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5 Reasons The Baltimore Ravens Missed The Playoffs

By Chris Schisler

Dec 25, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) has his fasemask grabbed while he extends the ball across the goal line to score the game winning touchdown against Baltimore Ravens strong safety Eric Weddle (32) in the fourth quarter. The Steelers won 31-27 at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 25, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) has his fasemask grabbed while he extends the ball across the goal line to score the game winning touchdown against Baltimore Ravens strong safety Eric Weddle (32) in the fourth quarter. The Steelers won 31-27 at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 22, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback coach Marty Mornhinweg (left) talks with Philadelphia Eagles vice president of football operations Howie Roseman (right) during warm ups before a game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 22, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback coach Marty Mornhinweg (left) talks with Philadelphia Eagles vice president of football operations Howie Roseman (right) during warm ups before a game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Not Playing To Strengths

The Ravens have two really good running backs but you wouldn’t know it by looking at statistics. The Ravens barely used their running backs. Joe Flacco has led the NFL in passing attempts. Terrance West only had three games with 20 rushing attempts or more. In four games this season he didn’t even take 10 hand-offs. The Ravens offensive ineptitude is explained by two bad offensive coordinators ignoring the strength of the team.

Joe Flacco should not be throwing it 45 times a game. Flacco also needs to be rolled out of the pocket and to be given play-calls that fit his strengths. It’s impossible not to love Kenneth Dixon, but pass protection is something he’s horrible at right now. These are just a few examples of how the Ravens offensive strategy refused to put players in their comfort zone.

Some things are cliché for a reason. Think players not plays is always good advice. Marty Mornhinweg and Marc Trestman have tried to fit square pegs into round holes. The offense has struggled because of it.

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