Monday night's matchup against the winless Los Angeles Chargers carrying significant weight.

USA TODAY dropped Baltimore one spot from No. 24, pointing to the team's historic losing streak and the timing of the Brissett trade.

"They sure could use Jacoby Brissett about now − and presumably will debut the recently acquired QB on Monday night against the winless Bolts. And not a moment too soon considering the Ravens have lost three consecutive games by at least 20 points for the first time in franchise history."

The three-game stretch marks an unprecedented low for the franchise. Brissett gives Baltimore a more experienced option than Joe Fagnano, but the quarterback change comes with little room for adjustment.

CBS Sports placed Baltimore at No. 22, summarizing its concerns with a blunt assessment of the team's dependence on Jackson and its defensive struggles.

"No Lamar Jackson, no win. It's that simple. The defense is also having issues."

The numbers support the concern. Baltimore is 3-2 in Jackson's starts, averaging 25.2 points and 344.8 yards per game. With another quarterback starting, the Ravens are 1-3, averaging 15.8 points and 303 yards. Brissett must help close that gap, but the defense needs to give him a chance.

FOX Sports moved Baltimore down two spots from No. 20, questioning whether Brissett can spark the offense while acknowledging the defense remains a separate concern.

"It’s gotten ugly in Baltimore. The Ravens obviously had no chance to beat the Jaguars on Thursday night with undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano at quarterback. Maybe Jacoby Brissett can give them a spark once he arrives from Arizona. But Brissett can’t solve their surprising defensive issues. The Ravens have given up 33 or more points in three straight games on their way to four straight losses. Maybe getting the Chargers next week will get them right. But at 4–5, they are quickly running out of time. Lamar Jackson is promising a late-season return to lead the charge to the playoffs. But it’s starting to look like there’s no way he can get back in time."

The central issue is that Baltimore needs more than a quarterback upgrade. Its defensive collapse has been just as damaging, and Brissett cannot address that side of the ball. FOX Sports also expressed doubt that Jackson will return soon enough to rescue the team's playoff hopes.

ESPN dropped Baltimore three spots from No. 19 and identified the Chargers game as the most important matchup of the second half.

"The Ravens' embarrassing tailspin would hit a new low if they can't beat the winless Chargers on 'Monday Night Football.' Baltimore has lost three consecutive games by 20-plus points for the first time in team history. The Ravens traded for QB Jacoby Brissett to keep them in playoff contention in case Lamar Jackson (right thumb) can return late in the season. But it would be difficult to have much faith in their fading postseason chances -- 2.7%, according to ESPN Analytics -- if Baltimore becomes the first team in 12 years to lose in primetime to a team that's 0-8 or worse."

The 2.7% playoff probability underscores how much ground Baltimore has lost. A defeat against a winless opponent would make an already difficult climb even steeper.

The rankings leave little doubt about the national view: Baltimore is running out of time to change its season. Brissett's arrival may help, but the Ravens need a complete response Monday night.