As an analyst for ESPN, former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky’s duties include breaking down a team from an offensive and defensive standpoint.
This year, the Ravens, who are riding a six-game win streak for the first time under head coach John Harbaugh, are making jobs very fun for people like Orlovsky.
“There is no defense that is structurally set up to stop them this year,” Orlovsky said on Glenn Clark Radio on Nov. 19.
The Ravens are putting up big offensive numbers this season through an offensive scheme that is unlike any other in the NFL right now. With second-year quarterback Lamar Jackson at the helm, the Ravens often operate out of the pistol formation and like to utilize three-tight-end sets.
The Ravens — who are first in the NFL in points per game (34.1) — have scored 40-plus points in back-to-back games. They’re also first in rushing yards per game (203.8). Jackson has thrown for 2,258 yards with 19 touchdowns and five interceptions and with a 106.3 passer rating. He’s rushed for 788 yards and is on pace to shatter the most rushing yards by a quarterback in the Super Bowl era.
“Enjoy this. Enjoy this. Don’t look at what could negatively go wrong,” Orlovsky said. “I know we’re wired like that but just enjoy the greatness, because I don’t know how long or how many years this will happen, but this is just so cool to watch.”
With the Ravens clicking on all cylinders, Orlovsky offered some advice to help slow them down.
“If I am playing the Ravens and I am the coach of the other team, No. 1, I’m praying to God that I win the coin toss, because I am taking the ball and I am trying to get up 7-0,” Orlovsky said. “… They’re scoring every other time they get the football. For me, I’ve got to figure out a way to get up 14-0 somehow, and try to make them play from behind.”
The Ravens are on a hot streak, but it’s not even Thanksgiving yet. There are still six games left, and fans are hoping they’re not peaking too early. Orlovsky isn’t worried about that.
“They’re built to be the perfect team, and I think that you have to look at the team and the leadership. Harbaugh is once again reasserting himself as one of the great coaches, so there’s leadership there,” Orlovsky said. “I don’t think the peak-too-early thing is going to come into play, because I think this team is now starting to believe in itself, not that they didn’t, but it’s different between saying it and doing it. And now that they are doing it, I don’t think the peak thing wouldn’t be a concern of mine.”
Orlovsky says what the Ravens are able to do this year shows what can happen when both sides of the ball are playing at an extremely high level.
“…We forget how complementary a game of football is. It’s so complementary, all the pieces that are tied together and when you get the lead and now the defense is at the offensive. They don’t have to play from a defensive mindset, they can be aggressive and you see the Ravens are one of the better teams in the league representing that this year.”
For more from Orlovsky, listen to the full interview here:
Photo Credit: Kenya Allen/PressBox