Steve Smith and Gary Kubiak Proving Huge Additions
Sep 28, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver
Steve Smith(89) is defended by Carolina Panthers cornerback
Josh Norman(24) at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
The Baltimore Ravens made two huge moves in the offseason, adding Gary Kubiak to take over as offensive coordinator and signing Steve Smith at wide receiver. Through four games, both have made a huge impact for the Ravens, who currently rank sixth in the league in total offense and eighth in points per game.
Joe Flacco has benefited greatly from both additions. He has taken to Kubiak’s rhythm passing system, having thrown for 1,055 yards, seven touchdowns and just two interceptions through four games. He is on pace for career bests in almost every major passing stat, including completion percentage, which was an offseason point of emphasis.
There’s really no wrong answer to this question, but it offers an intriguing thought experiment. Who was the bigger offseason addition, Smith or Kubiak?
On one hand, the Ravens’ receiving corps has largely struggled outside of Smith. Torrey Smith has looked lost on deep balls, and Jacoby Jones has struggled with drops. Marlon Brown and Kamar Aiken have been solid, but both have pretty small sample sizes. Without Steve Smith to carry the load, this group may have sunk the offense.
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That said, regardless of the improvement in the passing game, Gary Kubiak deserves a huge amount of the credit for the improvements in the ground game. An offensive line that looked lost and unsure of itself last year looks confident and physical this year. Part of that is improved personnel, sure, but just as big was Kubiak’s role as a teacher. Guys like Marshal Yanda and Kelechi Osemele, who weren’t at their best this year, have looked like All-Pros in the new offense.
The answer to this question comes down to what you value more, coaching or personnel. Both are important obviously. Even the best coach needs talent to execute his schemes. Even the most talented teams need good coaching to be consistent and disciplined (see the Dallas Cowboys the last several years as an example of a talented team with poor coaching).
As I said, there is no wrong answer here. Both have been great additions. And ultimately, it doesn’t matter. Both have been excellent. And both should continue to be as the season continues.