Open Nav
Players
    Articles
      Shark Bites
        Show Navigation
        Show Menu
        FANTASY FOOTBALL NEWS

        Faster pace coming to Baltimore?

        By Jared Smola | Updated on Sun, Jul 9 2023 7:12 PM UTC
        Lamar Jackson Headshot

        ESPN analyst Matt Bowen expects the Ravens to play at a faster pace this season. That wasn’t the case last year; Baltimore ranked bottom-5 in plays per minute (1.63) and no-huddle rate (4.4%). “They decided last year under [OC Greg] Roman they were going to control tempo by slowing it down,” Bowen said. “[It was] a lot more condensed formations; they had much different personnel than you’ll see this year. [Fullback] Patrick Ricard last year played a critical role in that offense; I don’t know that he has a pivotal role this year with what I expect to see out of Monken." Bowen, a former NFL safety, shared more on his forecast for the 2023 Ravens. “This year, and I have old playbooks of Todd Monken, is a lot more spread, a lot more trips, a lot more empty," he continued. "What they’re trying to do with pace of play is to be more aggressive and control tempo in terms of creating more tempo.” We detailed more of Monken’s impact in a new article on NFL Coaching Changes. Overall, we’re bullish on this offense making considerable improvements.

        Jared Smola Author Image
        Jared Smola, Lead Analyst
        Jared has been with Draft Sharks since 2007. He’s now Lead Analyst, heading up the preseason and weekly projections that fuel your Draft War Room and My Team tools. He currently ranks sixth among 158 analysts in draft rankings accuracy.
        Premium Content Premium ContentCould Michael Penix Make The Falcons A Must-Draft Offense?

        Could Michael Penix Make The Falcons A Must-Draft Offense?

        8:38pm UTC 6/30/25

        A loaded supporting cast, improved QB play, and offensive continuity set the stage for Atlanta to deliver serious fantasy value in 2025.

        Read More »
        Video: Draft These WRs. Win Your League.

        Video: Draft These WRs. Win Your League.

        2:20pm UTC 6/30/25

        We’re breaking down the top three tiers of our WR rankings, including studs you can trust, stars you should fade, and breakout picks that Jared and Matt can’t agree on.

        Read More »
        2026 NFL Mock Draft Seven Rounds: Get the Edge Before Everyone Else

        2026 NFL Mock Draft Seven Rounds: Get the Edge Before Everyone Else

        12:00pm UTC 6/30/25

        The 2026 NFL Draft is shaping up to make a BIG impact -- especially at QB. But will your future picks lose their shine if the skill positions flop?

        Read More »
        Compare Plans » Compare Plans »