Offensive efficiency a priority for Ravens

Team seeks better red-zone conversion rate

Mike Preston

May 31, 2009

• E-mail
• Print
• Vote

As the Ravens work through offseason minicamps, they have two priorities for the offense heading into training camp, which opens in late July.

The Ravens want to improve their scoring inside their opponents' 20-yard line and their third-down efficiency.

Last season, the Ravens were ranked No. 25 in the NFL in scoring inside the red zone. Of the team's 51 possessions inside the 20, the Ravens recorded only 24 touchdowns and 20 field goals. The top-ranked team was the Indianapolis Colts, who had 50 possessions inside the 20 and produced 34 touchdowns and 11 field goals. The Carolina Panthers were No. 2 with 32 touchdowns and 14 field goals in 49 possessions.

The Ravens were 15th in the league in converting third-down opportunities.

"We want to continue improving in every area," Ravens offensive coordinator Cam Cameron said, "and we can do that with technique and tightening up on our fundamentals. But we've got to get better on third downs and inside the scoring zone because they are two major areas. We've got to get more explosive because the main objective is to always score as many points as possible."

The Ravens should be able to improve with the play of quarterback Joe Flacco alone. The Ravens were cautious with Flacco in his rookie season, especially in the red zone early in the year. The offense should be more open in 2009.

Two other keys, according to Cameron, are getting 10 to 11 players healthy for the start of training camp and developing the offensive line, which has two new starters in rookie right tackle Michael Oher and Pro Bowl center Matt Birk.

"We've got some new people up front, including a rookie right tackle," Cameron said. "Right now, we're just trying to get them as comfortable as possible."

Birk goes to work

Birk is a 12-year veteran, and most players his age don't like to attend minicamps. Birk isn't one of them.

"I'm not to the point where I'm comfortable," said Birk, a former Minnesota Vikings standout. "Every day presents a new situation. It is very important for me to be here as much as possible to go against our defense and assimilate game situations. Football is still football; you have to get to your guy but know how to get to him.

"But you also have to feel comfortable with the group and then integrate yourself within the group."

Oher looks imposing

The media haven't had a lot of opportunities to look at Oher, but the tackle out of Mississippi is a specimen. He also runs well, has good movement and good bend in his knees.

Once he gets a full year in the weight room, look out. He is going to be a beast.

Familiar feel to defense

The Ravens have a new defensive coordinator in Greg Mattison, who replaced Rex Ryan during the offseason. Mattison was the team's linebackers coach last season, and the players haven't noticed much of a change with Mattison calling the shots.

"There are some differences, but not a lot," Ravens outside linebacker Jarret Johnson said. "There are some little differences in the sub packages, stuff like that, and some change in the terminology, but it's pretty much the same. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Matte is an awesome coach. In some ways, he is very similar to Rex, maybe more serious. But like Rex, he is going to get the guys to play hard for him because they respect him."

Johnson, though, does miss Ryan and outside linebacker Bart Scott. Ryan is the head coach of the New York Jets, and the Jets signed Scott during the offseason. Scott is one of the top trash talkers in the NFL.

"Every once in a while you look over there, and Rex isn't there," Johnson said. "I can't lie and say I don't miss the guy. Bart? Man, I really miss him because Bart talked all the time. It's actually quiet out there without him."

Fitness report

The offseason bulk award goes to second-year running back Ray Rice. The added bulk is definitely noticeable across his chest and lower body. Rice seems to be having a lot of fun at practice and looks more comfortable as a receiver out of the backfield.

On the other side is fullback-halfback Le'Ron McClain, who looks about 20 pounds over his playing weight. This might be a problem if he doesn't get in better condition when training camp starts.

D. Williams impresses

A year ago, wide receiver Demetrius Williams looked a little sluggish at times trying to learn a new offense. But in practice Wednesday, Williams looked good and his legs were fresh.

He caught several passes, including a one-hander in the back of the end zone. He also caught a touchdown pass across the middle before dunking the ball over the goal post. The Ravens are still hoping Williams develops into the deep threat that has been missing from the offense, but unfortunately, we've seen these flashes of brilliance before in practice.

Also, fans shouldn't worry about veteran wide receiver Derrick Mason, even if he can't participate at full tilt in training camp because of a shoulder injury. Mason is a pro, and he'll be ready for the season opener.

One to watch

Keep an eye on tight end Davon Drew, a fifth-round pick out of East Carolina. He's 6 feet 4 and weighs 260 pounds, and will get bigger. He has good hands and already has caught the eye of several Ravens coaches.