The Ravens new-look, “sugar huddle”offense was the talk of the NFL after Week One. This week, the team’s strugglesoffensively have been the main talking point.
In two games, opposing teams hold a14:34 advantage in time of possession.
By going no-huddle, long,methodical drives have gone by the wayside for Baltimore. During the Ravens’24-23 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sept. 17, the Eagles dominated time ofpossession, controlling the ball for 34:21.
Despite the theory that thehurry-up offense makes up for time of possession with additional plays,Philadelphia ran 10 more plays than Baltimore. The Eagles ran 75 offensiveplays, while the Ravens ran 65.
The Ravens controlled the ball forjust 4:24 in the third quarter. Leading 17-7 to begin the period, offensivecoordinator Cam Cameron dialed up eight straight passing plays. The Ravensfirst four drives during the second half ended with three three-and-outs and aninterception. As a result, the defense was on the field for over 10 minutes andgave up 10 points to the Eagles offense.
Last season, the Ravens would haveleaned on the legs of Ray Rice and the running game to move the chains with adouble-digit lead. That doesn’t seem to be the formula anymore, but it shouldbe.
Rice had 16 carries for 99 yardsagainst the Eagles (6.2 yards per carry). He carried 10 times for 68 yards inWeek One.
Sure, if the Ravens are blowing outthe opposing team, it’s wise to limit Rice’s carries and touches to keep himfresh. But if the offense is struggling to pick up first downs and sustaindrives through the air, adjustments need to be made.
When quarterback Joe Flacco is only completing 22-of-42passes in a game, and is 8-of-25 in the second half, something needs to change.By the time the Ravens tried to reestablish the run game in the second half, itwas too late. The offensive line looked gassed, and it showed up in the statistics.
In the first half, Rice had his waywith the Eagles defense, carrying seven times for 78 yards. It was a different storyin the second half, however, as he carried nine times for 21 yards.
Right now, the jury is still out onthis Ravens offense.
Baltimore needs to learn how toplay with a lead and finish games. Though the Ravens want to run an up-tempooffense, there’s nothing wrong with taking the foot off the pedal and slowingit down when the opportunity presents itself.



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