If you’ve seen the Ravens play this year, then there’s nothing mysterious about the answer to the question. Baltimore’s offense is hamstrung by the lack of a big-time, downfield threat.
When you think about elite NFL quarterbacks–I’m talking about the likes of the Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes–they have a cast of talented receivers to throw to. Mahomes has Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce. LAR’s Jared Goff (another young gun) has outstanding receivers, too, as does Buffalo’s Josh Allen.
But that’s not the case for one of the NFL’s very best QBs–Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson.
And the lack of a game-breaking receiver is showing in Baltimore this year. The passing game is a shadow of what it was last year–averaging 1.5 touchdowns a game compared to 2.4 last season. One reason is that the Ravens’ wide receivers aren’t a red-zone threat, and that puts more pressure on Andrews in short-distance situations. The numbers do the speaking: Andrews has six touchdowns this season, the same as all of the Ravens’ wide receivers combined.
Yes, I know: Baltimore runs a run-heavy offense, but that doesn’t mean it can win (and contend for a Super Bowl) without an elite receiver. An elite downfield receiver can take the pressure off Jackson and make him an even more dangerous runner than he is now. Besides, Jackson hasn’t been the run-threat this year that he was in 2019. One reason is that teams are stacking the box.
Lamar Jackson (photo, WDBJ)
Quarterbacks also need a star receiver to serve as a safety valve (or what’s sometimes called ‘a bail-out receiver’) when they can’t locate other receivers or fail to spot issues during pre-snap. With a safety valve in Baltimore, Jackson would be more comfortable throwing the ball to the outside and challenging tight coverage. A good example of what’s happening now is when Jackson’s deep throw to Devin Duvernay was picked off against Tennessee–a turnover that may not have happened if he had a fleet and elusive outside threat.
I’m not saying that Baltimore should give up on all the receivers it currently has on the roster. For example, I believe Hollywood Brown has potential, especially if he cuts down on his dropping issue. But I believe what the Ravens absolutely must get a top-flight wideout either through a trade or through free agency–just as the Bills and Cardinals did last year. And this offseason looks to be a good time to do just that. Allen Robinson and Kenny Golladay should be available.
Of course, the 2021 NFL Draft is another option. CeeDee Lamb and Justin Jefferson were selected in the 2020 first round, and both players are making contributions this season.
The Ravens and Jackson have struggled this year. And a big reason is the passing game. Baltimore needs a star receiver.
