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Baltimore Ravens: First Quarter Report Cards – Offense Edition

By Jake Lippman

Sep 20, 2020; Houston, Texas, USA; Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh talks with quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) during the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 20, 2020; Houston, Texas, USA; Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh talks with quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) during the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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BALTIMORE, MD – SEPTEMBER 28: Marquise Brown #15 of the Baltimore Ravens stands on the field prior to the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at M&T Bank Stadium on September 28, 2020, in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – SEPTEMBER 28: Marquise Brown #15 of the Baltimore Ravens stands on the field prior to the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at M&T Bank Stadium on September 28, 2020, in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images) /

Wide Receivers:

Miles Boykin– 10 receptions, 111 receiving yards

Marquise Brown– 16 receptions, 242 receiving yards,

Devin Duvernay– five receptions, 42 receiving yards

Willie Snead– 10 receptions, 117 receiving yards, one receiving touchdown

I see two large issues from this group thus far. The first is concerning, but not the largest concern. These four Ravens are the only Ravens that have been targeted and they have combined for only 10 receptions a game. Rookie James Proche has barely seen the field, and veteran special teams ace Chris Moore has yet to play in a game. The Ravens have yet to use one of their practice squad call ups on a receiver for Jackson, but if one of these guys gets hurt, the team will be severely lacking in depth.

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What is more concerning is the lack of touchdowns and big plays. So far this year Willie Snead has caught one touchdown and no other receiver has caught a pass. For receivers like Brown and Boykin who should make a living on big plays with their speed. The current long is 47 yards by Brown, but if the receivers including a 6’4 Boykin can’t get into the endzone, the team’s play will not be sustainable.

Take for example the two games tight end Mark Andrews didn’t score a touchdown. Against the Houston Texans, the team was able to take care of business through the ground. Against the Kansas City Chiefs, the Ravens struggled to move the ball and looked lost. These targets were the topic of much speculation over the offseason, between chatter of a trade, Antonio Brown, or Dez Bryant talk, many were skeptical of what the Ravens had. Thus far those doubters seem to be right.

Jackson has struggled slightly in the passing game in comparison to last season and although the receivers might not be the focus of this offense; in a passing NFL you expect more. Moving forward we must see more separation, more big plays, and more success. They just need to make themselves available. Whether it’s throwing the quick game, screens, or trying to throw deep more. The Ravens must do something different or else long term success will be difficult.

Grade: C-

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