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Baltimore Ravens: The keys to this breakout season

By Noah Zomback

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - NOVEMBER 17: Quarterback Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans is sacked by outside linebacker Matt Judon #99 of the Baltimore Ravens during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium on November 17, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - NOVEMBER 17: Quarterback Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans is sacked by outside linebacker Matt Judon #99 of the Baltimore Ravens during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium on November 17, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – NOVEMBER 17: Patrick Ricard #42 of the Baltimore Ravens takes the field prior to the game against the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium on November 17, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – NOVEMBER 17: Patrick Ricard #42 of the Baltimore Ravens takes the field prior to the game against the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium on November 17, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images) /

The tight end trio and the fullback:

One of the biggest keys to this Ravens offensive success has been the play of the three-headed tight end monster: Mark Andrews, Hayden Hurst, and Nick Boyle. As previously mentioned, Greg Roman has been using these three guys in ways no opposing defenses can plan for. The schemes he draws up in order to achieve the top running offense in the league all start with the blocking from the tight end position.

He usually has at least two on the field at once, sometimes using all three to create an eight man offensive line. With Nick Boyle standing 6’4″ 270 pounds, he is essentially another offensive lineman on the field for the Ravens. Andrews is more of a receiving option but he loves to set the big block. Hayden Hurst has been doing it all. He’s making seemingly every play that comes his way, while also proving to be an elite blocker at his position. Lamar Jackson, Mark Ingram and Gus Edwards all took advantage of the offensive mismatches this week as the team combined for 263 rushing yards on 36 attempts.

One of the most underrated players in the NFL this season has been fullback/defensive tackle, Pat Ricard. He is becoming a fan favorite in Baltimore, and for obvious reasons. Ricard now has over 100 snaps on both sides of the football. He has been the lead blocker for Jackson and Ingram at the fullback position, but he has also been plugging up gaps as a defensive tackle every now and then. Standing 6’3″ and weighing nearly 300 pounds, Pat Ricard is a force to be reckoned with; and you do not want to get in his way. Last week against the Bengals he had his first career sack which he immediately celebrated without knowing the ball was knocked out and recovered for a touchdown by his teammate Tyus Bowser. Ricard is just another Ravens player paving a new path for future athletes to follow in his footsteps.

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