Ravens tight end Todd Heap said “it’s just different” for him right now.
Many expected Heap to be a focal point of the Ravens offense this season under new offensive coordinator Cam Cameron’s system. Cameron is credited with helping turn Antonio Gates into a Pro Bowl player when Cameron held a similar role with the San Diego Chargers from 2002-06.
But Heap has rarely been involved in the Ravens’ passing game this season as he has just three catches for 37 yards, including none in the team’s 23-20 overtime loss Monday at the Pittsburgh Steelers. This comes as Heap — who has 342 receptions for 3,934 yards and 27 touchdowns in his career — tries to rebound after missing 10 games due to a hamstring injury in 2007.
“All I can say is that it’s different,” Heap said. “Hopefully there will be a point where I get more involved. But right now, it’s different for me and I’m adjusting.”
Cameron said he expects Heap to be more involved in the passing game as the season progresses. But right now, there are many other ways the two-time Pro Bowler can help make a positive contribution.
One area Cameron and head coach John Harbaugh said they need assistance from Heap is with blocking and pass protection, especially with the Ravens moving forward with rookie quarterback Joe Flacco.
“We’re going to continue to work and he’s going to continue to work to be involved in the passing game,” Harbaugh said. “He’s done the things we’ve asked him to do in terms of blocking, run blocking and pass blocking. Sure, we want him catching more balls, and we’re going to keep working on it to make sure that happens. It’s really important for us to do that.”
Cameron added it’s unfair to gauge Heap’s performance solely on how many receptions he has each game and that the Ravens ability to put together a game-tying touchdown drive late in the fourth quarter against the Steelers came in part because of Heap’s blocking.
“When you get labeled as that receiving tight end everyone looks to you as a receiver and measures your contributions in catches,” Cameron said. “Todd’s contributions go way beyond catches and we just need to adjust our thinking a little bit. As you see Joe grow, you’ll continue to see Todd grow as a receiver.”
Ravens reserve tight end Daniel Wilcox said he is also adjusting to the new role of the tight end in the team’s offense. But Wilcox added that his increased blocking responsibilities played a part in helping him come up with a 4-yard touchdown reception late in the first half against the Steelers.
“When you have a play dialed up for you, it’s almost like them throwing you a bone,” Wilcox said. “You get a little gift and it opens things that much more. I haven’t gotten to run out for that many passing play this year and against Pittsburgh I was so wide open it was ridiculous. They ran right past me because they were so used to me blocking and just forgot I was there.”
Ravens (2-1) vs. Titans (4-0)
When » Sunday, 1 p.m.
Where » M&T Bank Stadium
TV/Radio » WJZ-13/1090 AM, 97.9 FM
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