Where Art Thou, Ravens Offense???

If a picture is worth a million words, than this picture tells a grooming story.

The Ravens offense, once ranked as high as 3rd in total offense this season, has taken a serious nose dive. And if you ask for a reason why, I'm not sure anyone has a clear cut answer to that question.

Before I go any further, let me say this. Ed Reed did not lose yesterday's game for the Ravens when he fumbled a punt return at the end of the game. Neither did Ravens newly acquired K Billy Cundiff, who missed an easy FG that would have had the Ravens ahead in the 4th qtr. I blame this loss squarely on Cam Cameron, Joe Flacco, and anyone who was involved in the inept offense we saw on the field yesterday.

The Ravens had so many opportunities to score during yesterday's game against the Colts. The Ravens were at the 1 yard line and made 3 rushing attempts into the end zone. All failed. The Ravens were also able to move the chains but came to a critical 3rd and 1 situation. They handed off the ball to FB LeRon McClain. Stopped. Instead of scoring TDs, the Ravens converted 5-of-6 FGs, which ultimately wasn't enough to win. It's hard to say if the Ravens would have won, had at least one of those scores were a TD. But chances are, they could have pulled out a win.



Stats don't always tell the story. But I think my next point tells exactly why the Ravens are losing games. In the first 6 games, the Ravens had an average of 393 total yards per game, while scoring an average of 28 points during that span. In the last 4 games, the Ravens have averaged 284 yards of offense and 17 points per game. Usually, this is the time that an offense finds a rhythm and starts to build their momentum, because the playoffs are near. But the Ravens have taken a big step back, something fans weren't expecting to see.

Some speculate that QB Joe Flacco may be playing hurt. Flacco had his foot stepped on during the Week 6 game against the Vikings and has also had knee and ankle issues as well. Others have speculated offensive coordinator Cam Cameron has gotten too pass happy and strayed away from the run once Flacco started to show his potential. Both could be an issue, along with the fact that the Ravens still do not have a true #1 wide receiver for Flacco to throw the ball to.

Whatever the reason may be, the Ravens need to fix it and fast. They play the Steelers twice, along with the Packers and Bears, all games that will be hard fought. If the Ravens want any chance of making the playoffs this year, they literally have to win all but one of the rest of their games and then play the waiting game, or theymay be looking outside of the playoff picture, come January. The Ravens of 2009 are reminding fans of the Ravens of 2000, when they only scored FGs and relied heavily on defense. But this story has already been written, and the Ravens current defense couldn't hold a finger to the dominant squad of 2000. The defense can't bail the offense out like they used to.

It's time for this offense to look in the mirror. It's now or never. Your season depends on it.