Ravens' three-headed monster ranked among the elite in the league

It is easy to speak highly of a group that hasn't played one meaningful down together.  But talent speaks for itself sometimes. NFL.com’s Gennaro Filice ranked the offensive triplets (top quarterback, running back, and pass-catcher) of all 32 teams. The Ravens' trio of Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, and Zay Flowers landed at No. 4. It can be […]

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Oct 15, 2023; London, United Kingdom; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers (4) celebrates with Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) as he scores a touchdown during the first half of an NFL International Series game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter van den Berg-USA TODAY Sports
Image via Peter van den Berg-USA TODAY Sports

It is easy to speak highly of a group that hasn't played one meaningful down together. 

But talent speaks for itself sometimes.

NFL.com’s Gennaro Filice ranked the offensive triplets (top quarterback, running back, and pass-catcher) of all 32 teams. The Ravens' trio of Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, and Zay Flowers landed at No. 4. It can be argued that the trio should be ranked higher. 

"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."

For what it is worth, Jackson and Henry aren't too worried about being able to play together. 

"Just to see this guy do what he's been doing since forever, I'm just ready," the quarterback said. "I'm just glad he's on our side this time – like I always tell you all – and we're not going against him. But, I'm ready. I'm hype. I'm definitely hype."

Henry added regarding playing in a new scheme: "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."

The Ravens offense stands primed to be better than it ever was