Baltimore Ravens: Lack Of a Deep Threat Could Prove Costly

Entering the 2009 season, the Baltimore Ravens look to enhance their offensive play-making ability without having significantly enhanced their offensive play-makers.

It remains to be seen whether what they have will be enough. Team officials seem to be banking on the return of injured players to make the difference for the team’s passing game. 

Last season, the Ravens’ ability to stretch the field was limited by injuries to Todd Heap, Mark Clayton, and Demetrius Williams. With few other options, Derrick Mason became quarterback Joe Flacco’s primary down field target.

Mason, however, is a possession-type receiver, and at 34 is beginning to show signs of wear as he recovers from off-season shoulder surgery. Even if the trio of wide outs returns to form, none has the speed or size to establish themselves as the down field threat the Ravens so sorely missed during January’s playoff run.

Without a true No. 1 wide receiver who can force defenses to respect the deep ball, Flacco may be forced to endure another season of quick passes and limited choices. The Ravens’ running game also suffered last season, as defensive backs were able to play closer to the line of scrimmage, reducing the openings in the middle of the field.  

Passing on receivers early in the draft, the Ravens selected Marcus Smith in the fourth round, but he his not expected to contribute this year. After holding tryouts, the Ravens signed unrestricted free-agent wide receiver Kelley Washington in May. Washington, a six-year NFL veteran, looks to be the team’s third wide receiver this season, and at 6'3", improves the Ravens’ height at the position.

Ravens QB Coach Hue Jackson, who coached Washington in Cincinnati, believes that Washington will fit in nicely, telling the Baltimore Sun, "I know [wide receivers] coach [Jim] Hostler will take him to a whole different level. I also think Kelley is good for our guys in that he knows what to expect and he's willing to do everything it takes for our team to succeed."

There had been some internet chatter during the off-season regarding the availability of Cardinals’ receiver Anquan Boldin, who is unhappy with his current contract in Arizona, but rumored trades never materialized, as it appeared that the Cardinals’ asking price for Boldin exceeded what the market was willing to bear.

Boldin has since announced his intention to fire agent Drew Rosenhaus, as efforts to move him have stalled. The Philadelphia Eagles continue to be mentioned as possible landing spots for Boldin in addition to Baltimore, but there is no indication that a trade is imminent, and the Ravens publicly are maintaining their position that their current receiving corps, once healthy, will be adequate.