From Lance via the RSR Contact Form
I don’t have any social media but I wanted to ask this question for the mailbag session.
Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely think John Harbaugh is a great head coach but lately he has left me scratching my head. Maybe some one can answer my question but why does it seem like the Ravens coaching staff continues to copy the Patriots schemes instead of creating their own?
As much as it pains me to say it, and I mean it really does pain me to say it Belichick is a mastermind but why can’t our staff be the same?
We admire what they did with Welker and Edelman so we get Campanaro. They start using two tight end sets with Gronk, Hernández and now Bennett and we turn around and draft Williams, Boyle and then get Watson in free agency. Then last year we try to use the same trick play the Patriots use against us.
Why does it seem too little too late? Why can’t we be more creative for once? Maybe use two tailbacks in a set with Forsett, Allen or Dixon to create mismatches? Or three tight end sets with Watson, Pitta and Gillmore?
Just a few ideas but for once I’m looking for creativity on offense instead of the constant deep routes that clear up the middle.
On a side note this is an incredible site that I check daily. You provide realistic insight from a fan’s perspective that no other site can provide.
Keep up the great work!
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Lance thanks for the kind words and we certainly appreciate your support.
Now to your points…
The Ravens have close ties to the Patriots because of the relationship forged between Bill Belichick and Ozzie Newsome when both were part of the Cleveland Browns organization. And as hard as it might be for some to admit, Belichick is a pioneering spirit in the NFL and has always gone over and beyond (sometimes too far beyond) the call of duty in order to uncover even the slightest competitive advantage.
Those who emulate are often a step behind but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t try to implement successful practices if you think they can work for your organization.
As for the Ravens offense, I think that it has been a victim of instability. Their coordinators are almost always in flux and even the personnel seems to flip regularly from Mason to Boldin to Smith at wide receiver to McGahee to Rice to Forsett to Allen at running back. In 2016 there will be more stability and I think you’ll see more productivity as a result of familiarity and added speed.
Marc Trestman has an opportunity to be varied in his attack this season. While he doesn’t have a premier skill position player, the Ravens do have quality depth at all skill positions.
I expect Joe Flacco & Co. to establish new team records in points (409) and look for Joe to eclipse Vinny Testaverde’s team record of 4,177 yards in a single season.
