Ravens' Rushing Numbers Hide an Even Uglier Offensive Reality

Baltimore’s rushing numbers are a bit inflated when the context of where those yards came from is taken into account. Sixty-five of them came on a Justice Hill touchdown in garbage time. The play itself was still well executed, but it amounted to little more than empty calories rather than something that meaningfully impacted the game. Beyond that run, Jacksonville did a solid job containing both Hill and Derrick Henry. Henry averaged just 3.4 yards per carry, while Hill’s 65-yard touchdown was a clear outlier, as none of his other eight carries gained more than five yards.

There is also the fact that Baltimore’s passing attack was practically nonexistent and did little to complement its ground game. Rookie quarterback Joe Fagnano posted a 22.7 passer rating while averaging just 3.3 yards per attempt, less than what Derrick Henry was gaining per rush. Baltimore’s inability to generate anything through the air allowed Jacksonville to devote even more attention to slowing the run. Declan Doyle was creative with the sets and formations he used in an effort to make life easier for the offense, but creativity means little if the execution is lacking.

This lack of balance is why Jacoby Brissett’s arrival could play a major role in determining whether Baltimore can keep its season alive. Brissett is a veteran with a decade of NFL experience and a decent amount of starting experience under his belt. Having a quarterback capable of consistently moving the football through the air while Henry and Hill contribute on the ground could make Baltimore’s offense far more balanced and less reliant on the unorthodox formations it used against Jacksonville.

With Lamar Jackson sidelined, simply having a competent passing attack could make an enormous difference. Baltimore does not need Brissett to replicate Jackson’s production, but it does need someone capable of making opposing defenses respect the threat of the pass. Otherwise, another 172 rushing yards will simply be a nice number on a stat sheet.