What will the offense look like in 2013?

[Ravensfan23]

Ok so the topic of how the Ravens will replace Boldin has been basically beat into the ground. Opinions range from more 2TE sets to a run first heavy offense with RR and BP leading the way. I personally think we'll see a little of everything from the Ravens and they'll be an explosively balanced offense.

 

While it's true Caldwell didn't call plays with Indy, I have to think he picked up a lot while there. I think the offense will showcase a little Cam, but a lot of the spread we saw in Indy. So in looking at some youtube highlights and stats, just comparing our current talent with some of the Colts past offenses, I came to the conclusion that the 2013 Ravens offense will could most resemble the 2004 Colts.

 

I think Joe matches Peyton's numbers almost to a T, but with about 8-10 less TDs. Of course you'd have to divide James' numbers up because RR and BP both will be productive, but from a overall numbers stand point I definitely see those 2 combining for 1852yds 10TDs the Colts had that year.

 

The biggest difference will be the WR/TEs catches. I do not see 3 with 1,000yds for the Ravens. However depending on how those catches are divided up, I can definitely see the production matching up. I see Torrey matching Wayne's numbers, Rice matching James. The others we'll see.

 

Obviously everything won't be exactly the same, but I feel it'll be pretty similar.

 

[I_Do_It_Cuz_I_Can]

Ray Rice utilized in the Slot?
I think Torrey and Pitta will have big years statistically
Flacco isn't being paid all that money to hand the ball off
It'll be interesting to see how the use Kyle J
Most likely how Raiders use Marcel Reece

[Ravensfan23]

Here is why I think the offense will be as successful as that 2004 Colts team. Of course that was a record breaking season for Peyton but I viewed it from an overall stand point not just the QB and passing game.

 

Peyton didn't really pass the ball a lot that year, he just maximized his opportunities and i definitely see that with Joe. Flacco averaged 14 yards per completion under Caldwell, Peyton was at 13.5 that year. That offense passed 527 times and ran 427 times. That's about as balanced as you can get in this league. For so long we've all be saying the Ravens need a big #1 type WR. Well Ozzie consistently adds these 6'0" 180-200lbs guys and looking at the Colts while Caldwell was there, those are the same type guys they had. I compared the talent we have to the talent the Colts had over the years and while i'm not saying that each player will produce the same way, I do see a lot of similarities. I left Marvin Harrison out because I think he's one of the best to play and I don't think we have that type game on our roster. Yet.

 

Torrey Smith 6'0" 205 - Reggie Wayne 6'0" 200. I think Torrey and Reggie have a lot of similarities and the Ravens are gonna have to use Smith in a similar fashion to take full advantage of  his speed this year as the #1 WR. Short, intermediate, middle, deep, screen etc, he has to use the full route tree because team will play him deep.

 

David Reed 6'0" 195 - Austin Collie/Anthony Gonzalez 6'0" 195. I went with the combo of Collie and Gonzalez with Reed because of that shifty and tough returner type style. Much like the Colts used those guys, I can see Reed playing inside or outside. Space in the offense is his best weapon and plays bigger then his listed size.

 

Deonte Thompson 6'0" 203 - Pierre Garcon 6'0" 213 Both guys have a solid build, above average route runners and are fast. I think DT is faster. Much like with Reed, working in space will be his dream and defenders nightmare. Short, Deep, intermediate, I think you can work the entire field with him. This highlight video doesn't really showcase what DT is capable of imo.

 

Tandon Doss 6'2" 207- Blair White 6'2" 205I used this comparison from a pure size view point and how the White was used by the Colts. I think Doss is the much better WR. He's a lot faster and shifty then he gets credit for and I think now that he's healthy he'll show it. Again another guys who will benefit from Caldwell putting these guys in space, because consistently winning 1 on 1 matchups isn't their game right now.

 

Dennis Pitta 6'4 245 - Dallas Clark 6'3" 250 The Colts did a great job of moving Clark around and allow him to take advantage of the play action moving the LBs. Pitta will greatly benefit from this as well. I don't think he plays as much slot as people thing, but he'll definitely be a favorite target of Flacco's. He'll be a matchup nightmare just like Clark was for Peyton.

 

Bernard Pierce 6'0" 218 - Edge 6'0" 219 BP is being compared to Peterson right now, but a more accurate comparison might just be Edge. Both are big physical guys with just enough speed. Do a great job of reading the blocks out of the single back set. BP is really good running behind that zone blocking and does a great job getting skinny through the holes. Quick feet and a powerful finish. I love what I see from BP. Let him run in a spread offense and it's gonna be trouble.

 

I didn't compare Rice, Jacoby and Dickson to anyone because I really can't remember the Colts having those type players. I could have used Marshall Faulk to compare with Rice but he wasn't around when Caldwell got there. I honest think Rice, Jacoby and Dickson set the offense apart because they add so much more. The Ravens have so many options that game planing to stop these guys should be a nightmare.

[I_Do_It_Cuz_I_Can]

Flacco star projection?

[K-Dog]

It will depend on the opposing defense.

[Alexir]

I think we will see a lot of Juice and Pitta for the short yardage with Jacoby and Torrey blowing the top off the defense. I just want Deonte Thompson to get on the field as well.

 

But while I think we have 3 very skilled receivers, I see a lot of 2 tight end sets or a lot of Juice moving around the field. wouldn't be shocked if he caught 40 passes this year.

[5aiah]

Here is why I think the offense will be as successful as that 2004 Colts team. Of course that was a record breaking season for Peyton but I viewed it from an overall stand point not just the QB and passing game.

 

Peyton didn't really pass the ball a lot that year, he just maximized his opportunities and i definitely see that with Joe. Flacco averaged 14 yards per completion under Caldwell, Peyton was at 13.5 that year. That offense passed 527 times and ran 427 times. That's about as balanced as you can get in this league. For so long we've all be saying the Ravens need a big #1 type WR. Well Ozzie consistently adds these 6'0" 180-200lbs guys and looking at the Colts while Caldwell was there, those are the same type guys they had. I compared the talent we have to the talent the Colts had over the years and while i'm not saying that each player will produce the same way, I do see a lot of similarities. I left Marvin Harrison out because I think he's one of the best to play and I don't think we have that type game on our roster. Yet.

 

Torrey Smith 6'0" 205 - Reggie Wayne 6'0" 200. I think Torrey and Reggie have a lot of similarities and the Ravens are gonna have to use Smith in a similar fashion to take full advantage of  his speed this year as the #1 WR. Short, intermediate, middle, deep, screen etc, he has to use the full route tree because team will play him deep.

 

David Reed 6'0" 195 - Austin Collie/Anthony Gonzalez 6'0" 195. I went with the combo of Collie and Gonzalez with Reed because of that shifty and tough returner type style. Much like the Colts used those guys, I can see Reed playing inside or outside. Space in the offense is his best weapon and plays bigger then his listed size.

 

Deonte Thompson 6'0" 203 - Pierre Garcon 6'0" 213 Both guys have a solid build, above average route runners and are fast. I think DT is faster. Much like with Reed, working in space will be his dream and defenders nightmare. Short, Deep, intermediate, I think you can work the entire field with him. This highlight video doesn't really showcase what DT is capable of imo.

 

Tandon Doss 6'2" 207- Blair White 6'2" 205I used this comparison from a pure size view point and how the White was used by the Colts. I think Doss is the much better WR. He's a lot faster and shifty then he gets credit for and I think now that he's healthy he'll show it. Again another guys who will benefit from Caldwell putting these guys in space, because consistently winning 1 on 1 matchups isn't their game right now.

 

Dennis Pitta 6'4 245 - Dallas Clark 6'3" 250 The Colts did a great job of moving Clark around and allow him to take advantage of the play action moving the LBs. Pitta will greatly benefit from this as well. I don't think he plays as much slot as people thing, but he'll definitely be a favorite target of Flacco's. He'll be a matchup nightmare just like Clark was for Peyton.

 

Bernard Pierce 6'0" 218 - Edge 6'0" 219 BP is being compared to Peterson right now, but a more accurate comparison might just be Edge. Both are big physical guys with just enough speed. Do a great job of reading the blocks out of the single back set. BP is really good running behind that zone blocking and does a great job getting skinny through the holes. Quick feet and a powerful finish. I love what I see from BP. Let him run in a spread offense and it's gonna be trouble.

 

I didn't compare Rice, Jacoby and Dickson to anyone because I really can't remember the Colts having those type players. I could have used Marshall Faulk to compare with Rice but he wasn't around when Caldwell got there. I honest think Rice, Jacoby and Dickson set the offense apart because they add so much more. The Ravens have so many options that game planing to stop these guys should be a nightmare.

I love your comparisons(how detailed they are) and you did your homework for sure, but i can't really see that comparison holding up during the season. For one we need to know who the starting WRs are but even then, Torrey isn't even as good as Reggie yet, Reed definitely doesn't stack up to collie at all, and too many big pieces left out like Rice and Dickson. I think Ravens will have a unique offense that perhaps becomes the golden standard(or at least the first step) of offense in Baltimore. The offense will go as far as the Backs and Tight Ends can take us and I think that is pretty unique. Dickson will look to get back to where he was as a leading target and primary TE and will have a pretty good year before leaving in FA and getting overpaid, but that's another story. Juice will be absolutely a key piece and should catch a lot of passes for a rookie FB. I expect to see Flacco looking downfield to Torrey on a streak after a play action fake, then to Pitta on the out or flag post, and then to Juice running the flat. That will be a staple of our offense I'm sure. I'm also expecting FB screens for Juice as well as other nifty little plays that force defenses to stay honest every down. I think in the end the WR2/3 won't factor in as much as people think and that is why our offense won't look like many others before us. Our most consistent players don't play WR and I for one think that is very Raven like and makes us too unique to compare to others. Sure the Pats have had two TEs playing out of their mind but they didn't have Ray Rice and BP. Also we have the best backfield in the NFL hands down and though Flacco continues to improve mentally he is no field general. The run game should be much better than last year with alot less 1 and 2 yard rushes all game on first down. I'm trying to think of an offense that relied so much on what we do but I am coming up blank.

[NaveSenrag]

Hopefully we'll have a more balanced offense than the Colts did. You know there's an issue with your running game when your QB throws for 49 TD.

[GrimCoconut]

Here's how I expect the offense to look:

Disclaimer: this message was generated on mobile. Please forgive crazy typos lol.

Before I begin with players I want to remember one thing I always remember about Caldwell: "Exemplify the good and minimize the bad" is what G-Unit was told about him when he came here last year and based off of what he did I think it's accurate.

So if he'll exemplify the good and minimize the bad then what is the bad? Let's look back at Cam. He would always have predictable formations and sets. He required much from the WR. Leach was in we ran. He used obvious OL formations to show a run that was stuffed. He never used the middle of the field. He played players out of position and not to their strengths. But most important is he was predictable.

What's the good? Rice is probably the best receiving RB in the league. He's an elite receiver and above average runner. Pierce has the appearance of an elite runner and above average receiver. Juszczyk looks like a versatile weapon capable of playing anywhere a TE plays. We know Pitta has sure hands. Dickson is a very good athlete who has great speed with average hands or perhaps average concentration.

Torrey Smith has elite speed with very good hands who's improved significantly on his routes. He's very close to being considered a league wide #1. He's nearly complete. Doss can work as WO or slot but he's best working the middle in the slot. Reed can play anywhere with the bonus of working on ST. JJ is an elite returner but is best working as a WO. DT has a game similar to JJ and I consider him the heir apparent for him honestly. Streeter has the size toy work anywhere. As far as I know he can only run 9 routes at this time but I wouldn't be surprised to see that change.

I expect the following:

Dickson, Pitta, Juszczyk, Rice, Reed, Doss in the slot at various points. I expect Reed, DT, Dickson, Smith, JJ, and Streeter working out wide due to their speed. Caldwell will probably want to confuse defenses by having sets with Smith, DT, JJ Streeter and Dickson on the field in 3WR 1TE sets and have Torrey play it short or intermediate with others going deep.

As for OL philosophy I think we'll see the team rotate more between a power and ZBS. We can run the power scheme well. We'll almost definitely have at least one very good blocking TE maybe two.

I also expect some backfield formations with both Pierce and Rice to confuse opponents

[Ravensfan23]

I love your comparisons(how detailed they are) and you did your homework for sure, but i can't really see that comparison holding up during the season. For one we need to know who the starting WRs are but even then, Torrey isn't even as good as Reggie yet, Reed definitely doesn't stack up to collie at all, and too many big pieces left out like Rice and Dickson. I think Ravens will have a unique offense that perhaps becomes the golden standard(or at least the first step) of offense in Baltimore. The offense will go as far as the Backs and Tight Ends can take us and I think that is pretty unique. Dickson will look to get back to where he was as a leading target and primary TE and will have a pretty good year before leaving in FA and getting overpaid, but that's another story. Juice will be absolutely a key piece and should catch a lot of passes for a rookie FB. I expect to see Flacco looking downfield to Torrey on a streak after a play action fake, then to Pitta on the out or flag post, and then to Juice running the flat. That will be a staple of our offense I'm sure. I'm also expecting FB screens for Juice as well as other nifty little plays that force defenses to stay honest every down. I think in the end the WR2/3 won't factor in as much as people think and that is why our offense won't look like many others before us. Our most consistent players don't play WR and I for one think that is very Raven like and makes us too unique to compare to others. Sure the Pats have had two TEs playing out of their mind but they didn't have Ray Rice and BP. Also we have the best backfield in the NFL hands down and though Flacco continues to improve mentally he is no field general. The run game should be much better than last year with alot less 1 and 2 yard rushes all game on first down. I'm trying to think of an offense that relied so much on what we do but I am coming up blank.

 

I'm not saying Torrey is as good as Reggie, I'm sure he'll have to be used in a similar fashion as Reggie Wayne. Again I didn't make those comparisons to say that each guy would match what the other has done in the NFL. I just used it as a opinion of how each guy could potentially be used. As much of a fan of a guy like David Reed's potential it's a reason I had to use his college tape. I'm not sure you or I have enough to go on with Reed to say if he stacks up with Collie. The whole point is those guys will get a chance to show what they have this year. 

 

The same goes for Juice. We don't know what that guy will do. It's great to predict that he'll have a large role, but how do you know he can be relied upon? Why is it such a given that we'll be able to rely on Dickson as a second TE but not Jacoby as a #2 WR? We look at Jacoby and say his 51 catches as the starting #2 WR for the Texans isn't good, but Torrey has produced about 50 catches as our #2 the last 2 season and that's been good for us. My point is, none of us know how Caldwell will run the offense. That's a great thing imo because I got tried of being able to identify plays before they happened.

 

I have to strongly disagree with Flacco not being a field general. I challenge you to go back and view the 16 home games over the last 2 seasons and tell me you don't see a general. Find reason to tell me why Flacco wasn't a field general during the playoffs the last 2 seasons. The only difference is now Caldwell will allow him to do it more, Cam only did it at home because that's when he could control all the factors. Now don't get me wrong, i'm not saying Flacco is Peyton because no one is, but if you are telling me Flacco can't run this offense then I think you've been watch the wrong games.

 

Finally the Ravens are excited about all the speed and shiftiness they have at the WR position now. I seriously doubt that Caldwell will just go away from attacking defenses at every level and resort to mainly using his TEs and FB. Now i'm not saying those guys won't have a large impact, but that's just another feature I think the Ravens will be able to attack defenses with. If you are weak in the middle with your LBs and Safeties, we can attack with our TEs and FB. But if you just can't make the speed we have on the outside, and your only defense is to back your Safeties up 10-15 yards, then guys like Reed, Doss, DT and Dickson will be able to really make you pay in that 12-18 yard range. Then you have the option of having a really strong RB tandem.

 

imo just focusing on using your TEs, FB, RB, and occasionally taking shots with Torrey is putting this offense in a box and wasting the talent. We could have kept Cam for that. I'm not saying that won't be a part of the offense. But being creative will serve much better then just going into games with basically the same game plan each week. imo.

[Ravensfan23]

Hopefully we'll have a more balanced offense than the Colts did. You know there's an issue with your running game when your QB throws for 49 TD.

 

They were one of the more balanced teams in the NFL that year. Which is one of the biggest reasons I compared this year's team to them. The other Colts teams not so much, but in 2004. Edgerring James had 334 rushes for 1,548yds 4.8ypc 9TDs. By comparison Ray Rice and Bernard Pierce in 2012 combined for 365 rushes for 1675yds 4.6ypc and 10TDs. Are you sure the Colts had an issue with their running game?

 

The 2004 Colts ran a total of 968 plays that year. They passed 527 times and ran 427 times. By comparison the 2012 Ravens ran a total of 1042 plays. Passed 560 times and ran 444 times. So what's the difference? imo the biggest difference was the Colts go the most out of their opportunities and the Ravens didn't. Trust me, I didn't just aimlessly choice the Colts because of the Caldwell connect and the hopes that the offense will be great. I did my homework and my expectations are high for these guys. But i'm sure i'm out on this limb alone lol.

[baltravens]

Ok so the topic of how the Ravens will replace Boldin has been basically beat into the ground. Opinions range from more 2TE sets to a run first heavy offense with RR and BP leading the way. I personally think we'll see a little of everything from the Ravens and they'll be an explosively balanced offense.

 

While it's true Caldwell didn't call plays with Indy, I have to think he picked up a lot while there. I think the offense will showcase a little Cam, but a lot of the spread we saw in Indy. So in looking at some youtube highlights and stats, just comparing our current talent with some of the Colts past offenses, I came to the conclusion that the 2013 Ravens offense will could most resemble the 2004 Colts.

 

I think Joe matches Peyton's numbers almost to a T, but with about 8-10 less TDs. Of course you'd have to divide James' numbers up because RR and BP both will be productive, but from a overall numbers stand point I definitely see those 2 combining for 1852yds 10TDs the Colts had that year.

 

The biggest difference will be the WR/TEs catches. I do not see 3 with 1,000yds for the Ravens. However depending on how those catches are divided up, I can definitely see the production matching up. I see Torrey matching Wayne's numbers, Rice matching James. The others we'll see.

 

Obviously everything won't be exactly the same, but I feel it'll be pretty similar.

One thing is for sure: Caldwell is a better OC than Cam. I have no worries about our offense, other than hoping Flacco can find another go-to receiver that he can develop chemistry with. Torrey, Pitta, and Jones are very good, but there still may be a void with Boldin gone.

[GrimCoconut]

One thing is for sure: Caldwell is a better OC than Cam. I have no worries about our offense, other than hoping Flacco can find another go-to receiver that he can develop chemistry with. Torrey, Pitta, and Jones are very good, but there still may be a void with Boldin gone.

Caldwell may be better or may not but one thing I'd for sure: I'm not sure we would be or have what we do if not for Cameron. He has a great involvement in our players' development. He's an excellent developer of talent. I think he'll do well at LSU

[display name]

Somebody needs to come up with a name for the Rice/Pierce RB tandem. Like just about everybody else, I think Pierce will push Rice for play time. I like Pierce as a pure runner and I think he fits in better with the Ravens' style than Rice, who we can use to catch passes. It's tough to think about, but I'm not sure Rice will be on the team in 2014.

As for the wideouts, not too worried. Pitta and Dickson will make up for Boldin.

[display name]

I think we will see a lot of Juice and Pitta for the short yardage with Jacoby and Torrey blowing the top off the defense. I just want Deonte Thompson to get on the field as well.

 

But while I think we have 3 very skilled receivers, I see a lot of 2 tight end sets or a lot of Juice moving around the field. wouldn't be shocked if he caught 40 passes this year.

I like what I've seen from Doss as well.

[Ravensfan23]

Here's how I expect the offense to look:

Disclaimer: this message was generated on mobile. Please forgive crazy typos lol.

Before I begin with players I want to remember one thing I always remember about Caldwell: "Exemplify the good and minimize the bad" is what G-Unit was told about him when he came here last year and based off of what he did I think it's accurate.

So if he'll exemplify the good and minimize the bad then what is the bad? Let's look back at Cam. He would always have predictable formations and sets. He required much from the WR. Leach was in we ran. He used obvious OL formations to show a run that was stuffed. He never used the middle of the field. He played players out of position and not to their strengths. But most important is he was predictable.

What's the good? Rice is probably the best receiving RB in the league. He's an elite receiver and above average runner. Pierce has the appearance of an elite runner and above average receiver. Juszczyk looks like a versatile weapon capable of playing anywhere a TE plays. We know Pitta has sure hands. Dickson is a very good athlete who has great speed with average hands or perhaps average concentration.

Torrey Smith has elite speed with very good hands who's improved significantly on his routes. He's very close to being considered a league wide #1. He's nearly complete. Doss can work as WO or slot but he's best working the middle in the slot. Reed can play anywhere with the bonus of working on ST. JJ is an elite returner but is best working as a WO. DT has a game similar to JJ and I consider him the heir apparent for him honestly. Streeter has the size toy work anywhere. As far as I know he can only run 9 routes at this time but I wouldn't be surprised to see that change.

I expect the following:

Dickson, Pitta, Juszczyk, Rice, Reed, Doss in the slot at various points. I expect Reed, DT, Dickson, Smith, JJ, and Streeter working out wide due to their speed. Caldwell will probably want to confuse defenses by having sets with Smith, DT, JJ Streeter and Dickson on the field in 3WR 1TE sets and have Torrey play it short or intermediate with others going deep.

As for OL philosophy I think we'll see the team rotate more between a power and ZBS. We can run the power scheme well. We'll almost definitely have at least one very good blocking TE maybe two.

I also expect some backfield formations with both Pierce and Rice to confuse opponents

 

I could definitely see this and that's what's so great. Because even though I compared them to the 2004 Colts, we could be the type of offense that set the standard of how to use different weapons. The only 2 guys I see being heavily apart of the gameplan every week is Torrey and Pitta. You want the ball in Torrey's hands because he can take a 5 yard cross 80 yards on any given play. With Pitta you know he's reliable and already has the trust of Flacco that others need to develop.

 

Then after that, I think we'll see guys implemented into the offense based on what we can take advantage of given the Defense we play. Just think about the every game that Caldwell was OC. The gameplan for the Giants game was so much different then the Bengals game with Tyrod. Then it was a completely different gameplan for the Colts, they played mostly cover 2 to prevent the deep ball so the middle of the field and running game was working. Denver played straight up early and the Ravens attacked Champ Bailey, then once they went into a prevent type defense Ray Rice got going in the run game. The same with the Pats. We expected them to play a shell defense, but they came out with a man under coverage, Talib man up on Boldin with zone over Torrey. Caldwell tried to run early but it didn't work and we saw him change it up at half time. So I definitely think things will be fresh and creative on offense this year.

[Ravensfan23]

One thing is for sure: Caldwell is a better OC than Cam. I have no worries about our offense, other than hoping Flacco can find another go-to receiver that he can develop chemistry with. Torrey, Pitta, and Jones are very good, but there still may be a void with Boldin gone.

 

What if we didn't have a replacement for Boldin but we had a Derrick Mason type WR to step up? Wouldn't that be just as good. Because I think we have a few guys in that D Mase mold moreso then another Boldin. And i'm not saying those guys will produce like DMase because they have a long way to go to even get close. But I just don't think the Ravens necessarily need to replace the physical nature that Boldin brought. With how the offense will go imo, we just need guys who can catch and work in space.

[GrimCoconut]

What if we didn't have a replacement for Boldin but we had a Derrick Mason type WR to step up? Wouldn't that be just as good. Because I think we have a few guys in that D Mase mold moreso then another Boldin. And i'm not saying those guys will produce like DMase because they have a long way to go to even get close. But I just don't think the Ravens necessarily need to replace the physical nature that Boldin brought. With how the offense will go imo, we just need guys who can catch and work in space.

Yeah I can see that. I can see David Reed or even Deonte Thompson or Tandon Doss as another Derrick Mason. Those players need better routes. Mason was so good at routes. I wish he would come coach here but not all players make good coaches.

I think people want another Boldin because they liked how he had a guy in his back pocket yet came up with it. The problem with Boldin is he ultimately had a guy in his back pocket lol

[baltravens]

What if we didn't have a replacement for Boldin but we had a Derrick Mason type WR to step up? Wouldn't that be just as good. Because I think we have a few guys in that D Mase mold moreso then another Boldin. And i'm not saying those guys will produce like DMase because they have a long way to go to even get close. But I just don't think the Ravens necessarily need to replace the physical nature that Boldin brought. With how the offense will go imo, we just need guys who can catch and work in space.

Well, depending on what Caldwell's strategy is, it sure would be nice to have another stalwart WR to complement Torry. I just think with him as OC, that our offense will pick up from where it left off last year.

[Ravensfan23]

Somebody needs to come up with a name for the Rice/Pierce RB tandem. Like just about everybody else, I think Pierce will push Rice for play time. I like Pierce as a pure runner and I think he fits in better with the Ravens' style than Rice, who we can use to catch passes. It's tough to think about, but I'm not sure Rice will be on the team in 2014.

As for the wideouts, not too worried. Pitta and Dickson will make up for Boldin.

 

I actually don't see BP pushing Rice for carries as a bad thing. I know a lot of people get upset because it seems as if you are trashing Rice when you say it, but I don't view it like that. Rice is the type of guy who is a fighter. He's gonna enjoy splitting carries because it'll keep him fresh, but the competition will drive him to make the most out of every carry. I think for whatever reason that Rice has actually changed his running style over the last 2 years. I remember when he was first named the starter he used to have that 3rd wheel, where he'd put that hand in the ground to keep from going down and thing spring for another 10+ yards. Now it seems like he gets tripped up a lot more and I'm not sure why. He's still a big play maker though and spreading the offense will only make him more dangerous. I hope Caldwell brings that stretch run off tackle to the offense because I think Pierce would run that perfectly.

[GrimCoconut]

I actually don't see BP pushing Rice for carries as a bad thing. I know a lot of people get upset because it seems as if you are trashing Rice when you say it, but I don't view it like that. Rice is the type of guy who is a fighter. He's gonna enjoy splitting carries because it'll keep him fresh, but the competition will drive him to make the most out of every carry. I think for whatever reason that Rice has actually changed his running style over the last 2 years. I remember when he was first named the starter he used to have that 3rd wheel, where he'd put that hand in the ground to keep from going down and thing spring for another 10+ yards. Now it seems like he gets tripped up a lot more and I'm not sure why. He's still a big play maker though and spreading the offense will only make him more dangerous. I hope Caldwell brings that stretch run off tackle to the offense because I think Pierce would run that perfectly.

Yeah you're right. He used to put his hand down and keep those legs churning. Not sure what happened.

[Ravensfan23]

Yeah I can see that. I can see David Reed or even Deonte Thompson or Tandon Doss as another Derrick Mason. Those players need better routes. Mason was so good at routes. I wish he would come coach here but not all players make good coaches.

I think people want another Boldin because they liked how he had a guy in his back pocket yet came up with it. The problem with Boldin is he ultimately had a guy in his back pocket lol

 

Yea but the thing about Mase is he worked his way to being a great route runner. He wasn't a special route runner in his early days. He was just a return guy who worked well in space. So any of these guys would have a long way to go to match DMase's crafty style of route running. But when he was younger his game was more about his explosiveness out of his breaks then his great route running. Also don't forget about Quan. He doesn't get much pub but he has that yac potential as well imo.

 

I understand why many would like to replace Q because that's what they saw during the Super Bowl run. But the truth is, Boldin doesn't create great separation anymore, but he benefited from the ability to operate in space under Caldwell. Now the same routes will be run by quicker, faster, and shiftier guys like Reed, DT and Doss. Instead of having a guy like Boldin make those contested catches, now there should be space to catch the ball, get up field and look to break a tackle for a big gain which is what those guys do best.

 

Well, depending on what Caldwell's strategy is, it sure would be nice to have another stalwart WR to complement Torry. I just think with him as OC, that our offense will pick up from where it left off last year.

 

Yea I definitely think we pick up where we left off last year, but if you really look at the playoffs, the Ravens were bailed out by the big play more then I think they would like. This year I think we'll definitely see the big play strikes, but it'll be set up more by short crossing patterns and getting the ball into guys hands quickly. This will help increase Flacco's completion percentage from 59.7 to around 66%. You increase the number of completions and you increase the pressure you place on the defense imo because they literally have to cover the entire field as well of respecting the running game.

[CARavensFan]

Yeah you're right. He used to put his hand down and keep those legs churning. Not sure what happened.

I think mostly Rice has gotten a little more conservative with his running style. That has led to him just taking what he can get and then going down rather than trying to make a big play every time he runs.

I don't have an issue with this for two reasons: 1) When he first broke into the league we were a run dominant team and we lived and died by the big plays in the running game behind McClain, McGahee, and Rice who was the change of pace back to McGahee. 2) Because we are no longer a run first team that needs our RBs to make big plays as often Rice doesn't need to push, he can be more conservative, which leads to fewer turnovers, because he knows that Joe and the passing game can pick up the slack as we are a more balanced offense. Also by not fighting hard for every single yard every single time, he reduces the risk of having a major injury as he is gang tackled.

Just my Two cents on the changes I've seen with Rice over the past year or two.

[NaveSenrag]

They were one of the more balanced teams in the NFL that year. Which is one of the biggest reasons I compared this year's team to them. The other Colts teams not so much, but in 2004. Edgerring James had 334 rushes for 1,548yds 4.8ypc 9TDs. By comparison Ray Rice and Bernard Pierce in 2012 combined for 365 rushes for 1675yds 4.6ypc and 10TDs. Are you sure the Colts had an issue with their running game?

 

The 2004 Colts ran a total of 968 plays that year. They passed 527 times and ran 427 times. By comparison the 2012 Ravens ran a total of 1042 plays. Passed 560 times and ran 444 times. So what's the difference? imo the biggest difference was the Colts go the most out of their opportunities and the Ravens didn't. Trust me, I didn't just aimlessly choice the Colts because of the Caldwell connect and the hopes that the offense will be great. I did my homework and my expectations are high for these guys. But i'm sure i'm out on this limb alone lol.

It must have been a down year for defenses then, because it took Manning 8 years before he could even get within 12 TDs of that mark.

[hawkprey]

We really need Caldwell to actually mix up the offense and force teams into playing zone. We don't have any true mismatches except pure speed (Torrey, who is usually doubled) and Pitta against certain linebackers. Last year teams played us in man all the time and Torrey, Jacoby, Doss, and Boldin all struggled with it, except when Boldin was in the slot against a worse/smaller CB.

 

With Boldin on the outside it was an easy man-to-man with the safety lurking deep near Torrey. We can go up-tempo and try to isolate the best matchup or play games with the safety coverage now that we'll have more speed on the field. I expect our 2 deep/2TE to be our best combo assuming Dickson has a better time catching the ball. Teams will be afraid of the deep ball and leave the TE's against linebackers (mismatch) or risk getting killed by the deep ball. And even better: if Gino Gradkowski can finally give us some push on the inside, it'll finally mean Rice can take advantage of the threat of the deep ball by running up the middle effectively. 

 

Of course, going 4 wide should still be a great option as it was last year. And it works well in conjunction with the up tempo. Now add in Pierce, who is a different style of runner than Rice, and Juszczyk who will also be a receiving factor. There are a lot of mouths to feed.

[Ravensfan23]

It must have been a down year for defenses then, because it took Manning 8 years before he could even get within 12 TDs of that mark.

 

I'm not sure what this has to do with the potential the Ravens have. What exactly are you saying here?

 

I do agree with that being a change from the norm with Peyton's TDs that year. This was just a special year for him, but again my expectation for Joe are a lot higher then most. It's tough for anyone to throw for 40+ TDs as 30-35 seems to be the norm among the top QBs with a few upping those numbers some years. But I personally feel Joe has the potential to throw for 35+ TDs every year. That means Joe will be good for 2 passing TDs per game. This is why I said I see Joe having 8-10 less TDs then Peyton passed for that year. I could definitely see a situation where Joe passes for 39 or 40 TDs because he go more and more opportunities to pass the ball down around the goal line towards the end of the season last year.

[Ravensfan23]

We really need Caldwell to actually mix up the offense and force teams into playing zone. We don't have any true mismatches except pure speed (Torrey, who is usually doubled) and Pitta against certain linebackers. Last year teams played us in man all the time and Torrey, Jacoby, Doss, and Boldin all struggled with it, except when Boldin was in the slot against a worse/smaller CB.

 

With Boldin on the outside it was an easy man-to-man with the safety lurking deep near Torrey. We can go up-tempo and try to isolate the best matchup or play games with the safety coverage now that we'll have more speed on the field. I expect our 2 deep/2TE to be our best combo assuming Dickson has a better time catching the ball. Teams will be afraid of the deep ball and leave the TE's against linebackers (mismatch) or risk getting killed by the deep ball. And even better: if Gino Gradkowski can finally give us some push on the inside, it'll finally mean Rice can take advantage of the threat of the deep ball by running up the middle effectively. 

 

Of course, going 4 wide should still be a great option as it was last year. And it works well in conjunction with the up tempo. Now add in Pierce, who is a different style of runner than Rice, and Juszczyk who will also be a receiving factor. There are a lot of mouths to feed.

 

It's tough to base anything off last year because even when Caldwell took over the offense was heavily influenced by Cam. Winning 1 on 1 matchups isn't really a strong suit for anyone WR on the roster right now. This is why Caldwell's creativity will be so key. If you look at the games Caldwell called, you were getting Boldin matched up on LBs at times. That's nothing but scheme. You shouldn't have to worry about winning a 1 on 1 battle when matched up against a LB. Now of course that doesn't happen all the time and guys will still have to win. So if we can force teams into zone to protect the deep ball like you said, our WRs should be able to flood the zone, or use route combinations to get open.

[NaveSenrag]

I'm not sure what this has to do with the potential the Ravens have. What exactly are you saying here?

 

I do agree with that being a change from the norm with Peyton's TDs that year. This was just a special year for him, but again my expectation for Joe are a lot higher then most. It's tough for anyone to throw for 40+ TDs as 30-35 seems to be the norm among the top QBs with a few upping those numbers some years. But I personally feel Joe has the potential to throw for 35+ TDs every year. That means Joe will be good for 2 passing TDs per game. This is why I said I see Joe having 8-10 less TDs then Peyton passed for that year. I could definitely see a situation where Joe passes for 39 or 40 TDs because he go more and more opportunities to pass the ball down around the goal line towards the end of the season last year.

I wasn't trying to make a statement about Joe. Usually the more TDs a QB is throwing, the fewer the RBs are rushing for. You pointed out that that wasn't the case that year and I put forward a possible explanation as to why that was.

 

That said, I don't see Joe topping 30 TDs this year. We play a lot of very good D's this year, and the only ones I could really point at as "bad" are Bills, Packers, Jets, and Lions. If we had an all star lineup at WR and TE, it would be one thing, but I just don't see our receiving corps getting the better of our opponents week in and week out.

[Ravensfan23]

I wasn't trying to make a statement about Joe. Usually the more TDs a QB is throwing, the fewer the RBs are rushing for. You pointed out that that wasn't the case that year and I put forward a possible explanation as to why that was.

 

That said, I don't see Joe topping 30 TDs this year. We play a lot of very good D's this year, and the only ones I could really point at as "bad" are Bills, Packers, Jets, and Lions. If we had an all star lineup at WR and TE, it would be one thing, but I just don't see our receiving corps getting the better of our opponents week in and week out.

 

Yea I kind of figured that, but wasn't  sure.

 

Why do defenses have to be bad for Joe to have great games? Was the Broncos defense bad last year? Was the 49ers defense bad? Were the Steelers bad during opening day in 2011? How about the Bengals last year? Do you look at QBs like Peyton, Brees, Brady and ARod and say or they are playing a good defense so they won't produce? No you look at that good defense and say they will have their hands full stopping those top QBs.

 

We as Ravens fans need to wake up and realize what type of QB Cam has been holding back for years. I know it's hard to see without the consistent evidence, but Joe is that good. Over the last 2 years the Ravens have opened things up for Flacco at home and in the playoffs. With Cam he either allowed Joe to run the offense at home or when the team's back was against the wall. Caldwell will allow Flacco to run the offense every game and that will solve the consistency issue. If we are talking about Cam running the offense then I'm worried about the defenses we face. But with Caldwell I don't worry.

 

What defenses do you look at and say Flacco won't be able to produce against this year?

[5aiah]

I'm not saying Torrey is as good as Reggie, I'm sure he'll have to be used in a similar fashion as Reggie Wayne. Again I didn't make those comparisons to say that each guy would match what the other has done in the NFL. I just used it as a opinion of how each guy could potentially be used. As much of a fan of a guy like David Reed's potential it's a reason I had to use his college tape. I'm not sure you or I have enough to go on with Reed to say if he stacks up with Collie. The whole point is those guys will get a chance to show what they have this year. 

 

The same goes for Juice. We don't know what that guy will do. It's great to predict that he'll have a large role, but how do you know he can be relied upon? Why is it such a given that we'll be able to rely on Dickson as a second TE but not Jacoby as a #2 WR? We look at Jacoby and say his 51 catches as the starting #2 WR for the Texans isn't good, but Torrey has produced about 50 catches as our #2 the last 2 season and that's been good for us. My point is, none of us know how Caldwell will run the offense. That's a great thing imo because I got tried of being able to identify plays before they happened.

 

I have to strongly disagree with Flacco not being a field general. I challenge you to go back and view the 16 home games over the last 2 seasons and tell me you don't see a general. Find reason to tell me why Flacco wasn't a field general during the playoffs the last 2 seasons. The only difference is now Caldwell will allow him to do it more, Cam only did it at home because that's when he could control all the factors. Now don't get me wrong, i'm not saying Flacco is Peyton because no one is, but if you are telling me Flacco can't run this offense then I think you've been watch the wrong games.

 

 

imo just focusing on using your TEs, FB, RB, and occasionally taking shots with Torrey is putting this offense in a box and wasting the talent. We could have kept Cam for that. I'm not saying that won't be a part of the offense. But being creative will serve much better then just going into games with basically the same game plan each week. imo.

1. If Reed was on collie's level he would have played alot more but he just hasn't shown the hands yet. I see alot of fans expecting alot from Doss and Reed but there is a reason they haven't been able to push for more time.

2. We have relied on dickson as a number one TE before so there is that. We can expect him to catch 50+ passes and 5 TDs because he has done it before.

3. Texans and Ravens fan just understand Jacoby isn't a good WR2 though I love his hands combined with his speed his route running isn't on Torrey's level and the 51 catches was opposite the best WR of the past 5 years. I just wouldn't make that comparison because it has less to do with traditional stats and instead should be looked at on an advanced level. Oh and Jacoby can't play the X which is a reason why he isn't a good number 2 guy.

4. Flacco is definitely not a consistent field general. He is not proven in that regard during the regular season at all. He struggles alot under pressure(one of the worst in the league) and to me a true Field General doesn't do that. Perhaps we just have different standards. He is a clutch strong arm QB until he proves greater. To be honest I don't need him to.