Tag: Justice Hill

Lamar Jackson performs best when Ravens call their “quick-pass” plays

Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson is a rhythm passer that becomes increasingly accurate when the offensive tempo is fluid.

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is a rhythm passer that becomes increasingly accurate when the offensive tempo is fluid.

To counter the blitz this season, the Ravens will want to use the quick pass to back defenses out of man coverage. With opponents likely to crowd the line of scrimmage to stop the run, Jackson will need his wide receivers to win on quick routes (drags, slants, outs, & screens) and avoid getting jammed at the line of scrimmage.

The Ravens were sacked 41 times last season yet had the second-fewest pass attempts in the NFL.

The Ravens’ offensive line is currently being reconstructed, with rookie offensive tackle Josh Rosengarten as a player to watch for in 2024.

With this, offensive coordinator Todd Monken should use the deep pass sparingly, especially until he knows the potential of his offensive line.

Using the quick pass game effectively will force opponents to back off the line of scrimmage. Once the quick pass game ignites, running back Derrick Henry, Justice Hill, and Jackson can have their way in the ground game.

Ravens sign former Browns RB John Kelly ahead of preseason matchup vs. Falcons

Baltimore Ravens sign running back John Kelly ahead of preseason matchup vs. the Atlanta Falcons at M&T Bank Stadium on Saturday afternoon

The Baltimore Ravens added another running back to the depth chart, signing former Browns ball carrier John Kelly ahead of Tuesday’s practice.

Kelly was with Cleveland for four seasons, spending time on the active roster and practice squad. Kelly appeared in five games and had two carries for 13 yards.

The 2018 sixth-round pick joins the Ravens and brings special teams experience to a roster that includes Derrick Henry, Justice Hill, Keaton Mitchell (PUP list), Owen Wright, Rasheen Ali (Rookie), and Chris Collier (Rookie.).

[lawrence-auto-related count=5]

Top photos from Ravens 16-13 loss to Eagles in preseason opener

We’re looking at the top photos from the Baltimore Ravens 16-13 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the preseason opener at M&T Bank Stadium

The Ravens returned to the field for live game action for the first time since their heartbreaking, 17-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC title game.

Baltimore hosted Philadelphia at M&T Bank Stadium, with both teams on similar arcs, and championship paths. Starting quarterback Lamar Jackson sat out along with key starters on both sides of the football.

Eagles kicker Jake Elliott made a 49-yard field goal with no time remaining to give the Philadelphia Eagles a 16-13 victory after Baltimore quarterback Emory Jones — who had just entered the game — was sacked and fumbled on the next play.

The recovery by Patrick Johnson gave Elliott his final opportunity of the night.

With Baltimore set to start preparation for the Falcons in the second week of the preseason, we’re looking at the top photos from Friday night.

***

Despite Derrick Henry’s addition, Justice Hill will have a significant role for the Ravens this season

Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh even went so far as to say that Justice Hill is a “starter.”

Nobody carries the mail quite like Derrick Henry. He led the NFL in carries in four of the past five seasons. But his addition doesn’t mean that second-string tailback Justice Hill won’t have a significant role this season.

Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh even said that Hill is a “starter.”

While the coach obviously means that figuratively and not literally, it does convey how much Hill will be a factor this season.

“The evolution of Justice as a player is that this guy has become a starting back in the National Football League. If you watch him play – look at the [AFC] Championship game,” Harbaugh said after practice on Thursday.

“He is a high-caliber running back, so it’s great to have him along with Derrick [Henry] and the young guys.

“He will give us a slightly different style than Derrick Henry. I see him as a starter. I think he’s going to play a lot and kind of do it his way.”

It’s no secret that every team needs at least two solid backs to withstand the intense wear and tear of a full 17-game NFL regular season.

Hill, who had 84 carries for 384 yards and three touchdowns last season is more than willing and ready to take the load in 2024.

He’s feeling as confident as ever this training camp.

“From running to blocking to receiving, I’ve been working on all of those things tirelessly,” Hill said to reporters.

“So, it’s fun to see how the progression goes each year, how I feel more confident just because I’ve been putting in that work and the more work you put in the more confident you get.”

Ravens training camp: Top photos from Day 5 of practice

We’re looking at the top photos from Day 5 of Baltimore Ravens training camp practices

The Ravens had a day off from training camp on Thursday but returned to the Under Armour Performance Center on Friday and Saturday for their first two full-padded summer practices. Lamar Jackson returned to the lineup after a medical evaluation for flu-like symptoms. At the same time, the team honored the late Jacoby Jones on the day that family and friends traveled to New Orleans for his funeral services. With Sunday’s practice quickly approaching, here are takeaways and notes from Saturday’s session. ***

Ravens TE Mark Andrews could become even harder to defend in 2024

With Baltimore Ravens HB Derrick Henry as a high-volume run threat, tight-end Mark Andrews may thrive in the play-action pass game.

Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews will directly benefit from the amount of attention running back Derrick Henry demands from opposing defenses in 2024.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C9sp1llyaV_/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

With Henry as a run threat, opponents may be increasingly susceptible to the Ravens’ play-action pass game, leaving opportunities for Andrews to get open in space.

Andrews, who is nearly impossible to defend without double-teaming, runs a 40-yard dash time of 4.67 seconds. Indeed, that’s two-hundred-sixty-five pounds of muscle darting past the average linebacker who might be undersized or, worse, deceived by offensive coordinator Todd Monken’s play-action pass scheme.

Andrews produced 45 receptions for 544 yards and six touchdowns in 2023, averaging 12.1 yards per catch. Andrews’s volume of catches may subside with Monken’s balanced offensive attack this season, but he’ll still be a threat in the red zone.

With opponents worried about the various offensive threats the Ravens’ have in short-yardage situations, Andrews may be in for some explosive plays throughout the season.

Ravens initial 90-man roster arranged by uniform number ahead of training camp

Baltimore Ravens’ 90-man roster at the start of 2024 training camp

The Baltimore Ravens have officially reported to the Under Armour Performance Center for the start of training camp with the first practice scheduled for Sunday morning.

There will be starting jobs and roster spots up for grabs, which should make for some intriguing position battles throughout camp and the preseason.

Currently, the Ravens have 90 players on their roster, and that will be trimmed down to 53 ahead of the start of the regular season, and by August 27.

With training camp underway, here’s an updated look at the Ravenss’ initial 90-man roster at the start of training camp, organized by jersey number.

Ravens OC Todd Monken is just getting his NFL legacy started

Baltimore Ravens OC Todd Monken helped the Ravens finish No. 4 in the NFL in points per game last season. What can we expect in year two?

Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken helped the Ravens finish No. 4 in the NFL in points per game last season, and he’ll return in 2024 with an offense full of proven star talent and youth. 

Monken reciprocal respect for head coach John Harbaugh has been precious. Monken’s mastermind has already been emphatic for the team. Historically known for its defensive prestige, the Ravens franchise may soon be transitioning into an offensive juggernaut under Monken. 

It seems like a pure no-brainer, right? Monken should focus on optimizing running back Derrick Henry and quarterback Lamar Jackson in the ground game this upcoming season. However, Monken knows the team must be more balanced than predictable.

Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers will need his touches, and tight-end Mark Andrews will also be expecting his targets in the passing game. Therefore, the art of play sequencing will be most important for Monken and the Ravens’ offense this upcoming season. Will Monken opt for the no-huddle, and will his youthful personnel be ready for an uptempo play style that may entail a vast and dynamic playbook?

Certainly, these are all questions Monken will be looking to answer when the full roster reports for Training Camp on Jul. 20. For now, he’ll enjoy getting reps in with the rookies, including Devontez Walker, whom he has already spoken highly of.

Here’s why the Ravens have a top 5 backfield in the NFL

The Ravens ranked No. 1 in rush yards per game last season. Their success may continue with Derrick Henry & Justice Hill.

The Baltimore Ravens ranked No. 1 in rush yards per game during the 2023-24 season so it’s logical to assume their success will continue with the signing of running back Derrick Henry.

Earlier this summer, Bleacher Report endorsed the Ravens’ rushing attack, giving accolades not only to Henry, but running back Justice Hill also.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C8Uv69SPsAF/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

It’s hard enough for defenses to account for the scrambling ability of Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. Now, Jackson will finally be accompanied by a top running back (Henry) who can handle a volume of 23 plus carries per game. With 280 carries last season, no running back in the NFL had more rushing attempts than Henry in 2023.

Hill is expected to shine as the supporting cast to Henry but Hill’s 84 rush attempts last season rendered an impressive 4.6 yards per carry. Basically, the Ravens’ rushing attack has become a three-headed monster that will be nearly impossible to contain, especially if their play-action pass game is exceptional in 2024.

With training camp just weeks away, the Ravens’ running back room will prepare for endless hours of study with running back coach Willie Taggert who after two decades of coaching professionally, will enjoy the most talent he’s ever had.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C8Fj06OulO4/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Patrick Queen better be ready to tackle Ravens RB Derrick Henry

Pittsburgh Steelers LB Patrick Queen better be prepared for a head-on collision with Baltimore Ravens HB Derrick Henry this season.

After the sarcasm and slights in the media, Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen better be prepared for a head-on collision with Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry.

Sure, Queen might not like seafood, but he definitely won’t like the task of having to chase MVP quarterback  Lamar Jackson and Henry around for 60 minutes. To add insult to injury, Queen will additionally have to guard speed running back Justice Hill or match up versus arguably the best TE Duo in the NFL on passing downs.


Perhaps Queen isn’t processing the fact that the Ravens ranked No. 1 in rush yards per game last season. This may greatly compromise the time of possession luxury previously afforded to him. With the QB situation not yet settled in Pittsburgh, Queen may be spending more snaps on the field gasping for air instead of on the sideline enjoying comfortable leads. 

Ultimately, whatever Queen delights in nutritionally, or atmospherically, he better be prepared to deal with the very physical Henry this upcoming season.