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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: Mike Wallace
BALTIMORE, MD – OCTOBER 01: Mike Wallace /

Find ways to convert on third down

The Ravens’ offense is 24th in the league in converting on third downs, with a paltry 36.73% conversion rate. They simply cannot sustain drives.

Per Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun, “Of Ravens’ 48 offensive drives this year (not counting kneel down at end of Browns game), 22 of them have lasted three plays or less.”

That is absolutely absurd that almost half of the Ravens’ drives are quick three-and-outs. The Ravens’ defense knows this fact all too well, since they’ve been on the field for long stretches at a time, with the team ranked 21st in the league in time of possession.

So how do the Ravens start converting third downs and keep the opposing offense off the field?

Well let’s start with down and distance first.

The Ravens simply don’t do much on first and second down. They don’t try to hit deep or intermediate passes and seem keen in having to convert on third down on every possession.

What’s even worse is that when they are faced with third and long, the Ravens don’t even try to throw routes beyond the sticks. They rely on receivers catching the ball and getting enough yards after catch to convert. They have ZERO (!) completions on deep passes on third down, and just two deep completions all year.

How does a three yard pass on third down with tight man coverage make any sense? How do you have a quarterback with possibly the strongest arm in the NFL averaging just 5.1 yards an attempt!?

The Ravens need to find ways to convert on third downs.

  • Why not use Michael Campanaro in space on short option routes?
  • Perhaps use some deep drops and have Wallace and Perriman break back to the quarterback before the corners can turn around.
  • Run some crossing routes out of bunched formations to free up guys in the middle of the field.
  • Heck just find a one-on-one match-up on the outside and take advantage of Perriman and Wallace’s ability to separate from defenders.
  • Screens are always an option as well, cleverly getting explosive players like Alex Collins and Buck Allen in space will result in good things happening.
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