Offense
What makes the Ravens’ playbook unique is its variety of “tight” or “close” formations, where receivers line up close to the line of scrimmage. This makes it tough for man-to-man defenders to stick with them because of all the traffic in the area.
Key Formation
I-Form Close is an example of a tight formation that can burn heavy man-to-man coverage with plays like Mesh.
Key Player
WR with 90+ Route Running
Formations
- SINGLEBACK: Jumbo, Ace, Deuce Wing, Ace Pair, Ace Pair Twins, Bunch Ace, Tight Doubles, Doubles, Y-Trips TE Slot, Trio
- I-FORM: Pro, Close, Pro Twins, Tight Twins, Tight, Tight Pair
- STRONG: Pro, Pro Twins, Tight
- WEAK: Pro, Tight Twins
- GUN: Doubles, Y-Trips HB Wk, Bunch Wk, Spread Y-Flex, Y-Trips Open, Trips Y-Flex Tight, Flip Trips Raven, Empty Base Flex
The Ravens also have plenty of tight options from shotgun sets, if you aren’t a fan of under center or didn’t get to solidify your offensive line.
OFFENSIVE Draft Targets
- WR (SPD, RTE, CTH)
- HB (ELU, CTH, SPD)
- QB (THP, DAC, SAC)
Defense
The Ravens’ mixture of formations allowing their LBs to get in great matchups is second to none. Get comfortable with all of the 3-4 fronts, including the Bear, to keep your opponents off-balance.
Key Formation
The Nickel 3-3-5 is an ideal formation to be balanced against any offensive attack and lineup. It requires drafting an extra CB, but if he can be physical in the run game, you will feel comfortable stopping the run from a passing set. With a solid LB holding things down in the middle, you can send pressure from the edges.
Key Player
CB with 85+ Press and 80+ Man and Zone Coverage
Formations
- 3-4: Odd, Predator, Over Ed, Even, Bear
- 4-4: Split
- NICKEL: 2-4-5, 2-4-5 Dbl A Gap, 3-3-5, 3-3-5 Wide
- BIG DIME: 2-3-6, 2-3-6 Will
- QUARTER: 1-3-7, 3 Deep
While a strong OLB and DT are ideal, don’t forget to move your best run defender in the secondary into the box in many situations.
DEFENSIVE Draft Targets
- MLB (SPD, PRC, ZCV)
- CB (SPD, TAK, PUR)
- OLB (STR, BSH, PMV)