Baltimore Ravens shift offseason priorities around evolving Lamar Jackson

After another disappointing end to a successful season, the Baltimore Ravens must adapt. They must shift offseason priorities to support the still-evolving Lamar Jackson.

The Baltimore Ravens didn’t reach their lofty goals in 2019 but they did exceed expectations. A 14-2 regular season gave way to a loss in the Divisional Round to the underdog Tennessee Titans. It was the second consecutive tough, early out for this squad in the postseason. Even for a team that failed to make the conference title game, though, it is a good starting point to have had the best offense in football a season ago and have none of the contributors on that offense set to hit free agency.

The Ravens also happened to have an elite defense last year; hence their league-leading 14 wins. But bringing that whole group back will be a different story. Lamar Jackson also must evolve to avoid flaming out like so many “running” quarterbacks before him. It’s time to shift those offseason priorities and ensure another season atop the AFC.

Two brothers from New York, Dan Salem and Todd Salem, debate the Baltimore Ravens in today’s NFL Sports Debate.

Todd Salem:

Baltimore may look the same on offense, but as many as five defensive starters and multiple other rotation players, specifically in the secondary, could depart in free agency. Brandon Carr may be one more added to the departures if the team decides to save $6 million by not picking up his option.

Reports indicate the team may franchise Matthew Judon but nothing is official yet. And there is no sign of an agreement on a long-term extension, so even if they tag him, it could be simply to trade him later in the spring. If Judon does stick with Baltimore, that helps address some of the pass-rushing need but not all of it.

One would think most of the $30 million in cap space would go toward filling back up the defensive group, but that money won’t last long, especially if a big name is targeted. There may also be something said for adding to the offense.

Sure, Lamar Jackson and company were unstoppable in 2019 — but we’ve watched enough NFL over the years to know that those types of dominant bursts don’t last unless the offense evolves. Defenses are too smart to get burned for multiple seasons in a row by the same thing.

I’m not sure exactly what that would entail because you don’t want Baltimore going away from its strengths. Adding a big-bodied wide receiver to pair with Marquise Brown may be one option. The draft could be a good spot for adding a receiver, even as late as the No. 28 pick. This is a deep class at the position. Limiting Jackson’s scrambling could be another adjustment to make, though that would alter the ceiling of this offense in a major way.

Dan Salem:

Jackson is going to have to learn to limit his own scrambling, because the hits add up fast. Just ask any running back who’s started a few seasons. Or ask Cam Newton, who successfully adjusted to a more drop-back style with a complimentary running option. Newton has been injured a lot lately, so perhaps his early career playstyle caught up with him after all. It’s easy to sit here and say the Ravens should run things back but ensuring Jackson’s longevity is equally as important.

The Baltimore Ravens developed a gem in Jackson, but failing to adjust and improve the offense will only expose him to more hits as defenses adjust to what he does best.

Thankfully for Baltimore, Harbaugh is a master of flexing his team’s style, while maintaining a dominant defense. After losing C.J. Mosley last offseason, along with a few other big-name players, everyone assumed the Ravens defense would be a step below in 2019. Everyone was wrong, which bodes well for their 2020 outlook.

I’m not sure if that $30 million in cap space includes the expected bump from the new salary cap, but Baltimore needs all the help it can get. Amassing 14 wins last season was an over-achievement. Their playoff exit was more par for the course. To actually get better, the Ravens must add running back depth, as well as draft a wide receiver. But as you noted, it will be mostly about defense and finding the “right” players to fit Baltimore’s scheme.

Success is fleeting in the NFL, especially for teams with “running” quarterbacks. The Ravens are capitalizing on Jackson’s rookie deal, which is the only way to win big. The pressure is through the roof in Baltimore to win now and they’ve set expectations that are challenging to meet.

Going 9-7 but advancing farther in the playoffs would be preferable to another season like last year. We always remember the last thing you did, and the Ravens consistently leave us wondering what could have been.