The Baltimore Ravens may end up with a top 10 draft pick, a reward for being terrible in 2015. It has never been more important to have a strong offseason. With that in mind, here are a few New Years resolutions for the purple and black.
Getting Joe Some Weapons
Jan 10, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) celebrates after the Ravens
The good news is that the Ravens have a franchise quarterback in Joe Flacco. The bad news is that doesn’t have enough weapons around him. Now the Ravens could not have predicted that their first round draft pick, Breshard Perriman would be sidelined due to a knee injury. The Steve Smith Sr. injury didn’t help either. That being said the Ravens have no game changer on the outside for Flacco to throw to.
One option for the Ravens is drafting a wide receiver with their early draft pick. There are three game changers at the receiver position in this draft class: LaQuan Treadwell, Corey Coleman and Josh Doctson. Treadwell has a Julio Jones like frame, he is fast as lightning and he can catch anything. Ozzie Newsome should want him badly.
Changing the offense
I’m just going to go out and say it, I cannot stand Marc Trestman as an offensive coordinator. I’m sure the former CFL and Bears head coach is a great guy, but his third down play calling is tragically bad. Why would you have your receivers run a three yard route on third and long? Why would you do it over and over again.
May 28, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Marc Trestman walks off the field after the OTA at the Under Armour Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Flacco is a great quarterback but he needs an offense that fits him. He is a bit of a gunslinger, he has the rocket arm and everything. He is not a dink and dunk passer, and he cannot get into a rhythm in Trestman’s predictable short passing attack.
The Ravens are built to be a run first team. Kelechi Osemele and Marshall Yanda (An elite guard combo that must tried to be retained) are perfect for the zone blocking system. The rushing attack was mediocre under Jim Caldwell and Trestman, however is was stellar with Gary Kubiak’s guidance. Obviously the offensive coordinator has a huge impact on the ground game.
Getting Aggressive On Defense
The Ravens were once all about defense. They were once aggressive and dominant. Opponents used to fear facing the Ravens. Right now opponents aren’t even uncomfortable on third and long. Dean Pees defense is softer than Santa Clause is making the naughty and nice list. Just about every kid gets toys and just about every team has their way with the Ravens defense.
The problem is that Pees aggressive nature only comes out in desperation and it is as see through as a window. The Ravens have gotten to the passer with elite pass rushers in his tenure, not with elaborate scheme. Too often he sinks into a conservative Cover 3 to get chewed up slowly.
Next: Baltimore Ravens: 5 Reasons To Appreciate Joe Flacco
The Ravens defense must be what it once was, a high-risk but high reward form of organized chaos. Yes talent level and injuries have hindered the Ravens defense, but so has Pees. Pees can call a wonderful game but these wonderful performances are muddled in a pile of lackluster ones.
The Ravens unquestionably have been depleted by the injury bug. They have to replenish talent at key positions as well. However it ultimately boils down to the Ravens controlling what the Ravens can control. If they cannot do that, their offseason improvements may go to waste.