9 Things I Learned From Week 1 of the NFL Season

Baltimore's Offense Is Tough to Understand

Back in January, I wrote how Gary Kubiak – who’s known for improving running games – can actually do a lot for the Ravens passing game in 2014. I just didn’t expect him to call 62 passes for Joe Flacco.

Regardless of the way this game flowed (Baltimore’s opponent, Cincinnati, was up 15-0 at the half), throwing the ball 62 times is no recipe for success. Especially when Joe Flacco, who was the ninth-worst passer last year in terms of Passing NEP among 300-plus attempt quarterbacks in 2013, is your quarterback.

Baltimore’s offense ranked 27th offensively according to our metrics last year, and while their running game was atrocious, a lack of balance had a lot to do with that. It was the highest pass-to-run ratio we’ve seen from the Ravens, and many expected Kubiak to implement something a little more run-heavy from the start.

But Bernard Pierce, who was subbing in for a suspended Ray Rice, fumbled his opportunity away, and performed like he did a season ago: as the worst rusher in the league in terms of Rushing NEP per rush. Justin Forsett took over and performed much better, but the offense is kind of in a strange position, not knowing what it wants to be.

Expect the Ravens to look more balanced moving forward, starting Thursday against Pittsburgh.