The Baltimore Ravens are looking to bounce back in the 2020 NFL season after falling short of expectations in the previous campaign. With a new offensive coordinator and a revamped wide receiver corps, the Ravens are hoping to take their offense to new heights. One player that could make a huge impact on their quest for a championship is Antonio Brown.
Brown’s tumultuous 2019 season, which saw him play just one game for the New England Patriots before being released amidst allegations of sexual assault and misconduct, has left him out in the cold. However, his undeniable talent on the field is hard to ignore. With the Ravens in need of a playmaker at the wide receiver position, Brown could be just the missing piece they need to take their offense to the next level.
In this article, we’ll examine the potential benefits and drawbacks of the Ravens signing Brown, and explore what impact he could have on their offense if they do decide to bring him in.
Why the Ravens Need Antonio Brown
The Ravens are coming off a record-breaking season where they dominated the NFL with a 14-2 record and were led by Lamar Jackson, who was named the league’s MVP. However, despite Jackson’s historic season, the Ravens’ offense struggled in the playoffs, losing to the Tennessee Titans in the Divisional Round.
One of the major reasons for the Ravens’ offensive struggles in the playoffs was their lack of playmakers at the wide receiver position. The team’s top wide receiver, Marquise Brown, was limited by injury, while the rest of the group failed to make much of an impact. This lack of production allowed teams to focus on stopping Jackson and the Ravens’ run game, which proved to be their downfall.
Antonio Brown, despite his off-field issues, is one of the best wide receivers in NFL history. During his nine-year career, Brown has amassed 11,263 receiving yards, 75 touchdowns, and six Pro Bowl selections. He has the ability to change games with his speed, agility, and route-running ability, and can make contested catches in traffic. If the Ravens were to add him to their roster, they would have a true number one receiver who could take some of the pressure off of Lamar Jackson and the rest of the offense.
Potential Drawbacks of Signing Antonio Brown
As mentioned earlier, Brown’s off-field issues have made him a controversial figure in the NFL. He has been accused of sexual assault and misconduct, and has been involved in several legal disputes. Additionally, Brown’s behavior off the field has been erratic, with public outbursts and social media tirades.
If the Ravens were to sign Brown, they would be taking a risk by bringing in a player with a troubled past. They would need to ensure that he was fully committed to playing football and that he would not be a distraction to the rest of the team. This would require a significant amount of due diligence on the Ravens’ part, as well as a willingness to take a chance on a player who has burned bridges with several NFL teams in the past.
It’s also worth noting that Brown is currently facing an eight-game suspension from the NFL for violating its personal conduct policy. This means that he would not be available to play until Week 9 of the 2020 season. The Ravens would need to consider whether they are willing to wait for Brown to return to the field and whether he would be able to integrate into their offense mid-season.
How Antonio Brown Could Help the Ravens’ Offense
If the Ravens were to sign Brown, he could bring a number of benefits to their offense. Here are some of the ways in which he could make an impact:
– Providing a true number one receiver: Antonio Brown has proven himself to be one of the best wide receivers the NFL has ever seen. His speed, agility, and route-running ability make him a nightmare for opposing defenses to cover, and he has the ability to make contested catches in traffic. With Brown on the field, Lamar Jackson would have a true number one receiver who could take some of the pressure off of him and provide a reliable target downfield.
– Opening up the run game: The Ravens’ offense is built around the run game, with Lamar Jackson and the team’s running backs rushing for a record-breaking 3,296 yards in 2019. However, teams were able to stack the box and focus on stopping the run game in the playoffs, which limited the Ravens’ effectiveness. By adding Antonio Brown to the offense, the Ravens would have a legitimate threat in the passing game, which would force defenses to respect the pass and open up more opportunities for the run game.
– Creating mismatches: Antonio Brown is a versatile receiver who can line up in a variety of positions on the field. He has the ability to beat defenders in one-on-one matchups and create mismatches with his speed and agility. The Ravens could use Brown to create mismatches against opposing defenses, allowing him to exploit weaknesses in coverage and make plays downfield.
– Providing a veteran presence: The Ravens have a young offense, with Lamar Jackson and Marquise Brown both entering just their second NFL seasons. Antonio Brown, despite his off-field issues, is a veteran player who has been in the league for nearly a decade. He could provide a veteran presence in the locker room and on the field, helping to guide the team’s young players and provide leadership.
Conclusion
The Baltimore Ravens are a team with Super Bowl aspirations, and they have the talent on their roster to make it happen. However, if they want to take their offense to the next level, they need to address their lack of playmakers at the wide receiver position. Antonio Brown, despite his off-field issues, is one of the best wide receivers in NFL history and could be just the missing piece the Ravens need to make a deep playoff run.
Of course, signing Brown would not come without risks. The Ravens would need to do their due diligence to ensure that he is committed to playing football and would not be a distraction to the team. They would also need to consider whether they are willing to wait for him to return from suspension and how he would fit into their offense mid-season.
Ultimately, whether the Ravens decide to sign Antonio Brown or not, it’s clear that they need to continue to explore options to upgrade their offense. With the talent on their roster and the right additions, they have the potential to be one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL.
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