Offensive System/Scheme for 2014

[I AM LEGEND]

That said, we should steal the Saints Quarterback

^^

[TXRavensFan]

It's not just their playbook Fly. Peyton allowed Brees to choose the plays that he liked to run from each formation (based on watching film on their upcoming opponents defense) before each game and then they included them in their script for that game! Awesome!

#Mili

That sounds like such common sense. Funny that it's the exception, not the rule.

[Corvus_corax]

I'm no expert on offensive systems I'm afraid so I'm not sure which category my kind of offense would fall into. What I want to see us do next year is go back to being a team who first and foremost runs the ball well. That should be our bread and butter. Being a physically imposing team who can bully teams by running the ball effectively is who we have always been and who we should continue to be. It's in our DNA and it is the way to win games in the AFC North.

 

If we can get back to running the ball well then we can start using play action again and taking our shots down the field. This formula is perfect for Joe Flacco as he is one of the best deep ball throwers in the league.

 

What I absolutely do not want to see is a shotgun based offense where we are passing the ball 65-70% of the time and we're often in hurry up mode. I do not want us to try and be the Denver Broncos! We don't have the personnel for that and I personally just don't enjoy watching that kind of offense. The 49ers or Seahawks offense would be more along the lines of what I would like to see.

 

Let's get back to good old fashioned, rock 'em, sock 'em Ravens football.

[flynismo]

I'm no expert on offensive systems I'm afraid so I'm not sure which category my kind of offense would fall into. What I want to see us do next year is go back to being a team who first and foremost runs the ball well. That should be our bread and butter. Being a physically imposing team who can bully teams by running the ball effectively is who we have always been and who we should continue to be. It's in our DNA and it is the way to win games in the AFC North.

If we can get back to running the ball well then we can start using play action again and taking our shots down the field. This formula is perfect for Joe Flacco as he is one of the best deep ball throwers in the league.

What I absolutely do not want to see is a shotgun based offense where we are passing the ball 65-70% of the time and we're often in hurry up mode. I do not want us to try and be the Denver Broncos! We don't have the personnel for that and I personally just don't enjoy watching that kind of offense. The 49ers or Seahawks offense would be more along the lines of what I would like to see.

Let's get back to good old fashioned, rock 'em, sock 'em Ravens football.

The hurry up / shotgun offense is what our passing game does best. We did it all year last year with mixed results...when the OL stunk, it killed our offense AND defense. But when the OL played well.....you saw the postseason last year?

[Sizzlebshu]

Rbates?

Actually that was me lol 

 

/troll

[good_n_purple]

I agree, I think that this is the best apprach to take and would lend itself to the most versatility on offense. EP was originally known as a ground and pound type offense, but can also fit with an up-tempo passing attack as well.

I like E-P for the Ravens.  The Patriots use an E-P system, and they worked with Chip Kelly at one point to make it "conceptual", so the terminology is short and sweet making playcalling fast.  E-P was once known for "ground and pound", but even Perkins opened it up like the Pats near the end of his career.  West Coast is not the offense for the Ravens.  It requires a very mobile QB (Brees type) because alot of the play calling will remove the RB's as blockers.

[jazz1988]

I'm no expert on offensive systems I'm afraid so I'm not sure which category my kind of offense would fall into. What I want to see us do next year is go back to being a team who first and foremost runs the ball well. That should be our bread and butter. Being a physically imposing team who can bully teams by running the ball effectively is who we have always been and who we should continue to be. It's in our DNA and it is the way to win games in the AFC North.

 

If we can get back to running the ball well then we can start using play action again and taking our shots down the field. This formula is perfect for Joe Flacco as he is one of the best deep ball throwers in the league.

 

What I absolutely do not want to see is a shotgun based offense where we are passing the ball 65-70% of the time and we're often in hurry up mode. I do not want us to try and be the Denver Broncos! We don't have the personnel for that and I personally just don't enjoy watching that kind of offense. The 49ers or Seahawks offense would be more along the lines of what I would like to see.

 

Let's get back to good old fashioned, rock 'em, sock 'em Ravens football.

 

 

I want to see the run game become great like it was in the past and I love the play action but I also want to see Flacco play in a offense that he can excel in . I dont think the Ravens need to be like seattle offense or go back to that same formula of offense as if it was 2008 or 2009 .  Flacco has proven that he works best in the shot gun  and in a hurry up offense why take that away from him?

 

A good to great running attack is indeed been The Ravens bread and butter for a long time but  nothing is ever the same  for ever. I see no reason why the Ravens can't have a smash mouth rushing attack with play action along with giving Flacco the freedom to call his own plays, play in the shot gun, and  still use the no huddle. 

[Dubs]

Can't say I lean one or the other. But I am interested in Gus malzahns offense which is coined gus bus. Auburn does a high tempo offense with a heavy run emphasis. It could be interesting in the nfl as no one really does this but if chip Kelly's uptempo offense wears down teams I would expect the Gus bus to wear down teams even more. Just an interesting offense that I think will find a little niche in the nfl and it would be interesting to see if it gets started here. I do want more of an emphasis on the ground game that is for sure.

[Poes Crows]

None of the Above

[admartian]

We might actually have the personnel to run the Erhardt-Perkins. TBH, we're probably gonna stick to the Air Coryell, and run it poorly at that. My .02 cents.

[The Raven]

We might actually have the personnel to run the Erhardt-Perkins. TBH, we're probably gonna stick to the Air Coryell, and run it poorly at that. My .02 cents.

 

Considering we interviewed Kyle Shanahan today, I'm not so sure. 

[Ravens1991]

Kyle Shannahan will bring a west coast offense here right? I assume he will because his dad was ZBS and WCO. I doubt he would try to do read option all day w/ Flacco

[The Raven]

Kyle Shannahan will bring a west coast offense here right? I assume he will because his dad was ZBS and WCO. I doubt he would try to do read option all day w/ Flacco

 

Yeah. He actually added the read option to the WAS offense because of RGIII. So yeah, he tailored his scheme to his personnel. Imagine that!

[admartian]

Yeah. He actually added the read option to the WAS offense because of RGIII. So yeah, he tailored his scheme to his personnel. Imagine that!

Well let's hope he's allowed to do that...

 

Also (taken from http://www.battleredblog.com/2011/5/13/2166901/houston-texans-west-coast-offense-gary-kubiak-andre-johnson):

 

 

Quarterbacks: The quarterback has to be extremely accurate, quickly scan the field, be willing to develop those close relationships with his receivers, and be able to roll out in a play-action, as the WCO has begun to incorporate more "moving pockets" to offset the increased speed of the modern NFL pass rush. In the traditional scheme, the quarterback should be getting the ball out of his hands within three seconds. It's a quick strike offense that starts with the quarterback. Outside of the Reid/Kyle Shanahan WCO, throwing the deep ball isn’t really needed all too much aside from the occasional shot downfield.

While Joe isn't bad at those things, Joe isn't naturally good/excellent at those either. His progressions and accuracy are about average.

 

 

 

Running Backs: Like Roger Craig and Marshall Faulk, backs should be versatile enough to run, catch, and block. Good vision is a trait that's highlighted in the WCO because the horizontal passing game should stretch a defense out to open up running lanes. In the theoretically perfect zone-blocking WCO, the back's vision and decisiveness will be especially critical as he should have lanes to chose from.

RR hasn't been very decisive at all the past 2 seasons or so. BP about the same this year (which is weird because he was very good at that his rookie year)- but I like what I saw from him in this regard, towards the last month of the season or so.

 

Wide Receivers: Jerry Rice was never the biggest or fastest wide receiver, but he was the perfect receiver for this system. Rice was a masterful route-runner, incredible in his play recognition, and worked hard to communicate well with his quarterbacks. A good WCO WR will be able to run routes, find the open spaces in the defense, and put in the time to work with his quarterback so they can be on the same page. Due to the short routes and idea to chip away at a defense, a receiver has to have dependable hands because a bobble or drop on a short pass is likely going to A) end drives or be intercepted by a nearby defender. Finally, you do need a receiver (at least one in the corps) who can quickly slip behind the coverage, as the play-action pass is often used as the knock-out punch in the WCO - more so in a Andy Reid or Kyle Shanahan offense, as both typically favor the deep passes.

 

Not sure if we have recievers like this. Pitta is the lcosest that comes to mind. Maybe Marlon?

 

Apart form those two, no one has this ability, and in fact we have(or had) Ed 'Bobble' Dickson (and at times, Torrey).

 

Luckily, Shanahan varies slightly therefore we might come up better in this regard (with Torrey).

 

 

 

Tight Ends: Traditionally, the tight end was the last-option safety valve for the quarterback in this system. However, today's NFL has put more of an emphasis on the pass-catching tight end because of the mismatches he can exploit. The boon is that a tight end who can slip down the seam or on an out route (run about 3-6 yards and cut to the sideline) can turn a good WCO into a great WCO. Like the running backs, you'd like someone who can block especially as the one-back backfield becomes more prevalent league-wide. 

 

I think with Pitta, we're fine here. But need more depth.

 

 

 

Offensive Linemen: Due to the emphasis on the three-step drop and quick decision making, the pass-blocking part of their jobs really should be easy. The quarterback should be kept clean so long as the ball is out of his hands. Otherwise, what kind of linemen you want really depends on which branch of the WCO that you want to run. Andy Reid is notorious for his love of larger linemen to push the pile. He usually has them above 300+ pounds. For Mike Shanahan and users of the zone-blocking system, they tend to prefer athletic linemen. In some cases this does mean smaller, but seeing large and nimble linemen is becoming more and more common.

Just lol.

We have none of this (regarding keeping the QB clean )!!!!! Especially less so if Monroe is not retained. And since we want to "get bigger on the oline" - I'm guessing we're gonna take the Andy Reid (Juan Castillo?) approach.

 

Hmm. 

We'll see I guess.

[FlocksGottaFeed]

Whatever scheme that made Kurt Warner a MVP and champion. As a matter of fact, I would love for that guy to be our new OC (or someone just like him if he does exist).

[Ravens1991]

Whatever scheme that made Kirk Warner a MVP and champion. As a matter of fact, I would love for that guy to be our new OC (or someone just like him if he does exist).

Al Saunders was on those Rams staffs that Kurt Warner excelled at. He was here as a consultant a few years ago.

[FlocksGottaFeed]

Al Saunders was on those Rams staffs that Kurt Warner excelled at. He was here as a consultant a few years ago.

Thanks. Bring him back if possible or better yet - pursue Kurt Warner.

[Ravens1991]

True WCO rarely use shotgun. Im thinking we do a variation that puts Flacco in the shot gun. Torrey should be fine in the WCO look at how Reid used Maclin and Desean Jackson. Pitta will excel in the WCO and since Marlon Brown was a slot WR all year he could go WCO as well. Juice check is built for it also.  I think we will be best if we go WCO w/ a splash of Air Coryell.

[frozen joe flacco fan]

Whatever scheme that made Kurt Warner a MVP and champion. As a matter of fact, I would love for that guy to be our new OC (or someone just like him if he does exist).

 

Wasn't that the run and shoot offense?

[redrum52]

Just thought about this.  We kept Juan, most likely leaning towards Kubiak or Shanny since they both like the ZBS system already and probably wouldn't need to change much communication wise.  Don't think Kyle would make a bad OC.  Honestly, whatever it is, I feel the passing offense needs a complete overhaul regardless.

[TXRavensFan]

Wasn't that the run and shoot offense?

In the Warner/Rams heyday, Mike Martz was the OC...he's from the Coryell family and he doesn't like to use TEs.

[FlocksGottaFeed]

Wasn't that the run and shoot offense?

Not sure if it was the 'Run and Shoot' or a hybrid version adjusted by 'Air Coryell' and 'Smash Mouth' close-outs at the end of games with a lead, but I think that it is within our personnel's ability with a few added players.

[FlocksGottaFeed]

In the Warner/Rams heyday, Mike Martz was the OC...he's from the Coryell family and he doesn't like to use TEs.

True. Rolland (TE) only got 25 receptions (TE Avg), but I feel a player like Pitta would do even better numbers in a scheme likt that (avg 50+ reception) because our version will must likely produce a more evenly distributed target group. Because of his great route running, discipline and positioning I believe he will produce even greater mismatches.

[Militant X 1]

That sounds like such common sense. Funny that it's the exception, not the rule.

I agree!  I saw it on a special when Peyton and Brees were watching film and going over a few formations and plays in their playbook.  Peyton asked Brees which plays he liked and that he feels would be great to run against that particular defense and then they added them into their script for that game.

 

#Mili

[Ravenslifer]

In the Warner/Rams heyday, Mike Martz was the OC...he's from the Coryell family and he doesn't like to use TEs.

 

He also likes route-running combinations that take so long I doubt the Maginot Line could protect the quarterback long enough for them to work.  Kurt Warner said Martz can run a good passing offense, but he wouldn't recommend playing in his system because of the amount of sacks a quarterback takes waiting for the routes to finish.  And Martz hates running the ball.

[AlaskanRavensFan]

I found it interesting that so many people picked the west coast system. That system was originally developed by Walsh to compensate for a lack of talent at RB and on offense in general. Obviously the results of running the system with talented players can be great. I just don't know about Joe being adept at throwing to receivers based on timing and short precision passes. That's not what Joe is good at and it would under utilize his arm strength, which is probably his best asset. Usually that system also ideally has larger WR's to play it since there are a lot of passes into the middle of the field where LBs can tee off on your guys. 

 

I do like the idea of having tempo on offense, but I think deep passing is what the Ravens are about... at least with Joe Flacco as QB. I don't mind that at all. It's often very difficult to orchestrate long methodical drives. Any one mistake can put you behind on down and distance and then your play selection dwindles. Precision passing would work with guys like Brady and Brees, who are very accurate on short throws. I just don't think that really suited to Joe's abilities.

 

Don't be surprised if the 2014 offense incorporates a lot of deep throws along with a revamped rushing attack. I think that's the main concern of the front office and the coaches. They want a balanced attack, especially after watching the Pats, Seahawks and 49ers run themselves into their respective conference championship games. At this point we've heard that the offensive line may look different, that more diversity in the backfield is wanted and that a LT or WR may be priorities early in the draft. What I haven't heard yet is that they want to change the passing game. Granted that may come with a new offensive coordinator. I'm not sure that the Ravens want implement an entire new system and philosophy.

[gooftroop]

I found it interesting that so many people picked the west coast system. That system was originally developed by Walsh to compensate for a lack of talent at RB and on offense in general. Obviously the results of running the system with talented players can be great. I just don't know about Joe being adept at throwing to receivers based on timing and short precision passes. That's not what Joe is good at and it would under utilize his arm strength, which is probably his best asset. Usually that system also ideally has larger WR's to play it since there are a lot of passes into the middle of the field where LBs can tee off on your guys. 

 

I do like the idea of having tempo on offense, but I think deep passing is what the Ravens are about... at least with Joe Flacco as QB. I don't mind that at all. It's often very difficult to orchestrate long methodical drives. Any one mistake can put you behind on down and distance and then your play selection dwindles. Precision passing would work with guys like Brady and Brees, who are very accurate on short throws. I just don't think that really suited to Joe's abilities.

 

Don't be surprised if the 2014 offense incorporates a lot of deep throws along with a revamped rushing attack. I think that's the main concern of the front office and the coaches. They want a balanced attack, especially after watching the Pats, Seahawks and 49ers run themselves into their respective conference championship games. At this point we've heard that the offensive line may look different, that more diversity in the backfield is wanted and that a LT or WR may be priorities early in the draft. What I haven't heard yet is that they want to change the passing game. Granted that may come with a new offensive coordinator. I'm not sure that the Ravens want implement an entire new system and philosophy.

I think Joe can be very effective on short throws. Having the cannon, and being 6'6", can be a big plus in that regard. What he hasn't shown is the ability to make those Peyton or Brees-like passes- anticipatory throws to a spot that hasn't come open yet, especially over the middle, with defenders in the area. The great unknown (at least I don't know) is that something Joe just can't do well? Is it scheme? Is it personnel? Coaching? Something coaches considered but tossed aside because Joe can't do it?

[FreckleNate]

I think Bazooka Joe could shine in an Air Coryell, I think it would fit Torrey and Jacoby well too. I know this sound elementary but if we can get a good run game going and pull up some safeties too worry about Rice and Pierce, then the big plays can become deadly.

[Inqui]

I think Bazooka Joe could shine in an Air Coryell, I think it would fit Torrey and Jacoby well too. I know this sound elementary but if we can get a good run game going and pull up some safeties too worry about Rice and Pierce, then the big plays can become deadly.

I'm in the camp that says the Coryell wasn't a bad system in itself. Just that we were deadset hopeless at executing it - because we never had both the deep threat to make the big money and the possession guy(s) to move the chains and keep the defenders more compact; and because of useless playcalling.

 

Although with Norv out of the question, we won't be going Coryell next season anyway. With the changes we're making during this offseason this is probably the best year we'll have to switch the scheme too. I'm really interested to see what they do.

[PerpetuallyBored74]

If we're going to go West Coast, then it'll most likely be similar to what the Packers have which includes some vertical elements (deeper throws) mixed in with the short quick ones. Nobody runs a pure WC anymore; their all hybrid versions with WC as their base.

What will change is the type of deep routes our WRs will be running, with more horizontal & diagonal deep routes instead of just go routes all game (which, btw is not what you're supposed to do in the Air Coryell anyway--yeah, we've been doing it ALL wrong these past few years)

 

The question is, are we still going to teach our WRs to round off their routes or are we now going to want them to make quick sharp cuts in and out of their breaks?