With All-Pro guard Marshal Yanda now out for the remainder of the 2017 season, it is imperative the Ravens address the offensive line.
As if the Ravens haven’t suffered enough injuries this season, now the Ravens lose their best player in Marshal Yanda to an ankle injury. This injury is a massive blow to an already lack-luster offensive line. The Ravens need to do something to lessen the blow.
What are the Ravens options? At this point in the season, the first thing the Ravens need to do is assess where this team is going. And as it stands right now, this team is going to the playoffs.
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That means the Ravens should explore trade options throughout the league. The first team I would call? The Buffalo Bills.
The Bills have been sellers all offseason, and I’m sure they’d be more than willing to part ways with Pro Bowl guard Richie Incognito. Incognito is a veteran in the NFL who has a nastiness the Ravens could use on the offensive line. At 34-years old, Incognito would certainly be a short-term solution. However, with how much the Ravens have run the ball this season (70 attempts by running backs through two games), he would be a very wise investment for Baltimore. Considering his age, the Ravens could potentially get Incognito at a discounted price.
There are certainly other options the Ravens could explore. They could trade for a smaller name like the Jets James Carpenter. Carpenter is a name I have brought up before. He is a big body who could bring a mammoth like presence to the offensive line. Similarly to Incognito, Carpenter could come at a discounted price.
Bottom line:
Thanks to Marty Mornhimweg, the Ravens have committed to the run and it has benefited the offense mightily. The Ravens can bleed out the clock while breaking the will of the defense. If recently acquired Alex Collins can continue to perform like he did today, the Ravens have three very capable running backs.
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Even besides that, the Ravens need to keep a clean pocket for Joe Flacco to work with. It is absolutely vital that the Ravens keep number 5 upright.
The Ravens will ask for guys like Ronnie Stanley to step up and become the leader of the offensive line. The fate of the 2017 season is entirely dependent on how the Ravens attempt to fix the offensive line. Whether it’s a trade or a free agency signing, the Ravens need to make a splash.