Ravens News 6/19: Pass blocking efficiency, top 100 WRs and more

Ranking all 32 offensive lines by pass-blocking efficiency - MARK CHICHESTER

5. BALTIMORE RAVENS

2017 pass-blocking efficiency: 81.9

Best individual PBE: Ryan Jensen, 98.4

Throughout the 2017 season, the Ravens saw plenty of promising performances along the offensive line, of which allowed the unit to attain a PBE of 81.9, the fifth-best mark in the league. All told, they allowed the league’s fifth-fewest pressures (138) and averaged 18.1 pass-block snaps per sack or hit surrendered, which tied for the league’s second-best mark. Guard James Hurst had a great season as he finished ninth among guards in pass-blocking efficiency and allowed just one sack, one hit and 14 hurries all season. With the return of star guard and pass-blocking ace Marshal Yanda, who has averaged 1313 pass block snaps per sack allowed since 2015, the Ravens are in good shape heading into the new league year.

PFF’s pass blocking efficiency measures pressures allowed on a per snap basis. Within the division, Pittsburgh ranked 7th while Cleveland and Cincinnati tied for 19th.

Early Wide Receiver Rankings (Fantasy Football) - Mike Tagliere

27. Michael Crabtree WR - BAL (10), -1 vs. ECR

After seeing 291 targets over a two year period with the Raiders, Crabtree saw that number drop to just 101 targets in 2017. Fortunately for him, he was released and wound up as the No. 1 receiver on another team that should get him somewhere in the range of 110-120 targets. Some will say more than that, but Joe Flacco doesn’t heavily target any one receiver. During his 10 years in the league, he’s yet to target one more than 137 times, and that includes two seasons with 610-plus attempts. He’s a safe WR3 who may give you WR2 production.

81. John Brown WR - BAL (10), -3 vs. ECR

It seemed like targets were going to be a bit easy for Brown to get when he signed with the Ravens at the start of free agency, but as the offseason went on, things got much more cloudy. Not only did they go out and sign Michael Crabtree after he was dumped by the Raiders, but they also signed Willie Snead late in free agency. Then the draft came and they not only added two tight ends in the first three rounds, but they also grabbed two wide receivers in the top five rounds. Needless to say, targets will be hard to come by and that’s not to mention his health problems he’s dealt with over the last few years.

95. Willie Snead WR - BAL (10), -3 vs. ECR

I’m not sure if even Snead realizes how good he had it with Drew Brees, but the targets are going to be even cloudier in Baltimore now that they’ve added Michael Crabtree, John Brown, Hayden Hurst, Mark Andrews, Jaleel Scott, and Jordan Lasley this offseason. Think of him as the Cole Beasley of the Ravens offense, but with better talent around him and a worse quarterback.

Expect Joe Flacco to spread the ball around to all of his receivers in 2018.

2017 Defeats - Vincent Verhei

Defeats are one way to account for defenders who make frequent appearances on highlight reels.

As a reminder, a defender is credited with a defeat any time he makes one of the following plays:

A tackle that results in a loss of yardage, including sacks.

Any play that results in a turnover, including tipped passes which are then intercepted.

Any tackle or tipped pass that leads to a stop on third or fourth down.

Team Player Pos Pass Defeats Rush Defeats Total Defeat

BAL 57-C.Mosley LB 12 13 25

BAL 99-M.Judon ER 12 10 22

BAL 55- T.Suggs ER 14 6 20

C.J. Mosley’s 25 total ‘defeats’ were the 12th most in the NFL last season.