Speed Changes Everything
The Ravens offense, at least on paper now has an element that was missing in 2015: speed. Mike Wallace, Breshad Perriman and a healthy Steve Smith Sr. give a vertical threat down the field. Maybe this means Trestman will call a more inspired passing game.
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The Ravens added speed all around the offense. Benjamin Watson is a tight end whose speed and size creates mismatches. A healthy Justin Forsett joined by Buck Allen and Kenneth Dixon gives the backfield plenty of speed.
On the football field speed kills. It burns past defensive backs. It creates mismatches. Speed is the golden ticket to big plays. The Ravens have that golden ticket. Trestman has to use it.
The Ravens problems were intensified by their play-calling in their 5-11 season. The opposing defenses did not even respect the Ravens ability to throw the ball deep. Trestman kept calling short pass combinations without stretching the field. Its like pouring sugar on the ground and then complaining about the ants it attracts.
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How many passes to the fullback in the flat did we see last season? How many times did we throw a three yard pass asking the receiver to make the magic happen? These kinds of plays can be a part of your offense, but the Ravens made it the major element of their attack.
Imagine the difference that speed can make in 2016. Early and often the Ravens can show the virtue of Joe Flacco’s arm. Taking early shots to Wallace and Perriman, will give room for all the dink-and-dunking that Trestman’s heart desires. Imagine Watson running free across the field on a big third down. Imagine Kenneth Dixon making linebackers want to cry as a mismatch in the passing game.
Speed should give birth to creativity in the Ravens attack. When Trestman was the Chicago Bears head coach, it’s not like he ignored the big play capability of Alshon Jeffery and Brandon Marshall. Maybe with weapons he can trust, his play-calling can evolve from the throw it shirt of the sticks mentality.
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Only time will tell what the Ravens do offensively. You have to think that speed changes the game. If it does not make a difference, play-calling will be to blame. In the NFL speed kills. The Ravens have the speed that it takes to be dangerous.