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After a negative first campaign in 6 seasons (!), the Ravens want to bounce back in 2022.
For this, they hope to be less affected by injuries. As well as finding their fundamentals in attack.
Last season: 8-9, no playoffs
Movements in the off-season
Notable arrivals: Marcus Williams (S), Michael Pierce (DT), Kyle Fuller (CB), Morgan Moses (OT)
Re-signatures : Patrick Ricard (FB), Calais Campbell (DE), Justin Houston (Edge), Tony Jefferson (S), Tyler Huntley (QB)
Draft : Kyle Hamilton (S), Tyler Linderbaum (OC), David Ojabo (Edge), Travis Jones (DT), Daniel Faalele (OT), Jalyn Armour-Davis (CB), Charlie Kolar (TE), Jordan Stout (P), Isaiah Likely (TE), Damarion Williams (CB), Tyler Badie (RB)
Notable losses: Brandon Williams (DT), Anthony Averett (CB), Levi Wallace (CB), Hollywood Brown (WR), Alejandro Villanueva (OT), Sam Koch (P), Jaylon Ferguson (RIP)
The Ravens’ 2022 draft was one of the best of 32 franchises. Leaders used several strategies. They first took the best player available in Kyle Hamilton with pick 14. They also prepared for the future with the selections of Daniel Faalele, tackle to be developed behind Morgan Moses and with cornerback Jalyn Armour-Davis for the after Marcus Peters. 3rd strategy, they also filled needs with the choices of center Tyler Linderbaum and punter Jordan Stout.
And while improving a weakness is important, enhancing a strength is often a winning tactic. That’s what they did with the picks of defensive-tackle Travis Jones and two tight-ends. Already excellent against the ground game, the Baltimore defense has thus acquired a young and powerful run-stopper to be included in their rotation. Already possessing one of the best in his position in Mark Andrews, the arrivals of complementary Charlie Kolar (good in the end zone) and Isaiah Likely (fast) ensure continuity in the position of tight-end. Another strategy: take advantage of an opportunity. That of seeing the edge rusher David Ojabo available in the 2nd round. Athletic monster, his injury before the Draft prevented him from hearing his name called during the first round.
Yes the spa Masterclass attached to the Ravens’ draft will have to resist over time, the players selected as well as the use of several approaches, makes it already very exciting.
Before that, the free agency had been the scene of a first big blow, with the arrival of the excellent Marcus Williams on the post of safety.
The strong points)
Third ground attack in yards per game in 2021. Yet the task was not easy due to injuries: the two main runners JK Dobbins and Gus Edwards for the whole season, Lamar Jackson for five games. So how, without his best assets, could the Ravens have performed so well on the run? Mainly thanks to the diagrams of the offensive coordinator Greg Roman.
Brief description of a game very often called upon in its attack: that said Power Read. This pattern requires two offensive linemen each to deal with a defensive lineman and two others teaming up for a two-man tackle. A tight-end is responsible for going to block on the second curtain, just like the 5th man from the offensive line. The term “read” refers to the fact that a player on the opposing defensive line finds himself free of marking, and it is up to the quarterback to “read” his intentions: if the pass-rusher swoops down on him then the quarterback will pass the ball to the runner, if the latter takes a step towards the runner, then the quarterback escapes wearing the leather.
For the small illustration below, after viewing at normal speed, advice to pause and advance the cursor at your own pace, to observe the movements of the different players executing the game plan. Memo: football is above all an execution sport.
Great angle to look at the power read the Ravens used to close out the game vs TEN. Outside backer and end both in the same gap led to a run lane inside for the QB. Good block by the cut split flanker on the safety forces corner to have to make a play. pic.twitter.com/kOaSW6h0sT
— XandOJunkie (@Spread_it_Out) January 14, 2021
With a pitcher as explosive on the run as Lamar Jackson (his portrait), the return of JK Dobbins and Gus Edwards (and Tyler Badie’s draft), the Ravens’ running game should be even better in 2022. Above all, if the Center Tyler Linderbaum justifies from his rookie season his status in the 1st round of the draft, a rare occurrence for a player in his position. And it is rumored that this attack will use more 13 Personnel, as he had done with great success in 2019: QB-RB-WR and 3 TEs. What to hammer the enemy defenses!
In Baltimore, attack and defense seem to be looking at each other in a mirror: 1st in yards conceded on the ground! Even the “advanced stats” show the Ravens’ success in this area: 2nd run stop win rate according to ESPN. And you have to: Nick Chubb (Browns), Joe Mixon (Bengals) or Najee Harris (Steelers), there is no shortage of quality runners in this AFC North division. In attack and defense, the Ravens are very effective on the ground: a very down to earth team.
The weak spots)
In 2021, the major weak point of this team was air defense. Baltimore was last in yards conceded in the air and 28th in number of interceptions, with a meager total of 9. Last on the evaluation of opposing quarterbacks when they threw more than 10 yards. 10 touchdowns conceded on aerial plays of 40 yards or more. 21 sacks less than the Pittsburgh rivals! How to win with such a poor defensive performance? This is why the leaders hastened to bring in the safety Marcus Williams.
This player combines well-above-average athletic qualities and great game intelligence. Although he is still mocked for his missed tackle which gave the Vikings a miraculous victory in January 2018, many forget that he was not while a rookie playing an away playoff game. Subsequently, he was able to win with 41 passes defended and 16 interceptions in 5 seasons with the Saints. Since his draft in 2017, no safety has been more decisive than him in the NFL: he has deflected or intercepted the ball on 27.6% of his snaps in coverage.
X Factor: Lamar Jackson (QB)
What other NFL player divides opinion so much? Sometimes mocked as a running-back to the position of quarterback, Lamar Jackson has nevertheless shown his value: a record of 37 successes for 12 defeats, or 75.5% of victories when he holds. Whether on the ground or in the air, a quarterback just has to perform. Number 8 is. But his leaders did not necessarily put him in the best conditions by exchanging Marquise Brown, his number 1 receiver. The year was however decisive because he was playing in the last year of his rookie contract.
To perform well, he will also need a better offensive line: 57 sacks conceded in 2021 (31st)! An astronomical figure for a team with a very mobile quarterback! The return of Ronnie Stanley and the arrival of Morgan Moses should help. And if after his MVP title in 2019, 2022 was again the year of Lamar Jackson?
Player to watch: Rashod Bateman (WR)
After a season of learning, receiver Rashod Bateman must now weigh in on the matches, like a choice of the 1st round of the draft (choice 27 in 2021). Even more after the departure of Hollywood Brown. In 2021, he had missed the first 5 games of the season, then it was quarterback Lamar Jackson who missed the last 4. Automatisms between the two could therefore not develop. The Ravens are pinning a lot of hope on that relationship in 2022.
“We think he will be a big improvement in 2022. He was our 1st round pick in 2021 and he will show why. “said manager Eric De Costa at a press conference during the NFL Combine.
For this, Rashod Bateman benefits from pre-season preparation, when he had missed it in 2021. Enough to perfect his game and especially the chemistry with his quarterback. Running his lines with precision and possessing reliable hands, he is the one who must complete the contribution of tight-end Mark Andrews. The squad is very young with also Devin Duvernay, Tyler Wallace and James Proche. Rashod Bateman must become the leader, to be this “receiver of possession” who advances the chains with each match.
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In summary
Inspired by the Cincinnati rivals, they claim to be the franchise no one expects but goes after. With quality coaching staff and a few top talent players, the Ravens have all the makings of a winning team.
If they were to fail, then bound to be disappointed, fans would say, “Tear your beak from my heart and cast your specter away from my door!” (“The Raven”, Edgar Allan Poe). Supporting a team is like this: feeling the feeling of victory or wanting to throw away these losers who represent me.