Former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Merril Hoge has serious questions about how the Baltimore Ravens offense will work in 2023 under new Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken. He said that from his experience as a player, one of the hardest things is to go from a system you've developed continuity in, and have it completely change.
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Lamar Jackson will be asked to do more with his arm than his legs as the Ravens try to protect their often-injured star from taking too many hits.
Hoge recently joined The Zach Gelb Show on CBS Sports Radio and broke down some of his concerns about the changes that Pittsbirgh's rival went through in the offseason and how it could affect the team's place in the AFC North standings.
He opened his segment on the Ravens by saying he has a ton of respect for Monken, whom he said has a reputation for making his system fit his players and not vice versa. The problem he elaborated on is that it doesn't look like he's doing that in Baltimore, especially for star quarterback Lamar Jackson.
"The way they're talking about it, they're asking Lamar [Jackson] to do something that he's never shown he's good at and that's playing a pro-style traditional offense," he said. "That's not me saying it. The Ravens have shown it for his entire career. The majority of their formations have been two tight ends and two backs."
He continued that whenever the Ravens have been forced into using more of a traditional pro-style passing attack with extra receivers on the field, Jackson has been exposed as a passer because it's not his strength.
Hoge said another wrinkle in the potential for the Ravens to struggle on offense is getting used to new personnel. The team made a splash in free agency by bringing in Odell Beckham Jr., and rookie Zay Flowers is expected to play a significant role. But Hoge has questions about how the new weapons will fit in. He noted tight end Mark Andrews, one of Jackson's favorite targets, will be back, which should help. He said as long as Monken can adjust his game plan on the fly to his players, the Ravens shouldn't take a step back, but he is skeptical of what that looks like.
Steelers' Hoge's Thoughts On The Rest Of The AFC North In 2023
Hoge agreed with the overall consensus that the Cincinnati Bengals are the kings of the North for now. As long as the team has Joe Burrow under center, the eight-year NFL veteran said that the Bengals will be the team to beat in the division.
Joshua A. Bickel / Associated Press
Steelers' Alex Highsmith sacks Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow during the 2022 season opener.
Burrow is dealing with a calf injury to start the 2023 season that could allow some of the other teams in the division to gain some ground. Burrow has never really come into a campaign traditionally, so even if he doesn't start the season, he can still help the Bengals be a serious threat.
In his rookie year, 2020, the offseason was marred by the COVID-19 pandemic. During the 2021 offseason, the young signal-caller was rehabbing from the knee injury he had suffered in 2020. Before his third season in 2022, he dealt with an unusual case of appendicitis that required surgery, so he missed most of the offseason program and was noticeably a little out of sync in the season opener against Pittsburgh.
Despite the health problems that have plagued him through three seasons, he has managed to guide the Bengals to an appearance in the Super Bowl and a second visit to the AFC Championship. He's become one of those players you can't count out, no matter the circumstances.
The Cleveland Browns' fate in the division will largely be on the shoulders of quarterback Deshaun Watson. Hoge said that after missing close to two years of football, Watson is starting to get a little better, but is nothing like the three-time Pro Bowler he was with the Houston Texans.
Matt Freed / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) is sacked by Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56).
Hoge said he's worried that the team will try to put too much on Watson's plate, which would be to its detriment. He said the best formula for the Browns to be successful in 2023 is to use a heavy dose of running back Nick Chubb and find ways to have Watson and the passing offense work off the run.
While every team in the division has questions at this time of year, the one certain thing is that it will be tough sledding in the AFC North.
What did you think about Hoge's comments on the Ravens offense and Jackson? How do you think the Steelers will fare in the division? Comment below!
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