The Baltimore Ravens offense has some kinks to work out still. Here are three things the offense needs to start doing immediately:
1. Getting Devin Duvernay the ball:
Good things happen when Devin Duvernay has the football in his hand. Duvernay had a kickoff return for a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs, and if that breakaway speed should motivate Greg Roman to get the rookie receiver the football. Duvernay is doing great as a kickoff returner. He’s averaged 34 yards a pop on seven returns. He always sets the Ravens up with decent field position, and hasn’t made a bad moment as a return specialist yet. He’s only had five receptions, though he’s looked good when his name is called in the passing game. Duvernay may not become the number one receiver or anything, but he could give Baltimore a boost.
Against the Washington Football Team, Duvernay had just one catch for four yards. He did have one pass he couldn’t pull in, yet Randy Moss may not have caught that one, so that wasn’t on him. Duvernay is known for being a sure handed receiver. At Texas, a dropped pass was a very rare occurrence for Devin Duvernay. There’s no harm in getting Duvernay involved in the offense. He’s going to catch the football, and he’s going to do something with the opportunity. That’s all that matters.
Willie Snead may have more of a polished route tree, maybe even a better chemistry with Lamar Jackson, but Duvernay could be a shot in the arm of the passing game. Get him the ball on screens, crossing routes, slants, it doesn’t matter how you do it. The key should be increasing the yards after the catch by getting Duvernay in the open field with the football. Duvernay could make things easier for Jackson in the passing game.