The Ravens reached deep into their offensive bag of tricks Sunday, pulling out a triple-option play that featured quarterbacks Lamar Jackson and Robert Griffin III.
The Ravens call it "The Heisman Package" – three Heisman Trophy winners in Jackson, Griffin, and running back Mark Ingram II all in the backfield together.
Facing second-and-4 from their own 45-yard line, Jackson lined up in the shotgun with Griffin to his left and Ingram to his right. Taking the snap, Jackson faked a handoff to Ingram, then rolled to his right and turned upfield with Griffin trailing a few yards behind.
After picking up three yards, Jackson pitched the ball to Griffin, who tacked on another nine yards before being pushed out of bounds.
Griffin said he had been patiently waiting for the play to be called.
"We've been asking for weeks and weeks," Griffin said. "All of us are pretty dangerous with the ball in our hands. It worked out."
The razzle-dazzle was part of the Ravens' third touchdown drive, and it was another example of the creativity being featured in each week's game plan.
Few teams will run a play this season with their starting quarterback pitching the ball to their backup quarterback. But when the Ravens redesigned their offense during the offseason, Head Coach John Harbaugh said it would be unique. That goal has been achieved.
This was the first time the Ravens used an option toss to Griffin, and last week they unveiled the option toss from Jackson to Ingram for the first time.
The more games the Ravens play, the more they are showing offensively, and there has been no hesitation by Offensive Coordinator Greg Roman to dial up unexpected plays. Griffin is an excellent runner, and now the Ravens have shown they'll use him in the backfield if they see an opportunity.
"I've been around some pretty good game-planners, schemers," Griffin said. "This group is by far the best I've been a part of. They just do a great job of assessing what the defense does and attacking that. What we plan on all week, it shows up on game day. That's a good feeling to have and we've got the playmakers to do it. Hopefully we'll just keep building on it."
Three Heisman-winning players on the same play – just another thing for opponents to worry about.
"We've got creative coaches and we have creative players too," Head Coach John Harbaugh said. "It wouldn't be honest to say R.G. wasn't lobbying for some plays. That's part of it."
"That was dope," Jackson added. "I really wanted to pitch it to him faster. I wanted him to get up the field and finish with that track speed."
Griffin relieved Jackson and played the entire fourth quarter. Griffin went 3-of-5 for 20 yards and an interception.
