Sports Illustrated Predicts Ravens Start Season With Bang, Then Stumble

NFL.com’s Gennaro Filice ranked all 32 teams’ offensive triplets (top quarterback, running back, and pass-catcher). The Ravens’ trio of Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, and Flowers landed at No. 4.

“Surprised this group doesn’t make the top three? Yeah, I hear ya,” Graziano wrote. “After all, the Ravens boast the reigning MVP under center, a future Hall of Famer at running back and an emerging star at wide receiver. So, what gives? Well, I’m a little worried about how those first two components fit together. Over the past five seasons, Jackson and Henry have been two of the most dynamic — and unique — players in the NFL. So, naturally, there was plenty of fanfare when Henry signed with the Ravens in March.

“But here’s the thing: They’ve largely been operating in divergent offensive systems. Since his first full season as Baltimore’s starting quarterback in 2019, Jackson has primarily operated out of the shotgun. But over that same span, Henry took 69.4 percent of his snaps with a QB under center, per PFF. So, will the Ravens be able to find a happy medium that maximizes both players? Asked about this during a press conference this offseason, Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken didn’t seem all that concerned. It goes without saying that Monken has forgotten more about offensive strategy than I’ll ever know, but I still need to see this combo flourishing together before I fully buy in.”

Henry was asked recently if it’s a challenge to play out of the shotgun or pistol formation.

“Not at all,” he said. “We ran pistol before [while I was with] Tennessee and ran out of shotgun. My biggest thing is doing my job and doing my job effectively [while] being efficient.”