Having Patrick Ricard back in the lineup is something the Ravens have eagerly anticipated all season.
The five-time Pro Bowl fullback is a key part of Baltimore's offense and has missed the first six games with a calf injury that lingered. Ricard has been a full participant in practice this week and appears on track to make his season debut Sunday against the Chicago Bears.
Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken spoke Thursday about the blocking, physicality, and versatility that Ricard brings to Baltimore's attack.
"We're excited to have Pat back, a guy that's played as much football as he has," Monken said. "He can play out on the line of scrimmage, he can play in the backfield. He's a guy that doesn't get dented, doesn't overreact to what he sees. That's why he's been an elite football player at his position."
Derrick Henry is looking forward to having Ricard back as a lead blocker.
"He is a big, big reason why we had so much success last year, and we're excited to have him back healthy," Henry said. "Heck yes, we're definitely excited."
Zach Orr Spent the Bye Week Scheming More Pressure
The Ravens' eight sacks this season are tied for the fewest in the league. The lack of pressure is also partly why Baltimore is tied with the second-fewest takeaways in the NFL.
The loss of outside linebackers Tavius Robinson (broken foot) and Odafe Oweh (trade) doesn't help in that regard. It presented Defensive Coordinator Zach Orr with a challenge of scheming up more pressure during the bye.
"We spent a lot of time [on that]. That was probably the main focus that we looked at," Orr said.
"I think the coaches – all of the coaches – have done a great job, including [Head] Coach [John] Harbaugh and our defensive coaches, of coming up with a pressure plan and a blitz plan, and I'm excited about it. I can't talk too much about it right now, but I think it's going to be good for us."
It's not just dialing up creative blitzes on third down.
"The problem is, we haven't created enough negative plays, especially on first and second down, to get into third-and-long situations," Orr said. "So, we looked at that hard and have a plan to try to create more negatives, and we look forward to doing that."
Orr has learned from some of the best coaches in this regard. Mike Macdonald, who is now the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks, was a maestro at getting free runners at the quarterback, and the two still stay in touch. Macdonald actually called Orr on Friday while the Ravens were on their bye.
"That's my guy. We're friends," Orr said. "Our relationship goes further than football, and I'm happy and proud to say that. We definitely catch up with each other, talk a little bit of ball, but mainly about family. We definitely talk. We have a great relationship, and that's my guy right there."
David Ojabo Relishes His Chance to Make an Impact
David Ojabo feels like this is the best he's felt throughout his career, and now the former second-round pick may get his best opportunity yet. With Robinson on injured reserve and Oweh in Los Angeles, the Ravens are thin at outside linebacker.
The team is reportedly signing veteran defensive end Carl Lawson to the practice squad, but it remains to be seen whether he could be ready to play just three days later against the Chicago Bears.
That leaves Ojabo in line to get more snaps after he played a season-high 22 against the Los Angeles Rams before the bye.
"It's time for guys to take the opportunity and step up. And for us as coaches, we have to help play to those guys' strengths," Orr said. "'Jabo' is a guy who is going to get another opportunity to go out there and showcase what he can do. So now, it's just time for him to go out there and do it."
A second-round pick in 2022 who is in the final year of his rookie contract, Ojabo has four sacks and 18 tackles in 22 career games.
"God's timing never fails, man," he said. "So, I just have to do my part and stay ready. And right now, it's presenting itself. So I just have to go ahead and take full advantage of it and play winning football. That's the most important thing."
Ravens Release Tight End, But Don't Expect Many Personnel Changes
With Ricard set to make his season debut, the Ravens have released tight end Zaire Mitchell-Paden.
Mitchell-Paden did an admirable job filling in for Baltimore's first six games. He threw some key blocks in the season opener in Buffalo and caught one pass for three yards.
While Ricard's return will add more muscle and a new face to the Ravens' blocking unit, don't expect a shakeup coming out of the bye.
"I don't anticipate too many personnel changes," Monken said. "[We're] excited to get Pat back and excited to get Ronnie [Stanley] healthy."
