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Ravens’ OC Greg Roman says offense will ‘forge a new identity moving forward’

By Andrew Gillis

Greg Roman says offense will ‘forge a new identity moving forward’ originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington

There’s an overused cliche in the NFL whenever a player gets injured that reads, “Next man up.” It’s mostly about how the machine of the season moves on, and whoever is next on the depth chart is expected to step in and play the role his team needs.

But for the Ravens’ offense this season, that’s simply not applicable. 

They’re down All-Pro left tackle Ronnie Stanley for the season due to an ankle injury. All-Pro right guard Marshal Yanda retired in January and promptly lost weight like a contestant on The Biggest Loser, so even if the Ravens wanted him back, it wouldn’t be feasible. Even Yanda’s replacement, rookie guard Tyre Phillips, is on injured reserve with an ankle injury. 

Then, last Sunday, tight end Nick Boyle suffered a gruesome leg injury and will be out for the season. He was routinely praised by his teammates for being the best blocking tight end in football. 

“Nick has been a very integral player for us,” offensive coordinator Greg Roman said Thursday. “His understanding and knowledge of the offense and all the adjustments goes without saying. His attitude, toughness, what he brought every single daily really should be emulated. He’s a valuable player and he’s going to be fine. It’s going to take him some time to get back, but he’ll be better than ever.”

Without Boyle, the Ravens have just one tight end on the active roster. They added Luke Willson to the practice squad, and could bring up two of the three tight ends there if they feel the need to. They could also elevate Sean Culkin or Xavier Grimble. 

RELATED: Ravens say they’re not looking at Sunday’s game vs. Titans as a ‘revenge’ game

But without Boyle, or Stanley, the same run-first approach might not be the most efficient one any longer. That’s not to say they will stray from the rushing attack as much as they love it, but instead, it will have to evolve as new players take new roles.

“In the meantime, it’s a great opportunity for others to step up and we’ll kind of forge a new identity moving forward,” Roman said. “That’s just how it goes sometimes. Nick’s probably one of the, if not the best, blocking tight ends in the league in my estimation. Obviously things will change a little bit, and just got to make those adjustments. It’s an exciting opportunity for others to step up.”

The second-ranked Ravens rushing attack has been what most expected this season, but quarterback Lamar Jackson hasn’t hit his stride in the passing game like many expected he would. 

Second-year receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown has 32 receptions in nine games for 431 yards on the season — an average of 47.9 yards per game. Willie Snead has jumped into the role as the second wide receiver and made 25 catches for 356 yards, but no other wideout has more than 14 catches. 

Absent Boyle, the Ravens’ offense will need to evolve over the coming weeks as different players enter the lineup. 

Next man up or not, the offense is going to look different in the coming weeks.

“Just keep going after it, keep shooting my shot, just keep giving him an opportunity – that’s all,” Jackson said of his deep passes with Brown. “We’re going to be good, for sure.”

2023 NFL Free Agency: Biggest names on the free agent market

By NBC Sports Washington Staff
Biggest names in 2023 NFL Free Agency originally appeared on NBC Sports WashingtonWith the 2022 NFL season in the rearview, NFL teams can begin to look toward the draft combine and, of course, free agency. March 15 is the official start of free agency in the NFL, with March 13 as the start of the legal tampering period. Deals can be agreed to during this time, but none are official until the 15th at the earliest. Here's a look at some of the biggest names that were set to hit the free agency market.Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore RavensJackson and the Ravens have gone round-and-round regarding Jackson's extension, and it is still up in the air whether Jackson's long-term future will be in Baltimore or elsewhere. It's possible the Ravens will offer Jackson the franchise tag, but the former NFL MVP will be in for a huge payday once he signs a new deal, wherever that might be.Orlando Brown, OT, Kansas City ChiefsLike Jackson above, it's entirely possible the Chiefs use the franchise tag on the offensive lineman to keep him around for the 2023 campaign. Brown was one of the centerpieces of the Chiefs' Super Bowl run this past year, culminating in an immaculate performance in which the team didn't allow a sack in the big game.Saquon Barkley, RB, New York Giants2022 was the best year of Barkley's career to date. The Giants' bruising running back finished fourth in the NFL with 1,312 rushing yards on the season to go along with 10 rushing touchdowns. However, running backs are only as good as their offensive line, so it's possible Barkley won't get the same kind of cash as other players on this list.Josh Jacobs, RB, Las Vegas RaidersSpeaking of running backs fresh off their breakout season, Jacobs tops the list. He paced the entire league with 1,653 rushing yards on the season with 12 rushing TDs. His elite cutting ability would make him a tasty acquisition for any team desperate to upgrade their run game, and with Raiders' QB Derek Carr headed to a new destination, Jacobs is likely next in line to depart.Daniel Jones, QB, New York GiantsJones isn't as big a target as Lamar Jackson, but the fact is he can flat out play. He had the lowest interception rate on pass attempts in the NFL this past year while leading his Giants to the playoffs despite shaky play from his wide receiver core. Another candidate for the franchise tag, Jones will get a hefty payday whether it's in the Big Apple or elsewhere.Jessie Bates III, S, Cincinnati BengalsBates has been a staple of the Bengals' secondary since they drafted him in the first round back in 2018. He's also coming off a career year with four interceptions, eight passes defended and 66 tackles. He already played last season on the franchise tag, so chances are he'll be an immediate plug-in piece to a new team's secondary.Geno Smith, QB, Seattle SeahawksWhat can be said about Geno Smith that hasn't already been said? After spending his entire career as a bridesmaid and never a bride, he finally got his chance to walk down the aisle this past year in Seattle -- and boy did he show out. He finished eighth in the league in passing yards, fourth in passing TDs, and willed the Seahawks to a postseason appearance in their first year of the post-Russell Wilson era. No wonder he earned Comeback Player of the Year and Pro Bowl honors. Teams should be scratching at the door to snatch him up, if Seattle misses their chance.Bobby Wagner, ILB, Los Angeles RamsThe six-time First Team All-Pros tenure in L.A. was short lived as the Rams and Wagner agreed to part ways following a disappointing campaign for the defending Super Bowl champs. Still, Wagner is as disruptive of an inside linebacker as you'll find in the league, so he'll provide some pass rush stability for whoever signs him.James Bradberry IV, CB, Philadelphia EaglesBradberry switched NFC East allegiances and enjoyed a conference title in his first year in Philly. He was a massive part of arguably the best secondary in the NFL, so it would be wise for the Eagles to do what they can to keep him. Though he's 29, Bradberry has serviceable years ahead of him.Jakobi Meyers, WR, New England PatriotsThough Meyers won't wow you with his numbers or any gravity-defying catches, he's as solid of a WR2 or WR3 as you'll find. That'll probably help his free agency quest, as he's a plug-and-play option for any team eager for wideout depth. At 26, Meyers could be a low-cost yet high-upside addition on the open market.
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