Offensive coordinator Greg Roman is perhaps the most polarizing figure among Ravens fans.
While Roman has a record of success as the Ravens’ play-caller, his critics claim he can’t put together an effective passing attack.
Roman blocks out the noise and focuses on his job.
However, this season could go a long way in deciding his future in Baltimore.
“Oh, geez. I live and die by what anything in the media is said,” Roman said. “No, that was a joke. Yes, I mean, we’ve got to stay focused on what we stay focused on. As a professional, we’re all our harshest critics, and I think we know the truth, and you just believe in that and keep trying to get better every day. Don’t get set in your ways; just keep trying to adapt, evolve and adjust, and don’t worry about a thing.”
My latest on RSR. Enjoy your day everyone! https://t.co/lFx4LCyP90
— Tony Lombardi (@RSRLombardi) June 7, 2022
Roman was named the NFL Assistant Coach of the Year following the 2019 season after the Ravens’ offense led the league in points per game (33.2), rushing yards per game (206.0), and was second in total offense yards per game (407.6). The Ravens became the first NFL team to average over 200 rushing yards and 200 passing yards per game over an entire season.
Baltimore shattered several single-season franchise records for total touchdowns (64), points (531), total net yards (6,521) and first downs (386). The Ravens’ run game set an NFL season record for most rushing yards with 3,296, and the offense led the NFL in big plays with 142 (98 rush, 44 pass). Baltimore also led the NFL with an average 34:37 time of possession.
In 2020, the Ravens finished 19th in the NFL for total offense after dealing with numerous injuries and COVID issues. However, the Ravens did finish seventh in scoring, with 29.3 points per game.
Baltimore’s offense did not perform that poorly last season despite a myriad of injuries.
Here’s a breakdown how the Ravens’ offense ranked among the league’s 32 teams:
- Points per game: 22.8 (17th)
- Yards per game: 378.8, (6th)
- Passing yards per game: 233 (13th)
- Rushing yards per game: 145.8 (3rd)
Wide receiver Marquise Brown and tight end Mark Andrews each eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards on the season. It was just the second Baltimore tandem to reach the 1,000-yard mark in the same season, joining Michael Jackson and Derrick Alexander accomplished that feat in 1996.
Brown has since been traded to the Arizona Cardinals, so the Ravens will have to find ways to match his production with a young group of wide receivers.
[Related: Greg Roman – Convenient Scapegoat?]
On a positive note, both running backs J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards are expected to return from season-ending injuries in 2021 that significantly hampered the ground attack.
Quarterback Lamar Jackson missed the last four games with a bone bruise in his ankle. He finished the season with 2,882 yards passing with 16 interceptions and 13 interceptions (87.0 rating).
However, Jackson is still dealing with a contract issue and his good friend, Brown, is no longer with the team. It’s still to be determined if or how this will affect Jackson’s performance and he skipped the recent voluntary workouts.
Jackson admits the Ravens need some improvement with the offense.
“We have great running backs, we’ve got a great run game, but that passing game is going to help us even more, so we need to just keep doing that, keep getting better at that; keep getting better at everything – not just the passing game,” Jackson said. “There’s always room for improvement with anything you do.”
Most fans would agree.
