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Ravens' Offensive Strategy Under Scrutiny: Need to Run More? | Bobby Witt Jr.: From Rising Star to MVP Contender | Senators vs Canucks Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NHL Game | NBA Injury Report and Game Predictions: Warriors vs. Jazz & Nets vs. Grizzlies | Kyle Tucker Returns to Dodgers Camp After Welcoming New Son | Alcaraz and Djokovic Shine at Indian Wells 2026 | Nolan Arenado: Near Miss with Red Sox and Chaotic Debut | World Baseball Classic 2026: Day 6 Highlights | Byron Buxton's World Baseball Classic Journey: Injury Scare and Team USA's Rising Appeal | Ravens' Offensive Strategy Under Scrutiny: Need to Run More? | Bobby Witt Jr.: From Rising Star to MVP Contender | Senators vs Canucks Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NHL Game | NBA Injury Report and Game Predictions: Warriors vs. Jazz & Nets vs. Grizzlies | Kyle Tucker Returns to Dodgers Camp After Welcoming New Son | Alcaraz and Djokovic Shine at Indian Wells 2026 | Nolan Arenado: Near Miss with Red Sox and Chaotic Debut | World Baseball Classic 2026: Day 6 Highlights | Byron Buxton's World Baseball Classic Journey: Injury Scare and Team USA's Rising Appeal

Sports / NFL

Ravens' Offensive Strategy Under Scrutiny: Need to Run More?

The Baltimore Ravens, after a disappointing 1-3 start to the 2025 season, are facing questions about their offensive strategy, particularly the underutilization of their running game. Despite boasting star running back Derrick Henry and a l...

News & Notes: Todd Monken Says Ravens Need to Run More Often
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dan orlovsky
Ravens' Offensive Strategy Under Scrutiny: Need to Run More? Image via Baltimore Ravens

Key Insights

  • **Lack of Rushing Attempts:** The Ravens have one of the lowest rushing attempt rates in the NFL, despite a productive ground game.
  • **Derrick Henry's Usage:** Henry's carries have been limited, raising concerns about maximizing his impact. He has rushed just 31 times in the past three weeks and been held to 50 yards or fewer in three straight games, something that never happened in 2024.
  • **Offensive Predictability:** The Ravens' reluctance to run on early downs may be making their offense predictable, hindering their ability to sustain drives and control the game.
  • **Defensive Struggles:** A defense potentially missing multiple Pro Bowlers further exacerbates the need for a strong running game to control possession and keep the defense off the field.
  • **Takeaways Matter:** The Ravens defense needs to create more takeaways and is being challenged to hit harder to achieve this goal.

In-Depth Analysis

Offensive coordinator Todd Monken acknowledged the need to prioritize the running game, emphasizing the importance of 'stacking plays' and staying ahead of the chains. ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky criticized the Ravens' usage of Derrick Henry on early downs as 'unacceptable,' highlighting the discrepancy between their low run frequency and high yards-per-carry average.

Head Coach John Harbaugh also expressed dissatisfaction with offensive play calls, further underscoring the urgency for change. With potential injuries to key defensive players like Roquan Smith and Marlon Humphrey, a reliable running game becomes even more crucial for controlling the tempo and keeping the defense fresh.

Defensive Coordinator Zach Orr is looking for solutions to the defense's struggles to generate takeaways, challenging the players to 'hit people harder' and dominate the line of scrimmage.

A shift towards a more run-heavy approach could alleviate pressure on quarterback Lamar Jackson (or backup Cooper Rush, if Jackson is unavailable), open up passing lanes, and ultimately make the Ravens' offense more dynamic and less predictable. Currently, Baltimore's defense is giving up too many yards, ranking second-worst in the league at 406.8 per game.

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FAQ

- **Q: Why are the Ravens not running the ball more?

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- **Q: How will the Ravens improve their rushing attack?

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- **Q: What is the solution to the Ravens' defensive struggles?

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Takeaways

  • The Ravens' offensive struggles may stem from underutilizing their running game.
  • A more balanced offensive approach could improve their overall performance and reduce predictability.
  • The defense needs to step up their physicality and create more takeaway opportunities.
  • The Ravens need to address these issues quickly to regain their status as a top contender.

Discussion

Do you think the Ravens should prioritize their running game more? How do you see them addressing their defensive struggles? Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!

Sources

Disclaimer

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