Brian Baldinger has STRONG words for Baltimore Ravens OL, John Harbaugh’s coaching staff announced
In the highly competitive world of the NFL, few things matter more than the offensive line. A team’s ability to protect the quarterback and create running lanes can determine the success or failure of its entire offense. For the Baltimore Ravens, an organization known for its stout defense and potent rushing attack, the offensive line has become an area of concern heading into the 2025 season. The team’s failure to address key issues on the offensive line last season has led to frustration from both analysts and fans alike. Recently, former NFL player and current NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger weighed in on the matter, sharing some strong opinions regarding the Ravens’ offensive line and their coaching staff’s role in its struggles.
John Harbaugh’s coaching staff, long praised for their adaptability and strong leadership, has now found itself under scrutiny as the team heads into another offseason. With the Ravens looking to maintain their standing in the competitive AFC North, the performance of their offensive line will be a critical factor. In this article, we will explore Brian Baldinger’s remarks, the challenges the Ravens face with their offensive line, and how John Harbaugh’s coaching staff might respond to these concerns as the team prepares for the upcoming season.
Brian Baldinger’s Critique: What Did He Say?
Brian Baldinger, a former NFL offensive lineman and current analyst for NFL Network, is known for his in-depth knowledge of the game and his candid opinions. His comments regarding the Baltimore Ravens’ offensive line were pointed and direct, calling out both the individual players and the coaching staff for their lackluster performance.
Baldinger’s assessment of the Ravens’ offensive line performance was harsh, but it wasn’t without merit. In his view, the unit had underperformed in multiple areas, from pass protection to run blocking. His main issue, however, wasn’t necessarily with the players themselves but with the way they were being coached and developed under Harbaugh’s staff.
“We’ve seen this unit struggle time and time again, and at some point, you have to ask: ‘What’s going on in that meeting room? What are they being taught? Why aren’t these guys getting better?'” Baldinger remarked. “It’s one thing to have a bad day or a tough matchup, but when you see consistent issues week after week, it falls on the coaching staff. The Ravens need to take a hard look at how they’re developing this group, because right now, it’s just not good enough.”
Baldinger’s criticism was not limited to any one area of play. He pointed out multiple flaws, such as poor hand placement, missed assignments, and a general lack of cohesion between the offensive line’s personnel. While individual linemen such as Ronnie Stanley and Kevin Zeitler have shown flashes of brilliance, Baldinger argued that the unit as a whole was not playing at a level befitting a championship-contending team.
The biggest critique, however, came down to coaching. Baldinger didn’t mince words when discussing how the coaching staff was handling the situation. He questioned whether the Ravens’ offensive line coach, Joe D’Alessandris, and Harbaugh’s overall approach were leading to meaningful improvements.
“John Harbaugh is a great coach, no doubt about it,” Baldinger continued. “But when you have an issue like this with your offensive line, you need to look at your coaching staff and ask if they are getting the most out of their guys. The Ravens have the talent. They have a quarterback who can make things happen, and they have a running game that can take over games. But if you can’t protect the quarterback and create running lanes, you’re not going to get anywhere.”
Baldinger’s assessment is not just a critique of individual players but an overarching statement about the team’s coaching philosophy and how it impacts the performance of one of the most important units on the field. His words, though critical, are a call to action for Harbaugh and his staff to reevaluate how they approach offensive line development.
The State of the Ravens’ Offensive Line
In 2024, the Ravens’ offensive line struggled to perform at the level needed to protect Lamar Jackson and create a consistent running game. While there were flashes of brilliance from individual players, the unit as a whole often failed to maintain consistency, which hindered the overall offensive production.
One of the biggest problems was the inconsistency of their pass protection. Lamar Jackson, who is known for his ability to make plays outside the pocket, often found himself under duress when trying to execute from the pocket. The Ravens’ offensive line allowed 47 sacks, which ranked in the bottom half of the league. This number is concerning, especially considering Jackson’s ability to evade pressure and extend plays. Even with his mobility, he was still subjected to too many hits, and his inability to find a rhythm in the passing game was partly a result of poor pass protection.
On the ground, the Ravens’ rushing attack, usually one of the league’s best, also saw its efficiency decline. While the team remained committed to its run-first philosophy, the offensive line’s inability to consistently create push up front affected the running game’s overall effectiveness. The Ravens averaged just 4.3 yards per carry in 2024, which, while not disastrous, was a significant drop from previous seasons. With a dynamic backfield featuring J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards, the line was expected to be a major factor in keeping the ground game among the league’s best. Instead, the team was forced to rely more on Jackson’s ability to scramble and create plays with his legs.
John Harbaugh’s Coaching Staff Under the Microscope
As a head coach, John Harbaugh has built a reputation for his ability to get the most out of his players. Under his leadership, the Ravens have consistently been a playoff team, and the franchise has won two Super Bowls in his tenure. Harbaugh is respected as one of the most successful coaches in the NFL and is known for his discipline, toughness, and ability to adapt to different situations.
However, as Baldinger pointed out, coaching staff decisions regarding the development of the offensive line are now in the spotlight. Offensive line play has often been an area where Harbaugh’s teams have either thrived or struggled, depending on the talent and coaching. In this case, the Ravens have had several key pieces on the line who should theoretically be more effective, but a lack of overall cohesion and development has limited their potential.
Joe D’Alessandris, the Ravens’ offensive line coach, has been with the team for several seasons and is generally respected within the league. However, he has yet to turn the Ravens’ offensive line into an elite group that consistently dominates. D’Alessandris has faced challenges with injuries to key players, such as Ronnie Stanley’s knee issues, and the lack of consistent play from younger players, but there are also questions about the line’s fundamental skills, such as technique and communication. Harbaugh and D’Alessandris will need to assess whether their approach to offensive line coaching is maximized or whether a change is required to better develop their players and implement more effective schemes.
Harbaugh has always been an advocate of team-first, tough football, but the increasing scrutiny on his staff’s ability to develop the offensive line has raised questions about whether his methods need to evolve. The Ravens’ offensive philosophy is predicated on strong offensive line play to facilitate a powerful running game and give Jackson enough protection to make plays downfield. If the line continues to struggle, this will have a cascading effect on the entire offense, potentially limiting Jackson’s ability to thrive and weakening the Ravens’ ability to contend with the league’s top teams.
Addressing the Concerns: What Needs to Be Done?
To address these criticisms and avoid further stagnation, the Ravens will need to make adjustments both in terms of personnel and coaching philosophy. Brian Baldinger’s words offer a stark reminder of the consequences of complacency when it comes to the offensive line, and it’s clear that the team needs to take immediate action to turn things around.
- Improve Offensive Line Depth and Competition: The Ravens must invest in adding more talent and depth to their offensive line, both through free agency and the draft. While players like Stanley, Zeitler, and Linderbaum are solid, the Ravens need to ensure that they have capable backups and potential starters ready to step in if needed. They must create competition at every position along the line to ensure that no player becomes complacent.
- Focus on Technique and Fundamentals: One of the key areas where the offensive line has struggled is in basic technique, particularly with hand placement, footwork, and blocking angles. The coaching staff needs to place a stronger emphasis on these fundamentals, helping players refine their skills and create more consistency.
- Adapt the Scheme to Protect Lamar Jackson: The Ravens’ offense is built around Lamar Jackson’s mobility, but they must also ensure that the scheme allows him to function within a more traditional pocket at times. If the offensive line cannot consistently hold up, Jackson should be given more opportunities to use quick passes and shorter drops, which can help neutralize pass rushes and make his job easier.
- Evaluate Coaching Philosophy: Harbaugh and D’Alessandris should take a hard look at their approach to coaching the offensive line. If they want to develop a more cohesive, dominant unit, they may need to change the way they approach training, technique, and game planning. Consulting with experts in offensive line development or bringing in additional resources could be a potential avenue for improving the team’s performance.
