Left guard Ben Grubbs said the Ravens are no longer content just being known for delivering punishing hits on defense.
Through two games, the Ravens offense’ has taken the steam out of their opposition much like the team’s defense has done for nearly a decade. The Ravens rank 19th in total offense (315.5 yards per game), but are 2-0 for just the third time in franchise history because they’ve dominated the time of possession more than any team in the league.
“We’re not content to let the defense do everything,” Grubbs said. “We just have to keep making corrections and keep getting better.”
In their 28-10 victory over Cleveland, the Ravens controlled the ball for 37 minutes, 48 seconds, meaning the Browns’ offensive was on the field for just 22:12. The Ravens lead the NFL in time of possession with an average of 37:02 entering Monday’s game at Pittsburgh (2-1), where the offensive line looks to claim the line of scrimmage as its done it each of the past two games.
“We’re definitely imitating [Coach John Harbaugh’s] personality,” Grubbs said. “He wanted us to be physical on both sides and that’s what we gave him. We had thousands of snaps in the offseason trying to establish this identity.”
Harbaugh said for his team to be successful, some of the defense’s aggressive mindset must be replicated on offense. On Sunday, the Browns never had a chance to regroup defensively as the Ravens came out playing at a fast-tempo, which including go to a no-huddle offense.
The result: The Ravens outgained Cleveland, 151-73, on the ground and 273-169 overall in a game in which they recorded five sacks to the Browns’ one.
“Any football game is won in the trenches,” Harbaugh said. “You have to give credit to our offensive and defensive linemen. Our offense played well because our offensive line played well. They gave our running backs the chance to run north and south, they gave [quarterback] Joe [Flacco] time in the passing part of it and gave our receivers a chance to make plays. Our offensive line was the catalyst.”
Fullback Le’Ron McClain said there is definitely a change in attitude for the team’s offense under Harbaugh, as they no longer want the defense to be responsible for carrying the team. McClain leads the Ravens with 152 yards rushing and two touchdowns.
“It’s all hard work,” said McClain, who has rushed for a team-high 152 yards and two touchdowns. “With the training camp we went through, there was a physical practice every day, whether we were in pads or not. Everybody is buying into [Harbaugh’s] way of doing things. We’re just rolling right now.”
RAVENS (2-0) vs. STEELERS (2-1)
- When: Monday, 8:30 p.m.
- Where: Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pa.
- TV/Radio: ESPN/1090 AM, 97.9 FM
