This offseason, how can the Baltimore Ravens get better?
The Baltimore Ravens could make changes in the offseason, as Jason Fitz and Frank Schwab of Yahoo Sports discuss the possible implications of pursuing a highly visible running back.
Listen to the entire discussion on the Zero Blitz podcast, which you can subscribe to on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or other podcast apps.
Jason Fitz:In my prediction for the AFC Championship game, the Ravens will defeat the Chiefs. Baltimore is where you are. Lamar is having an amazing year, thanks to you. It seems like your offensive coordinator settled into a groove throughout the second part of the season.
You have weapons that have awakened during the year, correct? They felt good. The defense, which was meant to be able to handle everything, was swarming towards the football.
And there’s an extremely straightforward solution to beat the Chiefs: run the ball against them, something they declined to do in the first half. The difficult problem for the Ravens, though, is that I don’t believe there is just one simple item that has to be altered.
because, in my opinion, they performed better this year than Kansas City. Nothing needs to be changed on their end. All they have to do is darn execute.
Indeed, they were, as Frank Schwab said. It felt like this was their chance, after all. However, it seems like a few points are up for discussion. One is that many starting defensive players, including some really, really good players, are entering free agency.
Yes, it will be difficult. Keeping them all will not be possible, so hold on to the ones you cannot replace. So keeping the majority of your defense in place is the first thing to do, correct?
Coordinators matter is the second topic we don’t discuss enough, and it brought up the 49ers once more. Their defensive coordinator, Mike Macdonald, is a person I truly appreciate, and he recently left.
They had the most sacks in the NFL this year—60—despite not having a standout pass rusher up front. This, in my opinion, illustrates how Macdonald planned out his defense. How would you replace that? Let’s see.
However, the most important thing that comes to mind when I consider their offseason and what they can do with any remaining funds is that there are some elite running backs available in free agency.
The one thing Lamar hasn’t really had is a strong running-back partner. JK Dobbins, to some extent, during his heyday. There is nothing negative about Gus Edwards. There is nothing negative to say about Justice Hill.
However, how would that AFC Championship game differ if they had Tony Pollard, Josh Jacobs, or Saquon Barkley on the team? There’s going to be a Derrick Henry.
If the Ravens decide that Derrick Henry is their quarterback in addition to being the league’s MVP, how would the season unfold differently for them? That, in my opinion, would have altered the AFC Championship match. Let’s put it this way: even though it might not have won it for them, it would have made the Ravens a different squad.
JASON FITZ: The Ravens will need to find innovative financial solutions as well. Since you haven’t examined their salary cap space,
Jason Fitz: There’s only roughly $7 million available. And take a peek at a few of their cap numbers. Next year, Lamar Jackson’s cap number is 32.4. That is very significant. Stanley Ronnie, 26.1. That is very significant. Marlon Humphrey, roughly twenty-three million dollars.
Marcus Williams ($18,000,000). Because they are not in a terrific cap situation, I do believe the Ravens will need to sort it out primarily with what they already have.
Frank Schwab: Astute teams are able to take advantage of the salary cap, which is real. In my opinion, the Ravens are an extremely intelligent team. Making oneself a running squad—a strong running team, in my opinion—is really crucial for them.
Not just, okay, we’ll pass the ball to Gus Edwards and keep you in check, but a real, we could beat you in a number of ways offensively. Not simply the Lamar show is involved.
