Ebony Bird
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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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LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 24: Benjamin Watson of the Baltimore Ravens breaks through Blair Brown of the Jacksonville Jaguars turnover score a touchdown during the NFL International Series match between Baltimore Ravens and Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium on September 24, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 24: Benjamin Watson of the Baltimore Ravens breaks through Blair Brown of the Jacksonville Jaguars turnover score a touchdown during the NFL International Series match between Baltimore Ravens and Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium on September 24, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images) /

Run Some No-Huddle and Keep Reads Simple for Flacco

Every quarterback loves to run a no-huddle offense. They have complete control of the offense and the defense doesn’t have an opportunity to substitute and usually has to play a more vanilla base defense.

Flacco is at his best when he doesn’t have to think too much, running a no-huddle attack allows him to play fast and analyze the defense before the snap. He can make adjustments with plenty of time on the play clock and check out of any play he doesn’t like.

With the weak interior of the offensive line, keeping Flacco in shotgun formation should allow for him to have more time to step up in the pocket and deliver more passes downfield.

Running a no-huddle attack keeps the defense guessing and will tire them out much faster if they can’t make the proper substitutions for each personnel set.

The Ravens have found the most success running behind RT Austin Howard (9.44 YPC), LG James Hurst (4.68 YPC), and the TE lined up next to the tackle on each side (left end – 5.73 YPC, right end – 7.67 YPC).

Collins needs the ball:

Alex Collins is the kind of running back that thrives on receiving more carries. He’s a physical and explosive runner that excels when the defense is winded so that he can impose his will. If the Ravens can get him going on early downs, it would make third down a whole lot more manageable.

The Ravens need to line up their receivers in a more creative manner in order to create space. Having differing formations with receivers bunched up or lined up on one side confuses defenses. If your receivers struggle to create space on their own, creative formations are their best friend. Just look at the Arizona Cardinals , who use trips formations to matchup their wide receivers with linebackers. Some receivers run vertical routes while creating space underneath to void the space where a safety or corner would be in zone coverage. This creates an extremely easy read for the quarterback.

The Ravens need to find clever ways to throw the ball down the field. Returning to a more vertical passing attack would allow for Flacco to play to his strengths. Having an effective running game will allow for a deeper play action attack. Completing a couple of deep passes a game will open up much more underneath.

Next: 5 Baltimore Ravens who have been the most disappointing this year

Let’s just hope the Ravens figure it out with a manageable slate of games coming up.

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