The Offensive Line Is A Key To the Baltimore Ravens Success
Related Story: Film Study: A Deeper Look At Ronnie Stanley
The Baltimore Ravens want to get back to their identity with their offense. They want to get the run game going and be the most physical team in the National Football League. If the Ravens offense can create big plays in the rushing attack, it will set up big plays in the passing game as well. But none of that is possible without a great performing offensive line. Therefore the Ravens offensive line is not only protecting Joe Flacco; they’re protecting the Ravens high hopes for the 2016 season.
How They Line Up
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The right side of the Ravens offensive line is not concerning at all. Marshall Yanda is one of the most reliable guards in the NFL. Rick Wagner has been a studly right tackle. At the center position Jeremy Zuttah is a solid starter. The questions really start to pop up on the left side of the line.
It is presumable that the Ravens will start Ronnie Stanley at the left tackle position. This became obvious when the Ravens parted ways with Eugene Monroe. As injury plagued as he was, Monroe was a starting caliber left tackle. The Ravens first round draft pick is the only sensible starter at the left tackle position that won’t shake the line up.
That leaves one unclaimed starting job. Which player will the Ravens plug in the left guard spot? There are some interesting options here. The safest choice would be John Urschel. The Ravens know what Urschel brings to the table, he’s started 10 games in the last two seasons. Ryan Jensen and Alex Lewis are also players that the Ravens could choose.
The chances are good that Urschel will win the job, but he will have to earn it. Being the mathematical wizard that he is, Urschel could probably tell you the exact probability of him starting. Urschel is the most proven player the Ravens have vying for the spot.
How They Will Perform:
There will be growing pains from Ronnie Stanley. He is a rookie left tackle, the speed of the game at that position is hard for anyone to adjust to. The key is Stanley has to stay in the moment. He’ll get beat from time to time. Every week of his rookie season, a defensive end will show him something he has never seen before; that’s the nature of the beast. While the offensive line is the key to the Ravens overall success; Ronnie Stanley is the key to the offensive line’s success.
If Stanley can hold his wait at the most paramount position, the offensive line will be just fine. The Ravens have the perfect offensive linemen for what they want to do. All of the linemen are quick footed, and they can really move, utilizing the zone blocking scheme. You don’t have to worry about Zuttah. You know exactly what you’re getting from Yanda. Wagner is a phenomenal run blocker. With Stanley just doing okay, the Ravens offensive line could be a real strength for this team.
Is There A Plan B?
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Depth has been a problem for the Ravens in the past up front for the offense. In 2013 it was a disaster that crippled the team. Last season it wasn’t pretty. The biggest question for the Ravens is do they have a plan B? What happens if an injury or two causes some shuffling?
The good news is that the Ravens have plenty of linemen who can play multiple positions. Yanda can play anything at a Pro Bowl level. Wagner may actually be better suited to be a guard any way, so moving him inside isn’t problematic. Alex Lewis was a tackle in college and projects best at guard in the pros. John Urschel can play center if he is needed to. Ryan Jensen can play tackle, guard or center. The Ravens have plenty of versatility.
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Hopefully the Ravens offensive line does not need a plan B, but the Ravens will be flexible on the offensive line if they have to be. Overall, the offensive line looks to be one of the Ravens surest position groupings.