Joe Flacco isn't one to shy away from big expectations.
The Ravens offense in 2014 was the best Baltimore football fans have seen in the 19-year history of the franchise. The unit set team records in points and yards, and Flacco enjoyed the best statistical season of his career.
Now the franchise quarterback has set the bar even higher.
"I want us to be better," Flacco said. "I think we're going to be better. I definitely think we have the ability to. That's what's exciting about it."
Making improvements this year will be a tough assignment, as Offensive Coordinator Gary Kubiak left to become the head coach of the Denver Broncos. The Ravens replaced him with veteran coach Marc Trestman, who is the team's fourth offensive play caller in as many seasons.
The Ravens also lost key players like wide receiver Torrey Smith and tight end Owen Daniels, replacing them with rookies Breshad Perriman and Maxx Williams.
Despite that turnover, Flacco emphasized that the offensive foundation is still strong.
"I think our offensive line is going to be as solid as it's ever been because it's basically the same with another year under their belt," he said.
All five starters on the offensive line will return and the Ravens kept continuity in the backfield by re-signing veteran running back Justin Forsett. They also added to the ground game by drafting USC tailback Buck Allen in the fourth round.
The receiving corps is still somewhat unproven – veteran Steve Smith Sr. is the only member of the group with more than two years of experience – but Flacco is impressed with the new additions and the young players who earned playing time last year.
"I think we're improving our running back position. Our receivers – I think we have a lot of good guys that got experience last year, and are going to do good things for us," Flacco said. "We have some guys that got experience last year that are really good players, and they're just going to be better for us."
To make the strides Flacco expects this year, he knew he had to quickly develop a rapport with Trestman and his new teammates. Flacco connected with his new coordinator soon after he was hired, and building chemistry with the offense is a big part of the reason the eight-year veteran has participated in the voluntary offseason workout program since it began last month.
"You can't replace getting out there on the field and doing the field drills with everybody, calling the plays out, throwing the football around, getting a feel for your coaches, getting a feel for the new guys, and kind of just getting excited again," Flacco said.
"It's tough to be away from here and really get excited about coming back. But when you come in here and you get little doses of it, it reminds you of how fun it is and how cool it is to be around everybody. I think that's important."
