Ravens Must Rethink Offense Without Jackson

Jackson hurt his thumb on Baltimore’s opening offensive play in a Week 8 loss at Buffalo. Huntley badly injured his big toe during that contest, and both quarterbacks were placed on injured reserve on November 5. The Ravens are expected to put rookie quarterback Joe Fagnano under center against the Jaguars, while working to acquire veteran Jacoby Brissett from Arizona.

Neither Fagnano nor Brissett offers the running threat that Jackson brought to the offense. The team’s three-game losing streak has coincided with a decline in its ground game: Baltimore averaged 82 rushing yards over that span, following a 208-yard performance in its first game without Jackson. Derrick Henry, the team’s remaining star running back, could become a bigger part of the attack, with rookie guard Vega Ioane expected back and center Cam Jurgens gaining experience after arriving in a trade.

The offense could also use more spread formations and multiple wide receivers rather than relying as heavily on tight-end groupings. Since tight end Durham Smythe suffered a season-ending Achilles injury, those packages have often struggled. Spreading defenders out could create more running room for Henry and opportunities for receivers Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, Ja’Kobi Lane and Devontez Walker.

Baltimore’s pass protection has also been unreliable, with three quarterbacks injured in one game and two strip-sacked. Offensive coordinator Declan Doyle could emphasize quick throws and screens to get playmakers the ball in space instead of asking quarterbacks to hold it for deep routes.

Brissett could help in short-yardage situations. He has attempted 17 quarterback sneaks this season, converting 16 into first downs and scoring once. With Fagnano dealing with a bad ankle ahead of the Jacksonville game, the Ravens may use a tight end under center when they need two yards or fewer.