O-Line, Oh No!

I’m on record criticizing the Ravens for the way they’ve assembled the offensive line. Just imagine if they had retained Kevin Zeitler and done a better job filling the position of left guard. How much better would the Ravens be? I get that the offense, despite its weaknesses across the front, is still the No. 1 ranked offense. But clearly there are inconsistencies. If Lamar Jackson isn’t doing Herculean things, the offense falls flat and that usually occurs when the offensive line, specifically the interior offensive line, is being manhandled.

Think about how much better the passing game would be. Think about how much better Derrick Henry would be. They would control the game, the clock and make the defense better for two reasons: 1) the offense would be on the field more and 2) favorable, lop-sided scores would make opposing offenses one-dimensional. Zach Orr’s squad could tee off on quarterbacks and force more turnovers.

An understated development on the offensive front is Ronnie Stanley. For the most part, Stanley has returned to form, and he’s brought a new attitude into 2024. He took a pay cut and he’s taken care of his body, keeping him off injury reports. He is however, playing for his next contract. He will be an unrestricted free agent following the 2024 season. A questionable offensive line will be even more challenged without Stanley.

How much will it cost to keep Stanley? Perhaps the Denver Broncos helped set the market for Ronnie when they recently extended Garett Bolles, who signed a 4 year, $82M contract including $42M guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $20.5M. Boles is 32 years old. Stanley will be 31 in March. You picking up what I’m putting down?

OBJ Reunion

When Diontae Johnson refused to go into the game on December 1 against the Eagles to spell an injured Rashod Bateman, it triggered a one-game suspension. Let’s be honest, Johnson is a diva. Now you might live with one if you get something in exchange. Johnson hasn’t provided much of anything except unwelcomed noise.

The Ravens have for the moment, decided to keep him around. Maybe they just want to keep Johnson on a leash just so that he improves their compensatory pick poker hand in the spring. Maybe they just don’t want a playoff contender to swoop in and grab him if the Ravens cut him loose.

Look, if the latter is the case, how paranoid is that? If a team’s chances to advance in the playoffs is predicated upon the Bills or the Chiefs or the Texans picking Johnson up, then they never really had a chance at all. Johnson isn’t bad, but he’s not a difference maker, assuming of course he feels like playing.

If the Ravens really need a No. 3 or No. 4 receiver that badly (and I’m not sure they do), then bring back a guy who is familiar with the offense, is probably just as good at this point in his career as Johnson, and he isn’t a disruptive force in the locker room. How about a redo with Odell Beckham, Jr.? Swapping Johnson for OBJ is for all intents and purposes, is a salary cap wash.

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