Quarterback Lamar Jackson places on a show every time he steps onto the container. but the Baltimore Ravens cannot be a one-man demonstrate whereas hoping to compete in opposition t the likes of the Buffalo expenses, Kansas city Chiefs and Miami Dolphins as the AFC's premier squads.
The addition of an extra wide receiver could go a protracted solution to completing the Ravens offense. fortunately, a movie star is able to verify the market after struggling a serious knee injury all the way through super Bowl LVI.
in line with FOX activities' Jay Glazer, Odell Beckham Jr. should still be absolutely cleared from his torn ACL subsequent week, so that you can make the huge receiver open for business as he appears to signal with a further group. Glazer delivered there may be "many suitors" for OBJ's services.
The Ravens may still be on the excellent of the record in accordance with want and condition.
Monday's efficiency against the brand new Orleans Saints confirmed how desperately the organization wants a true No. 1 vast receiver. devoid of All-seasoned tight conclusion Mark Andrews in the lineup as a result of damage, Jackson failed to have a go-to target, peculiarly outdoor the numbers.
Baltimore's extensive receivers combined to make five receptions for fifty five yards all through the 27-13 victory at the Caesars Superdome.
Granted, Rashod Bateman suffered a season-ending foot damage all over ultimate week's contest in opposition t the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. however the lack of depth past the 2021 first-round decide on shows how poorly Baltimore's roster is built at a key position.
sure, the Ravens function a run-first offense. Andrews and rookie Isaiah doubtless are truly weapons. eventually, Andrews will return (doubtless after next weekend's bye) from shoulder and knee accidents. The Ravens require more firepower, notwithstanding, in particular to the broad parts of the field.
To Eric DeCosta's credit score, the widely wide-spread manager tried to make a circulation by way of signing veteran DeSean Jackson last month, and the 35-12 months-old speedster performed his first online game with the group Monday. lamentably, Jackson pulled a hamstring and failed to conclude the competition. His signing served a half-measure in any case.
Jonathan Bachman/Getty photographsDeCosta and Co. did not correctly handle broad receiver long earlier than the 15-year vet even became an option.
After trading Marquise Brown to the Arizona Cardinals for a first-round decide on in April's draft, the front office selected now not to tackle the place despite moving a legitimate 1,000-yard alternative. DeCosta earmarked Bateman for an expanded position after identifying the Minnesota product with the twenty seventh universal pick right through the old draft.
Even then, lots of uncertainty swirled round Baltimore's extensive receivers because the league saw the place enter premium status thanks to a lot of excessive-profile trades and mega-contract extensions.
despite the obvious sea change, the Ravens remained steadfast of their perception among the many group's young wide receivers, together with Devin Duvernay and James Proche II. Demarcus Robinson additionally joined the group on a one-year, show-it deal.
They've had their moments. those moments aren't decent satisfactory on a constant basis to dissuade the entrance office from making a significant circulate to assist achieve postseason aspirations.
The largest knock on Jackson's sterling profession up to now is the fact the Ravens have gained one playoff online game with him because the beginning quarterback.
The '19 NFL MVP is really unique. His capacity to sidestep pressure and create together with his legs border on otherworldly. in fact, he now ranks fifth all-time in speeding yardage from a quarterback. Jackson required fewer than half the video games to join the likes of Michael Vick, Cam Newton, Randall Cunningham and Russell Wilson.
"I do not take that with no consideration. I said, 'Wow' a few instances," Harbaugh advised journalists after being requested about his quarterback's capacity to slip faraway from defenders and create massive plays.
however as special as Jackson is, he can be slowed by means of the league's suitable defenses as soon as Baltimore reaches the win-or-go home stage of the process. through acquiring a real risk on the outside, the Ravens offense might extend and develop into even more unhealthy.
On Saturday, Beckham became 30. the previous 2nd-crew All-pro is now three seasons removed from his ultimate 1,000-yard effort. he is also persevered two ACL reconstructions on the same knee. Yet his price is still at an all-time excessive after he performed lights out all the way through the first half of this year's super Bowl.
"I feel there may be going to be a large bidding war for Odell," Glazer mentioned (h/t Kyle Posey of Niners Nation).
assorted teams have already been linked as percentages. Glazer mentioned the Buffalo expenses, Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers. The la Rams remain in play. Beckham referred to the green Bay Packers and new york Giants have shown activity as smartly.
" ... GMs of groups which are all going to playoffs—the groups that are 6-2 or 7-0—the suitable groups are calling," Beckham mentioned throughout an interview with complicated sports. "it be now not like all just group is asking because americans recognize what i can do on the box."
The Ravens have two issues going for them in Beckham's talents recruitment: stability and Jackson.
"I wanna be able to spill ... these next three or 4 years into some thing the place i will be able to purchase a house. Like i will be able to name this region domestic," Beckham introduced. "i am tired of dwelling out of too many suitcases. ... I've done the rock 'n roll life."
Baltimore's offensive setup may additionally not be as captivating for a big-time vast receiver whose options are abundant. but Beckham can stroll into Baltimore's facilities as WR1 from Day 1. He'll get to play with a younger quarterback neatly on his means towards a corridor of repute career, with the expectation he'll either get franchise tagged or signed to a protracted-term extension after this season.
Plus, the Ravens win. They at present reside atop the AFC North, with two dropping campaigns since John Harbaugh grew to become head train in 2008.
Patrick Smith/Getty imagesin addition, Beckham's aspiration of laying down roots in one spot for varied years after bouncing from the ny Giants to the Cleveland Browns to the Rams all through the old 4 seasons plays in Baltimore's want.
presently, the Ravens have simplest $2.four million in purchasable earnings-cap space, in response to Spotrac. A multi-yr deal allows for the group to present a significant signing bonus, which might be prorated over the entirety of the contract. For accounting applications, the large receiver can play under the veteran minimum during the relaxation of this season.
The Ravens are already quite first rate. in any case, Baltimore is simply the fifth team in the tremendous Bowl period to hold leads of 10 or more points of their first nine games of the season, per The Athletic's Jeff Zrebiec.
Jackson can take over any game at any time. The running online game is still potent. A match Andrews will provide a big increase. Baltimore's protecting front is still aggressive and extremely physical. The franchise simply doesn't feature an entire roster.
adding a receiver of Beckham's caliber after the change time limit brings enough skills to turn the Ravens offense from whatever it is tricky to address and switch it into a true showstopper.
Brent Sobleski covers the NFL for Bleacher report. observe him on Twitter, @brentsobleski.
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