Dennis Pitta and Ed Dickson were expected to be two of the most consistent pieces of the offense coming into the season.
But at the midway point, they have both been relatively quiet of late and the Ravens are hoping for more out of the third-year tight ends.
"The tight ends can be more productive," Head Coach John Harbaugh said Monday. "That's something that they are working really hard [on]."
Pitta started the year hot, notching 18 receptions and two touchdowns in the first three games. He was one of quarterback Joe Flacco's favorite targets early in the season and was Flacco's safety net in key situations.
In the next five games, however, Pitta has 14 catches and no touchdowns.
This season has been more of a struggle for Dickson, who has 10 catches for 85 yards and no touchdowns. He has been used more as a blocker in the running game and has yet to emerge as a key piece of the passing attack. Dickson has also struggled with drops, and Flacco has targeted him with just 20 passes on the season.
Despite the disparity in production, Pitta has surprisingly only played six more snaps than Dickson this season.
As the Ravens head into the second half of the season, getting more production from the tight ends is a priority for the offense.
"[Tight Ends Coach] Wade Harman is doing a great job coaching them, but I'd like to see a few more plays out of them, and I know they feel the same way," Harbaugh said. "They want to see a few more plays."
Both Pitta and Dickson have shown in their careers that they have the ability to play vital roles in the passing game.
Pitta has arguably the best hands on the team and is one of the most reliable targets on the roster. Dickson has shown flashes, like last year against Seattle when he notched 10 catches and two touchdowns.
The key now is to get back into a rhythm and once again start making plays in the passing game.
"Those guys are fully capable of making spectacular catches," Harbaugh said. "To me, they can make every catch. We need those guys to be a big part of it."
