Expectations have been running high for the Ravens offensive line this offseason.
Last offseason, offensive line coach Juan Castillo faced scrutiny unlike any other positional coach in the organization. After a disappointing 2013 offensive campaign, many fans wanted the former run game coordinator on the first flight out of town.
Instead, under the direction of offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak, Castillo was promoted to his current title of offensive line coach and the result was one of the best offensive outputs in team history.
Last season, the Ravens offense set single-season franchise records by scoring 409 points and producing 5,838 yards. Flacco and company averaged the NFL’s eighth-most points per game (25.6) and 12th-most yards per game (364.9). The Ravens’ 126.2 rushing yards per contest ranked eighth in the league, a tribute to Kubiak’s zone blocking offense along with Castillo’s experience in blocking philosophies.
The pass protection was even more stout as the Ravens permitted just 19 sacks, the second fewest in team history (17 in 2006) only behind Denver’s 17 as the NFL’s fewest.
As we look ahead to training camp and the 2015 season, barring major injury, Castillo’s group should be the best unit to protect quarterback Joe Flacco since he donned a Ravens jersey in 2008.
While the same starting cast remains, another year of experience in the same offense is a big positive despite Kubiak’s departure from Charm City to Denver and Marc Trestman’s arrival from Chicago to Baltimore.
“I think we should have a great year,” said guard/tackle Marshal Yanda. “That’s the expectation.”
“Obviously, we did well last year. We want to build on that and be better this year – just keep working the fundamentals and technique and everybody just keep growing and getting better as a player,” the four-time Pro Bowler added.
“Everybody has things to work on, and it’s nice to have … Hopefully, everybody comes back healthy. Rick [Wagner] and Jeremy [Zuttah] – they should be fine, and we can just build on what we did last year. We’re all excited to go get after teams this fall.”
While tackle Rick Wagner and center Jeremy Zuttah were sidelined for OTA’s and minicamp, the Ravens offensive line is deep and talented with John Urschel and James Hurst waiting in the wings, something for which Yanda gives high praise to Castillo’s teachings.
“They have been doing a good job, and Juan [Castillo] has been doing a good job of developing them in the individual period,” remarked the 2014 First Team All-Pro. “There are a lot of guys on the offensive line that can play football, not just the starters. That’s a credit to the organization getting the good guys in here.”
Castillo’s work ethic cannot be questioned as he desires the very best from his offensive line.
Tucked away in their corner of the practice field, Castillo can be heard each and every practice teaching proper hand placements and foot movements. Sometimes, he and his unit remain on the field long after the final air horn blows to conclude a long day of practice.
While some fans may still harbor mixed emotions about Castillo, let’s give credit where credit is due for the turnaround of his unit in 2014.
And while we’re at it let’s retire the label of scapegoat mistakenly pinned on him in 2013.
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