Baltimore Ravens Offensive Line Season Grades
Dec 7, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; A view of the pocket as Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) passes while tackle Eugene Monroe (60) and Baltimore Ravens guard Kelechi Osemele (72) and guard Marshal Yanda (73) and tackle Ricky Wagner (71) block in the first quarter of game at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports
We discussed the revival of the running game in the running back season grades, yet the Baltimore Ravens offensive line deserves credit as well for the amazing Renaissance. Paired with a reduction in sacks from 48 in 2013 to 19 in 2014, the Ravens’ offensive line is no doubt in store for some good grades. Let’s get into it.
Eugene Monroe – C
Alas, every discussion of an offensive line starts with the left tackle, and that was the weak link for the Baltimore Ravens offensive line this season. Eugene Monroe started the year slow, then dealt with injuries that only made the situation worse. He did not play in the playoffs.
Monroe has always relied more on athleticism than brute strength, so his knee and ankle injuries sapped his best attribute. Accordingly, Monroe looked slower and stiffer than usual, struggling to contend with athletic defensive ends. He also failed to generate push in the ground game.
There is no reason for concern here, as Monroe is a consummate professional who will be back at full strength in 2015. There is reason for optimism for the rest of Monroe’s time in Baltimore, but the first year of his contract extension was a disappointment.
Kelechi Osemele – A-
There was a lot to like about Kelechi Osemele’s third year in the league, by far his most effective to this point. Some of his pancake blocks were highlight reel worthy, and his physical tools shined more often than not.
Technique-wise, Osemele had some mental lapses but generally improved. He played with better leverage than in seasons past, and looks to be a Pro Bowl contender for years to come.
Jeremy Zuttah – B-
By no means was Jeremy Zuttah a star. In fact, he was about the league average at center. Compared to 2013, though, when Gino Gradkowski was by far the worst center in the league, Zuttah was a certified difference maker.
Zuttah struggled at times against big, mauling nose tackles, who often succeeded at pushing him back into the pocket. His athleticism and technique, though, were great assets in the ground game.
Marshal Yanda – A+
There were several headline grabbers on the Baltimore Ravens, and Marshal Yanda was not one of them. He should have been. In fact, Yanda was arguably the team’s MVP, having his most dominant season yet and being the linchpin of one of the better rushing attacks in the league.
Even when moved to right tackle, Yanda excelled in both the ground game and the run game. If there was any doubt that Yanda was a Hall of Fame candidate, this year erased it. More on that to come.
Ricky Wagner – A-
The source of much concern among fans before the season, Rick Wagner quickly became an excellent right tackle and a key piece on the Ravens’ O-line.
Aside from getting schooled by fellow Wisconsin alum J.J. Watt (and who hasn’t gotten schooled by Watt?), Wagner was consistently effective, arguably among the best right tackles in the league.
Wagner was a better pass protector than a run blocker in his first season as a starter, which is to be expected for a guy whose biggest question mark was his strength. Wagner clearly improved in that regard from his rookie year, so further improvement should be expected.
James Hurst – D
His actual quality of play deserves an F, but James Hurst can’t be faulted too much for playing way more than anyone intended. Hurst generated little traction in the ground game and struggled badly in the passing game. His height allowed defensive ends to gain leverage and push him back, while his lack of athleticism resulted in opponents speed rushing very effectively.
John Urschel – B+
One of most pleasant surprises for the Ravens this year was John Urschel’s success as a fill-in. When he filled in for Kelechi Osemele on the left side, Urschel was excellent, and he was even better on the right side, which allowed Marshal Yanda to bump out to right tackle.
Urschel saved his best performances for the playoffs, and his success has given the Ravens a conundrum. How do they get Urschel on to the field? That’s something they will need to consider, as he could start at either guard spot or at center down the road.
In the mean time, Urschel will be excellent depth, providing intelligence and toughness on the interior of the line.