The Ravens offensive line has been perhaps the most talked about unit this offseason, and rightly so.
After the debacle in 2013 that produced an offense that finished 29th in the league (30 rush, 18 pass), the Ravens have spent valuable resources to assure they don’t repeat that performance again in 2014.
The re-signing of Eugene Monroe and healthy Kelechi Osemele returning from injury have locked down the Ravens left side of the line, which looked solid throughout OTA’s and minicamp.
The trade of a mid-round draft pick in 2015 for center Jeremy Zuttah to replace Gino Gradkowski, who looked lost at times in 2013, already looks to be an upgrade. Zuttah, although not a Pro Bowl caliber center, is athletic, understands the zone blocking system, and performed well during offseason activities.
The right side of offensive line is taking shape as well, with the team ready to go to camp with Ricky Wagner likely leading the charge for the right tackle position. Having competition with Ryan Jensen earlier in OTAs proved valuable and built upon his experience from 2013, although it’s still possible the Ravens look for insurance later this summer.
The key component on the right side is guard Marshal Yanda. Yanda returned for mandatory minicamp and looked to be in shape and, more importantly, healthy.
In 2013, it was clear Yanda was still suffering from his rotator cuff surgery even though the three-time Pro-Bowler started all 16 games. It wasn’t ideal, but the Ravens’ choices were limited.
With last year in the books, Yanda is ready to move on with the new additions and staff that’s in place.
“Last year is done and over with,” remarked Yanda. “We’ve got a new offensive coordinator, new personnel, new guys – we’re moving forward right now with the group that we’ve got. I like what we see; I like that we’re all working hard. We’re all [in this] as a group, and good or bad, you’ve got to move on. Two years ago was the Super Bowl. Last year we didn’t do as well, but either way we’re moving on. We’re looking forward to this year and just getting it right this year. No doubt about it.”
Barring injury or a poor performance by Wagner during training camp, Yanda, the eight-year veteran, could assume more of a teaching role with the young player.
“He definitely shows the tools that he can be a starter for us,” Yanda said about Wagner on the final day of minicamp, “and he’s definitely going to compete for that spot. When I’m out there – he’s a young guy – so I try to help him, and obviously, we work inside-out, so I’m relaying the call to him all the time.
“It’s always a communication deal, and I’ve played tackle before, so I know a little bit of the stuff where it makes it a little easier for him. I just try to give him the call so he can do his job easier. It’s about blocking guys. It’s not about the call, so you try to get the call to him, let him do his job and not worry about the call so much and just play football. That definitely helps you when you’re a young player.”
The resurrection of the Ravens run game is something Yanda is looking forward to. The man of few words during the season is excited to see the changes and progress the hiring of Kubiak could provide.
“I think it could be really good,” said Yanda regarding Kubiak. “We’re all excited; we all like running the zone scheme and know that Gary [Kubiak] is going to do that, and we’re just excited. We all love running the ball.
“We understand that we’ve got to pass the ball as well, but as offensive linemen, you always love to run the ball, and we’re excited to do that. We understand we’re going to have to pass the ball a bunch as well to win, too, so it’s exciting.”
As training camp inches closer. Once the pads are strapped on, we will finally have a chance to see just how much the offensive line has improved.
After 2013, the only place to go is up, right?
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