Baltimore
Ravens
2018 Record: (10-6) 1st AFC North
2018 Season Recap:
Offense
Points: 24.3 (13th)
Yards: 374.9 (9th)
Pass Yards: 222.4 (22nd)
Rush Yards: 152.6 (2nd)
Defense
Points: 17.9 (2nd)
Yards: 292.9 (1st)
Pass Yards: 210.0 (5th)
Rush Yards: 82.9 (4th)
When we go back and review the Ravens 2018 campaign, it
all begins with how the road was paved not necessarily how the road was traveled.
The Ravens under general manager Ozzie Newsome have
continued to build and reload this roster with typically the same road map each
and every year. That formula has consisted of having a top notch defensive
unit, while employing a run attack that could control the clock and wear the
opposition down. While that template was once again used this season, one
difference altered the approach. That future outlook moved to the direction of
young, dynamic, electrifying rookie quarterback Lamar Jackson.
When the season began, it was obvious that Joe Flacco
would continue as the Ravens starting quarterback, but many dropped the opinion
that Lamar would see time before seasons end.
The Ravens started the first nine games of the year
looking rather uninspired while keeping pace in the playoff race and holding a
record of 4-5 entering their bye week (week 10). The common thread among all
pro sports veterans is; ‘never let a rookie take your job’. Unfortunately for
Joe Flacco, encoring a hip injury ultimately derailed the rest of his season as
Jackson was given the keys to the car and he never gave them back.
Lamar provided a spark to this offense that opposing
defenses had an extremely difficult time stopping, as the zone read and pass
options were worked into this offense perfectly. It’s not to say the Lamar
didn’t struggle in his first NFL action, but he did more than enough to keep
the Ravens winning. Jackson and the Ravens found their way to secure victories
in 6 of the last 7 contests to stamp their ticket to the postseason as AFC
North division winners.
While the postseason contest didn’t go as planned,
Jackson was stifled against a fabulous game plan from the Chargers which sent
them to begin offseason activates earlier then they had hoped.
2019
Offseason WorkBook:
The
Coaching Staff
The minute the Ravens season was over; media outlets
began to speculate over the future of long tenured head coach John Harbaugh. Some
believed that the Denver Broncos would target the decorated sideline boss in
hopes to coax him to entertain switching teams.
After all was said and done, Harbaugh and the Ravens
announced another contract extension, this time locking up his services for at
least the next four years. With consistency comes comradery and Baltimore will
again continue down the path of similarity in both offense and defense.
One large change over on the Ravens coaching staff
occurred when Marty Morningweg decided to part ways leaving Baltimore to
promote Greg Roman to the position of offensive coordinator. Roman has a clear
track record with mobile quarterbacks from his time in San Francisco and
Buffalo. One knock can be placed on Roman from past experience showing his lack
of creativity and ability to adapt when situations go astray. Hopefully for the
Ravens, Greg has learned from his past and will be able to correct those
inadequacies.
The
Offense
BREAKING NEWS on the offensive front for the
Ravens! New reports have confirmed that Baltimore has just traded long time
starter Joe Flacco to the Denver Broncos in exchange for mid-round draft pick compensation.
This move shouldn’t come as much of surprise to any of
us, as the writing was on the wall for Joe to be playing for another organization
in 2019. Not only does this trade remove all speculation for the future of
Lamar Jackson, it shows that new general manager (DeCosta) is ready to hook his
trailer to the young quarterback for the long term.
Now that the quarterback situation is settled in Baltimore,
continuing to build the offense will be paramount this offseason in hopes to
increase levels in the passing game, while not missing a step in the run
attack. As the year progressed, having a multi-back approach drove this unit
and should again contend for top rankings with Lamar running as well. While
some media outlets have suggested that the Ravens may entertain upgrading the
running back position this offseason, the crew of runners they have on the
roster are no slouch. Adding depth to the running back room will all but be a formality
in the draft and or the free agent market.
Our intrigue increases that much more when we review
the receiving core that the Ravens currently employ. Signing a plethora of big
name talent last offseason somewhat fell by the wayside, as finding full blow
chemistry didn’t naturally materialize. Michael Crabtree was a shell of his
former self while Willie Snead couldn’t muster anything of great value. The bright
spot did come from the speedster John Brown, but he too witnessed a drop off
when Jackson found his way behind center.
This offense should continue to build around the skillset
of Lamar Jackson, meaning, we could again see a run heavy offensive approach in
hopes that Lamar will find his stride in the pass game.
The
Defense
When we think of the Baltimore Ravens we think of
smash mouth defense that can stifle any offense in the NFL.
Last year’s edition definitely impressed us as we
thought this unit might see something of a decline with aging talent still
employed, but the Ravens brain trust has retooled this unit perfectly. Terrell
Suggs continued his tear but this time placed in a role more suited to keeping
him fresh while providing the younger players greater opportunity.
Out infatuation for the defense comes from the
secondary as we are completely smitten with the prospects of this group getting
even better. Having our reservations on Marlon Humphrey, he impressed us with
his fabulous play showing he can lock down opposing receivers and dish out
punishment with solid tackling. Eric Weddle was a machine on the field as well,
proving he still is one of the best safeties in the NFL.
For a unit that was able to generate top five rankings
in all defensive statistical categories, we absolutely love the potential of
this group improving and continuing their dominating play in 2019.
Team
Free Agents / Team Salary Cap
Heading into the free agent portion of the offseason,
the Ravens have 19 players looking for new contracts with some big names on the
list.
First, team leader Terrell Suggs at age 36 has voiced
his opinion in hopes to remain on the club to ultimately retire as a Raven. While
the skillset is diminishing, Suggs could find his way to a lesser deal while
playing out one final season.
Big names that Baltimore may want to bring back
include; line backer CJ Mosley, who is a staple for this defensive side and
would be greatly missed if allowed to move to the open market. Trading Joe
Flacco to create more cap space should allow the Ravens to offer up a hefty
raise to the talented star. Receiver John Brown is another player that should warrant
consideration, as he again proved he could play at the highest levels while
limiting his time in the medical room.
Outside of that; Alex Collins, Ty Montgomery, Brent
Urban, should all get a long look over from general manager Eric DeCosta, but
could find their way to the open market if price points aren’t favorable.
Now that the Ravens have removed Flacco off the books,
while encoring a healthy 16 million in dead cap, they have cleared up a
whopping 50 million (+$50,203,799) to make this club even more competitive in
the new year. Rumors have risen that Baltimore may be interested in Mark Ingram
to lead the backfield which could displace a large number of that cap space.
The Ravens are in great shape in terms of money, as we could envision a number
of moves to this roster that could garner even more room.
Jimmy Smith and Eric Weddle could be sent packing with
nearly 25 million tied up in the two players with only 8 million to sacrifice
in lost funds. Michael Crabtree is another player that has made headlines as a
possible cut candidate, with an extra 5 million that could be added to the
books if Baltimore chooses to remove him from the team.
All-in-all, this club has many options and sound depth
to make big moves this offseason in hopes to once again contend for a Super
Bowl. We really like the prospects moving forward.
The
NFL Draft
As of today,
Baltimore currently holds 6 selections in this year’s draft, missing their 2nd
and 7th round picks while gaining and extra 6th to round
out the collection.
This draft
will be very interesting for Baltimore as it will be the first without Ozzie
Newsome since 2002, as the reins of the general manager position was given to his
assistant Eric DeCosta. Even though the two have worked closely for several
years, the stamp may look a little different in DeCosta’s eyes then it did with
Newsome.
Typically we
could predict the Ravens moving forward with another defensive heavy draft
class in hopes to replenish some aging talent, but we could witness a changing
of the guard with more offensive prowess to assist their young quarterback. We
will keep a keen eye on how this draft develops for Baltimore.
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