Last season, the Baltimore Ravens showcased one of the NFL's most formidable offenses. The team racked up the sixth-most yards and the fourth-most points in the league. The Ravens' offensive efficiency was highlighted by their fourth-place ranking in FTN's DVOA metrics. Additionally, the team finished tied for eighth in Tru Media's version of EPA per play.
Lamar Jackson's Standout Season
Central to Baltimore's offensive prowess was the stellar play of quarterback Lamar Jackson. Jackson earned the second MVP award of his career, solidifying his status as one of the elite players in the NFL. Over 16 starts, Jackson led the Ravens to an impressive 13-3 record. His throwing accuracy was noteworthy, completing 67.2% of his passes and averaging 8.0 yards per attempt. Jackson also threw for 24 touchdowns against just 7 interceptions.
Jackson's dual-threat capability made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. He rushed 148 times for 821 yards and 5 touchdowns, adding another dimension to the Ravens' multifaceted attack. This combination of passing and rushing prowess made Jackson a unique and invaluable asset to the Ravens' offense.
Increased Responsibilities for Jackson
Looking ahead, the Ravens are poised to place even more responsibility on Jackson's shoulders. Jackson has expressed a desire to take on more duties, particularly in making audibles at the line of scrimmage. This shift would allow him to read defenses and make adjustments on the fly, enhancing the team's offensive dynamism.
Quarterbacks coach Tee Martin sees expanding Jackson's role as a natural progression. "It's like that smart kid in the classroom—you can't allow them to get bored," Martin said via ESPN. "You have to constantly add things, tweaks, and responsibilities."
Martin believes that giving Jackson more autonomy will elevate the Ravens' offense to new heights. By varying his cadence and utilizing different verbal and non-verbal signals, Jackson can keep defenses on their toes and potentially draw more offsides penalties. Last season, the Ravens' offense induced an opponent offsides only once, a statistic they aim to improve upon.
Strategic Adjustments and Future Goals
The Ravens hope that these strategic adjustments will propel them to greater success. "It has been a tool in the past, and we're just going to continue to take it to the next level," Martin said. The ultimate goal for Baltimore is clear: to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl.
While their offense is already one of the most potent in the league, the Ravens see room for improvement. By tweaking their approach and giving Jackson more control, they position themselves as strong AFC contenders. "From us watching film and getting into games, teams changing things up on us, we just want to add extra layers to all of our calls," Jackson stated.
The Ravens' success will largely hinge on Jackson’s ability to adapt and thrive with his expanded role. The combination of his individual talent and increased responsibility could make Baltimore a formidable force in the coming seasons. "Lamar is outstanding at it, whether we're going non-verbal on the road or whether we're going verbal at home," Martin added. "We have a lot of different ones that give us an advantage so that people don't know when we're snapping the ball and slowing them down a little bit."
Poised for a Breakthrough
As the Ravens gear up for the upcoming season, their focus is clear: To finally break through to the Super Bowl. With Jackson at the helm, supported by a robust offensive strategy and a talented coaching staff, Baltimore has every reason to be optimistic. By fine-tuning their approach and leveraging Jackson’s unique skill set, the Ravens aim to dominate the AFC and make a deep playoff run.
In conclusion, the Baltimore Ravens are not just resting on their laurels; they are actively seeking ways to improve and innovate. Whether it's through increased responsibilities for Lamar Jackson or strategic adjustments on the field, the Ravens are committed to making their mark and reaching the pinnacle of NFL success.