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Why Jeremy Maclin is a big addition for the Ravens

By Chris Schisler

Dec 18, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Jeremy Maclin (19) and running back Spencer Ware (32) react after a play during the second half of the game against the Tennessee Titans at Arrowhead Stadium. The Titans won 19-17. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Jeremy Maclin (19) and running back Spencer Ware (32) react after a play during the second half of the game against the Tennessee Titans at Arrowhead Stadium. The Titans won 19-17. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Baltimore Ravens just got a lot better with the addition of Jeremy Maclin:

The reason Jeremy Maclin becoming a Raven is a big deal, is that the offense just needs to be average. The defense looks like it will dominant; it’s going to be hard to score against the Ravens. The offense has to be better than last season, but that’s not a high bar to reach. Maclin’s addition makes an average offense possible.

It may not be the most exciting take, but its the truth. The Ravens just need to do enough on offense to let their defense bring W’s to Baltimore. If Flacco finds himself in a renaissance and the ground game gets rolling, we could see a prolific offense from Baltimore. These are big “ifs” for an offense called by Marty Mornhinweg.

Last season the purple and black had a top 10 defense. This offseason the Ravens made 10 good moves to improve that defense. You don’t have to be good at math to see what’s adding up. There is not one reason the defense should fail. Barring a bunch of injuries, defensive dominance is a sure thing.

Must Read: Jeremy Maclin to Baltimore: 3 big things

Last year, the Ravens had the least efficient passing offense in the league. Despite this, they won eight games and had a legitimate shot at the playoffs, down the stretch. At the very least, Maclin will replace Steve Smith Sr.’s production. In the best case scenario, Maclin gives Baltimore even more than that.

The Ravens offense lost a lot this offseason. Now, the Ravens have at least made up for some key departures. Hopefully the offense will take the next step. The good news is that it shouldn’t be any worse at the receiver position.

Before the Ravens made this move, the Ravens were looking at their thinnest receiving group of all-time. Mike Wallace was coming off a productive season, but Perriman caught just 33 passes. Behind Perriman there wasn’t anybody the Ravens could really count on. Maclin and Wallace give the team two veteran receivers to count on. Perriman and a group of tight ends will round out the passing attack.

Next: Realistic expectations for Ravens passing game

The Ravens needed to make this move. It’s not going to turn the offense into a juggernaut, but it should help a great deal. The offense just needs to be average with this defense, anything beyond that is gravy.

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