Personnel Additions Will Expand Baltimore Ravens Playbook in 2009

(Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

The Ravens haven't had the most exciting offseason. Their most publicized move was the dramatic resigning of Ray Lewis, and they failed to create a splash with their draft (as usual).

Ozzie Newsome and the rest of the Baltimore personnel evaluators, however, are among the best at what they do for a reason. A series of low key personnel moves should give the Ravens plenty of opportunities to expand their playbook in 2009, and help them build on their success from last year.

Addition of Michael Oher

The Ravens traded up in this year's draft to take offensive tackle Michael Oher at pick 23. With the retirement of Willie Anderson, it's likely that Oher will step in immediately at right tackle.

The addition of center Matt Birk, the return of Marshal Yanda, and another year of experience under the young line's belt will make this an improved unit in 2009.

The game of football is won and lost in the trenches, and improving the offensive line improves nearly every facet of the offense as a whole.

The running game will be more effective, Joe Flacco will have more time to throw and will take fewer sacks. In turn, receivers will have more success getting open and making plays.

Securing the tackle spot on both sides of Joe Flacco should help relieve the tight ends of blocking duties, allowing them to run routes and contribute more to the passing game in 2009.

In 2008, the Ravens made use of a formation known as the unbalanced line. The set involves stacking an extra offensive lineman on one side of the center, making that side "heavy."

Plays running out of the unbalanced line require talented and versatile offensive lineman. Michael Oher fits the bill perfectly, as Ravens coaches believe he has the ability to play on both sides of the line.

Michael Oher also possesses the athleticism necessary to contribute to the Wildcat package. The Ravens used this formation sparingly, but had some success snapping the ball directly to Troy Smith. Oher should allow Cam Cameron to develop and expand this package in 2009.

Addition of L.J. Smith

It wasn't long ago that Todd Heap was considered an elite tight end. He was consistently posting top five numbers, despite an anemic offense and shaky quarterback play.

In 2008, when the Ravens finally found some stability at quarterback and brought in one of the most talented and innovate offensive coordinators in the league, Heap strangely saw his statistics plummet.

It's arguable whether or not Todd Heap is the same player that he used to be. At 29 years old, he's entering his 8th season as an NFL player, and there's no doubt that the years have taken a toll on his body.

He's struggled with injuries throughout his career, and it's unclear if he can still play at an elite level. Heap dropped passes in 2008 that he would have caught easily in 2005 and 2006.

While Heap may not be the player he once was, wear and tear on his body is not the only explanation for his performance last year.

With a young and relatively inexperienced offensive line protecting a rookie quarterback, Cam Cameron chose to keep Todd Heap in as an extra blocker. Rather than running routes down the middle of the field, he was often used to help pick up blitzes and keep Joe Flacco out of the dirt.

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