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How to fix the Baltimore Ravens’ dysfunctional offense

By Hassan Zakai

BALTIMORE, MD - OCTOBER 01: Quarterback Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens runs out of the way to try to complete a pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - OCTOBER 01: Quarterback Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens runs out of the way to try to complete a pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MD – OCTOBER 01: Quarterback Joe Flacco
BALTIMORE, MD – OCTOBER 01: Quarterback Joe Flacco /

Play to Flacco’s strengths

The only offense Joe Flacco knew for his first five years was Cam Cameron’s “Air Coryell” Offense, a vertical attack backed up with a gap-scheme run game and deep drop play action style. While he wasn’t an All-Pro those five years, he made big plays and in turn, the Baltimore Ravens made the playoffs each of those five years.

Then in 2014 came Gary Kubiak, the coach that fit Flacco like a glove. His west coast attack is essentially the same passing offense the Ravens’ run now, but with much more clever play design. Kubiak would line receivers up in trips and stack formations in order to create space, both down the field and in the middle of the field.

Flacco is best when he can take his drop, set his feet and rip it down the field. Just look at his touchdown to Mike Wallace against Pittsburgh, Flacco drops back in the pocket, sees Wallace break open in space immediately and throws a dart right in between two players. Those are the kind of passes the Ravens need to give Joe Flacco.

Remember what he did good?

Flacco’s other main strength is his ability to make accurate throws downfield off of play action. This can only work when the running game is effective and when the Ravens throw out of the same formations they run in.

Watch this touchdown to Kamar Aiken back in 2014. Since the Ravens ripped a couple of runs with Forsett, and the Dolphins were wary that they would go back to him. The linebackers get sucked in, and Flacco has a deep drop in order to both avoid getting hit and have enough time for the route to develop. Right when he hits his back foot he lets the ball rip and it’s a perfect touchdown toss.

Flacco has weapons in Wallace, Perriman and Maclin. They just need to be able to get them in space, either through different formations or by using a much deeper drop with play action and a power running game. Flacco needs to make quick decisions and avoid holding onto the ball too long. He’s taking way too many hits and eventually he won’t be able to avoid the one that knocks him out of a game.

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