Obviously when a team loses its second leading pass catcher, there will be concerns. The Baltimore Ravens lost their starting tight end Dennis Pitta to a dislocated hip for the entire season. Ravens General Manager Ozzie Newsome is saddened by the loss of the star tight end, but believes the Ravens have plenty of time to find a way to replace him in the offense.
The Ravens will look for tight end Ed Dickson to flourish in the offense, with an increased role. Newsome also said the Ravens will look toward their wide receivers to fill the void left by the Pitta injury. The Ravens have speedsters Torrey Smith, Jacoby Jones, and Deonte Thompson on the outside. Also, looking for increased roles in the offense will be possession receiver Tandon Doss and backup tight end Visanthe Shiancoe. Overall though this offense will have to rely heavily on the skills of running backs Ray Rice and Bernard Pierce. A strong running game for the Ravens will allow Flacco to use more playaction and stretch the field vertically.
Although all of these players will help fill the void of Dennis Pitta in the Ravens offense, Joe Flacco will be the one who truly has to step up his game to make up for the loss. Flacco relied on Pitta on third down situations and in the red zone. With Pitta on the field on third downs, the Ravens averaged two more yards per play. In the red zone Pitta led the team over the past two years with ten touchdowns. If the Ravens are going to be able to handle the hardship of losing Pitta, Flacco must continue to grow as a quarterback and playmaker.
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