Head Coach John Harbaugh said the Ravens are searching for their offensive identity, as they continue to look for answers after their 0-2 start.
The Ravens are No. 1 in the NFL in total yards but rank just 14th in scoring (21.5 points per game) and are the league's third most penalized team.
Led by two-time MVP Lamar Jackson, and with the addition of Derrick Henry, the Ravens expected to be more efficient, versatile, and explosive entering Year 2 in Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken's system. But after two games, they're still chasing consistency.
"You need to establish an identity for each phase and for your football team," Harbaugh said. "That's something that every team's got to fight to do. I doubt any team will tell you that they've established their identity yet after two weeks, but that's something that we need to do."
The Ravens have committed too many pre-snap penalties and the offensive line's struggles have made it difficult to avoid negative plays, protect Jackson, and establish Henry as a dominant force.
Baltimore has the weapons to become an elite offensive team, but maximizing their talent is part of establishing their identity
"You want to be known for something," Harbaugh said. "What are you good at? What do they need to stop? What are they saying that they have to defend against you? At the same time, you don't want them to line up and know what you're doing every single play.
"We lead the league in yards, but the points have to come with it. We were in that situation last year at one point in time last year, if you remember early in the season. To me it comes back to consistency."
Wednesday's practice was a step in the right direction. Jackson said it was "one of the best days we've had had in practice this season."
"I believe we're right there. It's the small things we're messing up," Jackson said. "It starts in practice. I believe if we just keep going on the right track, we're going to come out victorious."
Harbaugh and Jackson Back Terrell Suggs and Marshal Yanda for Hall of Fame
Outside linebacker Terrell Suggs and guard Marshal Yanda were named nominees for the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Wednesday.
The Ravens already have three first-ballot Hall of Famers in Jonathan Ogden, Ray Lewis, and Ed Reed. Harbaugh and Jackson believe Suggs and Yanda should be next.
"My thoughts are both of those guys should be first-ballot Hall of Famers," Harbaugh said. "There's no question in my mind that they both deserve that honor. I'll be rooting for them."
Jackson only played one season with Suggs and two with Yanda but has immense respect for both.
"They're Super Bowl-winning players," Jackson said. "Even though I was young in my career, that was one of the best guards I ever played with. Watching him on film and how he approached the game, the type of guy he is and leadership he showed, I believe nobody else deserves it more than him.
"I only played with Sizz for one year, but I watched him as I grew up. He definitely is a first-ballot Hall of Famer. There's no doubt about that. What he brought to the game was all type of character. And how he played, he was tremendous. He definitely deserves it as well."
Jackson Will Seek to Continue Dominance Over NFC Opponents
One of Jackson's most impressive stats is his 20-1 career record in games he has started against NFC opponents. It's the best interconference record for a quarterback in league history among those with at least 10 starts, topping Bob Griese (.840 winning percentage) and Ken Stabler (.824)
Jackson is 1-0 against the Dallas Cowboys, but he'll make his first career start at AT&T Stadium, the place where he was drafted in 2018. Jackson is looking forward to returning to the building where he officially became a Raven.
"It's definitely special, man," Jackson said. "[Quarterbacks] Coach Tee [Martin] asked me today, 'This is your first time playing in Dallas?' I'm like, 'Yes, I got drafted there in 2018,' and I believe the stadium was kind of new when we got drafted, I believe.
It's definitely dope to go back and play this game and be in Dallas."
Odafe Oweh Can't Resist Teasing Kyle Van Noy After Strong Performance
Odafe Oweh had perhaps his best game as a Raven with 2.5 sacks and five tackles in Week 2, while Kyle Van Noy added two sacks to lead a strong pass rush.
Van Noy was stoked to have an impact game with his five-year-old son Trae watching from the stands at M&T Bank Stadium.
Van Noy's effort was even more impressive because he returned after suffering a fractured orbital bone in the season-opener. Oweh couldn't resist poking fun at his teammate and friend.
"[Kyle Van Noy] is a tough guy," Oweh said. "I already knew, if you're that ugly, you've been through a few things [and] know how to go through adversity.
"He's a dawg. He got two sacks, and I know his face was hurting. He powered through it, and he even kept me into it, in terms of just persevering through little things, too. I give him kudos."
