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Pro Football Focus recently ranked all 32 NFL franchise’s passing offenses. They analyzed the quarterbacks, wide receivers, tight ends and running backs, but did not include offense lineman in this ranking. The Ravens are listed as seventh the worst passing offense in the league:
The three best passing offenses according to their metrics were, in order, the Patriots, Falcons and Packers. Baltimore’s division rival Steelers were rated as the fifth best, followed by the Bengals at number 14 and the Browns at number 29.
The 26th slot seems a bit harsh for the Ravens. Jeremy Maclin, Mike Wallace and Breshad Perriman should form of the better wideout trios around. Baltimore will also boast several dangerous pass catchers out of the backfield, namely Danny Woodhead and Kenneth Dixon, once he returns from suspension.
Their ranking of Carolina, Minnesota, Kansas City, Buffalo, Chicago and Denver ahead of Baltimore seems generous. Cam Newton played poorly last season and has few proven receivers outside of Greg Olsen. The Vikings feature Stefon Diggs, Adam Thielen and Kyle Rudolph, but Sam Bradford is mediocre at best. Alex Smith of the Chiefs has limited arm strength, plus Tyreek Hill is due for regression. And teams starting quarterbacks such as Tyrod Taylor, Mike Glennon and Trevor Siemian, with comparable or worse weapons, should never be ranked ahead of former Super Bowl MVP Joe Flacco.
PFF’s projections, along with most other national media analysts, expect Baltimore to hover around .500 next season. Fortunately, the Ravens seemingly always rise to the occasion when labeled as underdogs.