Mink: I don't think there's one clear item at the top of the Ravens' offensive checklist. Frankly, that's because it has been so darn good. Baltimore ranks atop the league in yards per game (422.5) and third in points per game (29.5).
Fans would probably say addressing the offensive line (more on that below) is at the top of the list considering it had a tough game against Philadelphia's strong defensive front. But overall, the Ravens' pass protection has been really good this year – among the league's best.
The Ravens didn't thrive in the red zone against the Eagles, but they have also led the league much of the year, so I think they have the answers. Slow starts were an issue, but they righted that with scoring drives on their first two possessions against Philly.
One thing they'll have to figure out is how the offense could change if Rashod Bateman, who left with a knee injury, misses time coming out of the bye, but Head Coach John Harbaugh said that's not a long-term issue. So after all that, here's my answer to your question.
Over the bye, I think the focus could be how to score more points against the Steelers. Yes, the New York Giants are up next, but Harbaugh said coaches would use the extra time to look ahead, as they have three games in 11 days.
The Ravens scored a season-low 16 points against Pittsburgh two weeks ago. Lamar Jackson has lost his last four games against them and the Ravens have averaged just 17.3 points in those games. If the Ravens are going to win the AFC North, they need to score more points against their rivals and win that game.
Brown: The Eagles' defensive line is good, and it got the best of the Ravens on Sunday.
However, when asked about possible offensive line changes on Monday, Harbaugh said, "I'm not down on anybody on the offensive line. That's a really good front we played against … I like the way the offensive line has played over the last number of weeks."
With just four games left in the regular season, the coaching staff may be reluctant to break up the line's continuity. If a change were made, it would happen at one of the guard spots.
Andrew Vorhees began the season as the starting left guard, then lost the job after he injured his ankle in late September and Patrick Mekari moved from right tackle to left guard. Mekari has made 13 straight starts and has already played a career-high 818 snaps. He has excelled in the past as a backup who can play all five positions. If a fresh Vorhees returns to a starting role, it would relieve some wear and tear on Mekari.
Starting right guard Daniel Faalele was complimented for his pass protection and overall development Tuesday by Offensive Line Coach George Warhop.
"I think Daniel [Faalele]'s doing a great job. I am excited about him. Every week he gets a little bit better," Warhop said. "I'm excited about him and his future."
Mink: I don't think Keaton Mitchell is going to have a big role in the offense this season, but he could still make some splash plays down the stretch. As long as Derrick Henry and Justice Hill are healthy, they're going to lead the way at running back because they are both playing at a very high level.
Mitchell is still getting all the way back from a health perspective. Harbaugh said there's "definitely physical challenges" considering how major Mitchell's knee injury was and the fact that he came back as "quick as you possibly could" from it.
I'm also going to push back on the notion that the Ravens are lacking home run threats. Hill had a 51-yard rushing touchdown against the Chargers. Henry leads the NFL with 14 rushes of 20+ yards and has hit numerous home runs.
Brown: At this point, it's unlikely the Ravens will sign a free agent who makes a significant impact.
Eddie Jackson and Yannick Ngakoue didn't work out, and we'll see what transpires with Diontae Johnson. I'm not expecting Devontez Walker to become a bigger offensive factor, with Harbaugh saying that Bateman's knee injury isn't a long-term thing.
However, some players already on the roster have grown into important roles. Ar'Darius Washington has helped bring stability to the secondary since becoming a starting safety three games ago. Outside linebacker Tavius Robinson played a career-high 52 defensive snaps (93%) against Philadelphia. Malik Harrison and Chris Board both saw regular time in the linebacker rotation against the Eagles, even with the return of Roquan Smith.
Washington, Robinson, Harrison, and Board aren't new players, but they have given the team a lift as their playing time has increased.
I think the Ravens have enough talent to win a Super Bowl, especially with the addition of Derrick Henry, who's proven he can dominate in the playoffs. They can win without more reinforcements. The key is figuring out how to play their best football in December, January, and hopefully into February.
