Baltimore Ravens Season Grades: Receivers
Jan 3, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith (89) catches the ball prior to the 2014 AFC Wild Card playoff football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Steve Smith was a shot in the arm, Torrey Smith was the NFL equivalent of James Harden (in that he draws fouls constantly), and yet the Baltimore Ravens receiving corps seemed lacking in 2014. What gives?
The occasional struggles can be broken down into three things: injuries, work load and overlapping skill sets.
Let’s break it down, grading every player.
Torrey Smith – B-
Torrey Smith, the team’s lone deep threat, struggled with injuries this year and was ineffective in multiple games accordingly. Even when healthy, he struggled with tracking the ball in the air and didn’t seem as explosive as years past. His ability to draw penalties was his biggest contribution this year.
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That said, Smith emerged as a tone setter late in the year, specifically in the second half against the Cleveland Brown. Torrey took the team on his back, catching two huge balls in the fourth quarter for the Ravens first offensive touchdown in a game that had huge playoff implications. That was the culmination of a season in which Torrey discovered a knack for the endzone, notching 11 touchdowns this year.
At this point, Ozzie Newsome knows what Torrey is: a one trick pony who can stretch a defense and excel with a simple route tree. Asking him to be a featured player is just too much for him, and his contract should account for that.
Some team will probably pay Torrey too much money based on his athleticism and production, which would mean the end of his tenure in Baltimore. Without question, he is the most successful draft pick in franchise history at the position, and if he moves on, no doubt the city of Baltimore will wish him the best.
Steve Smith – B+
Steve Smith started the season hot but tailed off in a big way as the season wore on. Smith went for 100-plus yards in four of his first six games, then didn’t pass that milestone against until the Wild Card round of the playoffs. Worse, Smith only averaged more than 12 yards per catch in one of his last nine games. Opponents covered him closely after his hot start, and Smith did not always prove up to the task.
He could still produce a big play in big situations, but Smith clearly would be better suited as a complementary receiver going forward.
A key for Smith will be cutting down on drops, as he had numerous key drops late in the year. In fact, Torrey and Steve combined for 19 drops this year, an unacceptable number.
Where Steve Smith was most important was in terms of setting the tone with his aggression. When Steve had a reason to amp up the intensity (against Carolina, against New Orleans, in the playoffs) he did so. The Ravens fed off that emotion and won several games on Smith’s back.
Smith should be back next year barring an unforeseen cut. His role will decrease, yet his persona will continue to stand out.
Kamar Aiken – B
The rest of the Ravens receiving corps was unsettled for much of the season, with every player flashing upside with nobody standing out consistently. Kamar Aiken fits that description.
Aiken was the team’s third most productive receiver, catching 24 balls for 267 yards and three touchdowns. He emerged as a redzone threat thanks to his surprising short area quickness and above average size.
If nothing else, Aiken will continuously have a role as a special teamer for the Ravens, and his receiving role has a chance to increase as well. The key for him will be developing consistency with his hands.
Marlon Brown – B
Though his second year was not as productive as his first, Marlon Brown certainly had his moments this year. His productivity improved greatly as the season wore on, having a three-game stretch in November/December in which he averaged over 40 yards per game.
Brown will probably never be a superstar, but there will always be a role for a guy with his technical skill. He is a 5’8″ slot receiver in a 6’4″ frame, and he uses that skill well.
Jacoby Jones – F
Drops plagued Jacoby Jones this season, forcing him to the bench. He was among the team’s biggest disappointments, as they desperately needed his big play ability at times.
Michael Campanaro – B+
Nothing was expected of the Ravens’ seventh round draft pick, yet he produced every time he got on the field. In just four regular season games, Campanaro caught seven balls for 102 yards, proving to be an extremely effective slot receiver.
He had a quality game against New England in the playoffs as well, hauling in four balls for 39 yards. His quickness and toughness should earn Campanaro a much bigger role next year as long as he stays healthy. That’s a big question mark, however.