The Baltimore Ravens don’t feel like a team easing into anything this year. Last season was very unusual, and you could see it in how they played and, honestly, in how they talked about it afterward. Rather than trying to fix the small things, they’ve gone in a different direction with new head coach Jesse Minter and new offensive coordinator Declan Doyle. And the word that keeps coming out of players’ mouths is “electric.”
What the Ravens’ New Offense Means for Mark Andrews and Zay Flowers
Lamar Jackson is still foundational to everything. That part hasn’t changed, and it probably won’t. What’s different is how much the offense leans on him to carry it. This version feels like giving him more to work with instead of asking him to create everything from scratch.
The run game is still there, but it looks different, too. Less straight into the line, more about finding space. Letting things develop for a second instead of forcing them. When it will work, it is expected to open things up without it feeling like a grind.
They’ve also moved away from the traditional fullback setup, as you’re seeing more tight ends who can do a bit of everything, block, slip out, and line up wherever they’re needed. It keeps things from getting predictable.
The offensive line is still doubtful. Losing Tyler Linderbaum isn’t something they can just replace in one night. The Ravens are mixing in new players, and it might take a while for it to feel balanced.
Tight end Mark Andrews and wide receiver Zay Flowers talked about it during Thursday’s press conference.
“Very exciting,” Andrews said. “I think just looking at the offenses in the past, it’s going to be fun. We’re going to be electric, and [I am] excited to get into this and make this offense our own.”
Last year, Andrews had to adjust a bit as he shared touches, rotated more, and fit into something that didn’t always revolve around him. This time, it is different. He is back as the main guy, but the way they’re using him isn’t as rigid.
He will be moving around more and will be finding space instead of being stuck in one spot. It feels a little more natural, like they will be letting him play to what he sees instead of boxing him into one particular role.
He’s also talked about Doyle, and the way he said it didn’t sound like someone learning a new system but someone who actually likes working in it.
Meanwhile, Flowers added, “I’m thinking the same thing: explosive. [There will be] explosive plays, and it’s going to be fun. It’s going to be fun to play in.”
Flowers has had two straight seasons with more than 1,000 yards, and he did not need much buildup to get there. According to PFSN’s WR Impact Metric, he finished last season as the seventh-best receiver in the league with an impact score of 86.2.
BE AN NFL GM: PFSN’s Ultimate GM Simulator
This offseason feels a little different for him, though. It’s less about what he’s already done and more about what he hasn’t fully tapped into yet.
More downfield work. More chances to stretch things instead of only working underneath. He’s been around Doyle a ton and has been picking up the details, trying to round things out. And there is a bit of a shift in how he carries himself, too. With a younger group around him, he’s not only another option anymore, but someone who can lead as well.
