The Ravens have been an aggressive team going for it on fourth down in recent years, and Head Coach Jesse Minter doesn't see that changing much.
Speaking at league meetings Tuesday, Minter said the Ravens won't shy away from being aggressive, largely due to the presence of Lamar Jackson.
Minter and new Offensive Coordinator Declan Doyle, who will be the Ravens' offensive play-caller, are thinking of ways to utilize Jackson's unique skill set. Having a two-time MVP at quarterback may make Minter more inclined to push the envelope on fourth down.
"When you have good players, you trust your players," Minter said. "Lamar's a fourth-down weapon at quarterback that can do a lot of different things. The reason for the aggression is often the types of players that you have. In those moments, the ability for the quarterback to make off-schedule plays and get key conversions is critical. We feel like we have one of the best fourth-down weapons in the league. We'll continue to use him and be aggressive in those situations."
Minter Believes Mike Green Will Have 'Opportunities to Impact the Game'
Minter will be the Ravens' defensive player-caller, and he's eager to work with second-year edge rusher Mike Green.
Minter was high on Green's ability when he entered the draft, and he still loves the second-round pick's skillset.
"I got a lot of confidence in Mike Green," Minter said. "Loved him coming out. He was high on our board. I was joking with him… it's meant to be now that we're together."
Green had 41 tackles and 3.5 sacks as a rookie, but he hopes to make a significant jump in Year 2. Minter believes that can happen, and he was successful in getting pass rushers to blossom when he was the Los Angeles Chargers' defensive coordinator.
Last season, Odafe Oweh had 7.5 sacks in 12 regular-season games for the Chargers after being traded by the Ravens. Then, in the playoffs, Oweh added three more sacks against the New England Patriots before signing a four-year contract with the Washington Commanders this offseason.
Minter believes Green will benefit from playing opposite newly acquired veteran pass rusher Trey Hendrickson.
"Now he'll have a guy in the room, in Trey, that he can really learn from, that he can learn some of the nuances of rushing the passer," Minter said. "Those guys will work well together. Oftentimes, when you have a guy like [Hendrickson] on one side, it creates even more opportunities for the guy on the other side.
"Mike should be very excited because I feel like he's going to have a lot of opportunities to impact the game. Just like anybody, your first year to your second year is often a big jump."
Minter Sees a 'Hungry' Rashod Bateman After Disappointing Year
General Manager Eric DeCosta has given his vote of confidence in Rashod Bateman this offseason, and Minter echoed those sentiments Tuesday.
Minter said he's got a lot of belief in Bateman, who is coming off a career-low 224-yard season.
"He's disappointed in how the year went, so I know he's hungry," Minter said. "He's ready to get back to what he is."
Bateman returns to the wide receiver room alongside Zay Flowers, Devontez Walker, and LaJohntay Wester. The Ravens will also likely add a few receivers in the draft or free agency.
"Lot of confidence in that whole room just to continue to grow," Minter said. "Opportunity for young players. Really excited for them, and I think they'll be a big part of our offense."
The Lounge #902: Updates from NFL Owners Meetings, What NFC Coaches Said About the Ravens
Team insiders Garrett Downing and Clifton Brown provide updates from the NFL's Annual League Meetings in Phoenix, including takeaways from Team President Sashi Brown's time with local reporters, and what head coaches Mike Macdonald and John Harbaugh had to say about the Ravens.
Ravens Remain Confident in Tyler Loop
Tyler Loop's rookie season ended with a screeching halt, but Minter is confident the former sixth-round pick can rebound as he enters Year 2.
"I got a lot of confidence in Loop," Minter said. "He had a great rookie year. Obviously, you're judged by what happens, but we have a lot of confidence in him. He's put together a great offseason. He's put in a lot of time to improve."
Loop made 30 of 34 field goals and 44 of 46 extra point attempts in his first year. He missed a game-winning 44-yard field goal in the AFC North title game against the Steelers in Week 18.
When asked about potentially adding a kicker to the training camp roster, Minter didn't rule it out.
"We'll see how it goes," Minter said. "You could certainly add another guy there to have another guy in training camp, but again, I have a lot of confidence in [Loop] going forward."
