After a few dull seasons, the Baltimore Ravens become one of the NFL’s best offensive again last season.
Baltimore ranked fifth in pass offensive efficiency (as determined by FTN’s DVOA), first in rush offense efficiency, fourth in points, sixth in yards, fourth in the share of possessions that resulted in a score or field goal, and fourth overall in offensive efficiency.
Lamar Jackson was able to enjoy another MVP-caliber season thanks to new weapons like Odell Beckham Jr., Keaton Mitchell, Nelson Agholor, and Zay Flowers. This was the Ravens quarterback’s second consecutive year winning the MVP award. Todd Monken was the new coordinator.
In 2024, Jackson will once more have Derrick Henry, a former Tennessee Titans standout, at his side. And once more, according to head coach John Harbaugh, the offense will change.
“There’s no doubt about it—it’ll look different,” Harbaugh stated through the team’s official website. “Keeping things moving is the one thing we really believe in. It will never remain the same.”
Instead of altering how they employ Jackson, the Ravens intend to build on last year’s performance by integrating Henry and his special skill set, and let that adjustment lead to advancements in the offense as a whole.
“Lamar is going to play the way Lamar plays, and that’s what I’m for,” Harbaugh said. “I love the way he plays the game. I think he’s intuitive and intelligent, just a phenomenal football player. He sees the game in very unique ways and very smart ways, so I’m for him playing the way he plays. I think that Derrick Henry being there, plus Lamar, plus the other guys, it’s a good formula.”
To be more precise, the club won’t start using run-pass option (RPO) more frequently in an attempt to force opponents to consider Jackson and Henry’s danger on every play. You want opponents to be aware of it, but if you rely too much on it, it can limit your passing options because it reduces your ability to throw deep into the field, which is where Jackson shines.
“I think we’re in the right place with our RPOs,” Harbaugh said. “I don’t think it’s something that we’re going to like go wholesale towards, because Lamar has got so many different ways he plays the game, and there are other things we like to do, to be honest with you.
“I don’t see us going towards like [a] specific offense that runs those more than anybody else. RPOs will be a part of what we’re doing, for sure, but they’re not going to be the main part of what we’re doing.”
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