Ravens training camp is only a few weeks away and while excitement abounds over the possibility of what’s to come, I still can’t help but feel a little concerned about the state of Baltimore’s pass rush.
What else is new, right?
Seemingly every pre-season for years in Charm City fans and pundits alike usually ask two questions: What will the wide receiver’s room be able to provide the offense, and who will get to the quarterback consistently? While both questions need answers in 2023 the franchise has spent plenty of money and attention on the former, from Lamar Jackson’s massive extension to the acquisitions of Odell Beckham Jr, and first rounder Zay Flowers. The hiring of Todd Monken as new offensive coordinator was another huge addition as the offensive philosophy needed a makeover and were ready to move on from Greg Roman’s run heavy attack. It will be interesting to see how all the new and existing pieces will come together and regardless of the results you can’t say the Ravens didn’t take some huge chances in answering major questions about the direction of the offense.
This brings me back to the pass rush.
The Baltimore defense went through its own personality shift last season as new coordinator Mike Macdonald took over for the popular Blitz-happy Don Martindale. There were definite growing pains last season – the Miami meltdown comes to mind early in the campaign. As the weeks progressed the unit continued to improve and over the second half of the season were one of the NFLs best. Opponents only averaged 192. Pass ypg and 3.6 yards per carry over the final six weeks of the schedule. The hope is that the positive performances will carry over into 2023 but not without a consistent pass rush.
A new season always brings changes and the biggest is the loss of veteran Calais Campbell. MacDonald says it best, “There are things that he does that not a lot of people can do on the field.” Those things include providing a fearsome presence leading the front against the run and the pass while demonstrating a professional example to his teammates. It’s hard to replace such a player but at least the team does have a young core in Justin Madubuike, Broderick Washington, and second year Travis Jones. All have shown an ability to plug up rushing lanes, but none so far have shown Campbell’s ability to disrupt the backfield.
The larger questions are on the edges with young Odafe Oweh and David Ojabo expected to get plenty of action this season. Both have great potential but that potential needs to turn quickly into production if the Ravens are to stop some of the league’s high flying offenses. Oweh didn’t really have the sophomore season that anyone had hoped, after registering five sacks his rookie season he dropped to three last year. Perhaps his impact was diminished by drawing double teams early in the season, but the fact remains that he must become more disruptive in year three. Ojabo enters his first full season as a pro as he was still recovering from the ACL injury that saw him fall to Baltimore on draft day. Both he and Oweh have been “tearing it up” in mini-camp and have shown explosiveness and energy. But the games aren’t played in shorts. Pass rush guru Chuck Smith has joined the team to help develop signature moves for the pair and he may be key in helping them unlock their potential.
Tyus Bowser is also expected to be at full strength to start the season. Another of the many walking wounded from two seasons ago, hopefully Bowser can regain his 2021 form that saw him as a versatile threat on the pass rush and in coverage. It would be helpful if the now seven year vet would be able to take some of the pressure off the young pair right from the start.
With so many questions on the edge it makes too much sense for Baltimore to bring back Justin Houston for another season. Houston was one of the best bargains in free agency a year ago as he led to team in sacks (9 ½) and pressures (22) and was a huge bright spot while having snaps limited. Hopefully a reunion is in the cards but if the 34 year signs elsewhere it would behoove the team to look for another experienced option.
Matt has lived in Maryland his entire life and is a graduate of Calvert Hall and Towson University. has always been an avid Baltimore sports fan. Since 2007, he has been writing and talking about Baltimore sports, especially the Ravens. His work has appeared on Ravens Gab, Russell Street Report, and he currently co-hosts a podcast “The Blitz- A Ravens podcast” with Brent Harris.