OTC - Baltimore Ravens among the most underperforming offenses

Jason Fitzgerald from Over the Cap has evaluated each offense in the NFL, using the metrics of team spending compared to offensive efficiency. The chart above plots each team based on their financial allocation to the offense side of the ball and their offensive performance.

Fitzgerald concludes that the Baltimore Ravens offense is underperforming this season:

Joe Flacco’s 2016 salary cap number of $22.6 million accounts for nearly 15 percent of the $151 million salary cap. Receivers Steve Smith Sr., Mike Wallace, Dennis Pitta and Kamar Aiken; along with offensive lineman Jeremy Zuttah, Marshal Yanda and Ronnie Stanley are among the Ravens fifteen highest 2016 salaries. In total, the Ravens have committed $62.4 million to their offense, $51.8 million to their defense and $7.5 million in cap space towards special teams.

It should not be surprising to learn that the Ravens offense is underperforming. They changed coordinators mid season and have dealt with a rash of injuries on the offensive line. This season, the Ravens have produced the 18th ranked passing offense, 27th ranked rushing offense and 25th ranked scoring offense.

The offensive line appears to be the most important unit for offensive success. Flacco, like every quarterback, is more effective when paired with a capable rushing attack and time in the pocket. The lineman have been blocking better of late. Marshal Yanda, Jeremy Zuttah, Vladimir Ducasse and Ronnie Stanley were among the Ravens top five offensive players in Week 11, according to Pro Football Focus’ grading.

With six games remaining in the regular season, the Baltimore Ravens control their own destiny. That destiny is largely in the hands of their offensive lineman.