Coordinator Cam Cameron is excited about his new stable of receivers, but he doesn't foresee any major changes in the Ravens' offense. To put it mildly, the Ravens won't become pass-happy.
They just want to become more pass efficient.
"Pumped and excited would be the right words about how I feel about our offense," Cameron said. "We just have to look at the numbers. We don't need to throw the ball more; we just need to throw it better, execute the passing game better."
A year ago, the Ravens were fairly balanced. They ran the ball 466 times for 2,200 yard and 22 touchdowns. They passed 510 times for 321 completions, 3,637 yards and 21 touchdowns.
But the passing game was limited. They didn't attack the deep middle of the field in their regular offense and didn't have a go-to player for the middle inside the opponent's 20-yard line.
Vertical threat? Forget it.
Because of the inexperience of second-year quarterback Joe Flacco and the lack of a big physical receiver, the Ravens offense basically consisted of deep comeback routes, quick slants and flare passes to running back Ray Rice out of the backfield.
But that's expected to change in 2010. The Ravens traded with Arizona for a big-time receiver in Anquan Boldin and added speed with Donte' Stallworth. Combined with Flacco and receivers Derrick Mason, Mark Clayton, Demetrius Williams and tight end Todd Heap playing together for a third straight season, the Ravens should have a more complete passing game.
"I like the group of receivers we have," Cameron said. "We got about eight receivers competing for five or six spots. It's the best competition we've had since we've been here because of the depth.
"The passing game is about the chemistry between the quarterback and receivers, and in that third year, you can usually see a jump," Cameron said. "There is no substitute for playing together, and with free agency, you've got to get it done within two or three years because the chemistry is going to change whether you like it or not."
With Boldin, the Ravens have a receiver who can make the catches over the middle and absorb the collisions. Williams and Stallworth have speed, an ingredient the Ravens lacked the last two years. The Ravens still have Mason on one side and Heap, who has had a second consecutive strong offseason.
The Ravens have also been impressed with rookie tight ends Dennis Pitta and Ed Dickson.
"The one area we need to improve on the most is the vertical passing game," Cameron said. "We got glimpses of it but couldn't sustain it week in and week out. We have to improve in that area to get the big plays we want.
"As for throwing the ball in the middle of the field, I tend to protect young quarterbacks, but it was more than about Joe," he said. "We have to be able to throw the ball in the middle of the field, and Anquan should help us in that area. I think you will see that evolve in training camp. We will throw over the middle better."
The Ravens have the weapons. They should have a versatile attack because all of their receivers are interchangeable and can play outside or in the slot. The key, then, becomes Flacco.
He played well early last season, particularly in the first three games. But he struggled down the stretch and into the postseason. According to Cameron, Flacco had a super offseason, and he should be able to make the next step.
That step includes being able to find an open receiver and not throwing to a pre-determined target. Flacco and Cameron had a heated debate about that in the playoff game against the Indianapolis Colts last season.
"I tend to push the ball to certain guys, like a Derrick Mason," Cameron said. "This time around, as a play caller, I'm not going to be as concerned where the ball goes. We're now capable of putting five legitimate players out there at one time, and all five can makes plays in given situations."
But will that be a problem? Mason doesn't hide the fact that he wants the ball. Boldin left Arizona during the offseason because he wanted more catches. Will there be enough opportunities to make them all happy, especially Mason?
"Every coordinator wants to get the ball into the hands of one of his best players, and Derrick is one of our best players," Cameron said. "If there was a fault last year, we tried to push it to him too much. Derrick knows that in critical situations, he is going to be one of the top-three progressions."
Everyone's role from a year ago should change a little, except that of running back Ray Rice. Rice led the team and all NFL running backs with 78 receptions for 702 yards, club records for those categories.
Cameron still wants Rice to get as many touches as possible. But he also wants Heap to get involved more as well, and that should happen with the maturation of the two young offensive tackles, Michael Oher and Jared Gaither. Heap should be able to contribute more as a receiver, and less in pass protection.
Cameron is hoping to get a good look at his new passing game next week when all the receivers and quarterbacks are expected to attending as passing camp. Then the show really begins in training camp.
"That's where it will evolve and after a couple of games, we'll have to tweak it, but for right now, we're very happy with where we're at and how the guys have worked," Cameron said.
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