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2014 Offense Could Be Best In Ravens History

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The Ravens have the kind of offense that quarterback Joe Flacco has talked about for years.

After more than a decade of consistently ranking in the middle of the pack or lower in most statistical categories, the Ravens are now one of the NFL's top-10 offenses. They are on pace to finish the year as the best in franchise history.

"We have the potential to be the best and have been probably playing the most consistent and the best since I've been here," Flacco said.

Baltimore has not finished with a top-10 total offense since the franchise's second season in 1997. This year, the Ravens rank in the top 10 in yards per game, rushing offense, points per game and touchdowns scored. 

The best offense in franchise history was the inaugural season of 1996 where quarterback Vinny Testaverde was a Pro Bowler. With three regular-season games left to play, the Ravens are in line to pass those record marks.

Yards Per Game Points Per Game Rush Yards Per Game Pass Yards Per Game
1996 357.7 23.2 109.1 248.6
2014 376.5 27.4 135.7 240.8

The offense seems to be clicking at the right time. In the three games since the bye week, the Ravens have averaged 31.6 points per game. Flacco has thrown five touchdowns compared to one interception during that stretch, and has topped a 100 quarterback rating in all three games.

The success has come during Offensive Coordinator Gary Kubiak's first season in Baltimore. The experienced play caller didn't take long to turn around a unit that finished 29th in the league last year in total offense, and Kubiak's system caught in on quickly with his new team.

"The guys have been great from Day 1," Kubiak said. "The thing that I've been most pleased with is how they've responded to something new. Any time there's change and you're asking guys to learn a new system, or buy into something new, it takes time."

In addition to Kubiak's arrival, a big part of the group's success is the production from players across the board. Flacco has said on numerous occasions that he has more weapons around him than ever in his career, and the offensive line is considered one of the best in the league.

"I think the biggest thing is that we have a lot of talented positions," Flacco said. "Our offensive line is playing really well. I think that's where it starts."

The talent at the skill positions is across the board.

Running back Justin Forsett has turned into a 1,000-yard rusher after bouncing between five teams in his career. Wide receiver Steve Smith is having a rejuvenated season during his first year in Baltimore. Even players down the depth chart, like wide receiver Kamar Aiken, have come up with key plays when the Ravens have turned to them.

"The biggest thing going on with us as a group is all the people that are contributing. We're not some group that sits there and waits on one or two guys to make a play," Kubiak said. "We're built with everybody and we're built playing hard."

Get a unique look at the Ravens franchise quarterback in behind-the-scene photos of his football career.

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