The Baltimore Ravens have officially added a new weapon to their offensive arsenal, and this was a much needed move to say the least. Receiver Sammy Watkins from the Kansas City Chiefs is now joining the Ravens to strengthen their passing game this coming season. Let’s be clear, Sammy Watkins was a key player in helping the Chiefs win the 2020 Super Bowl. One of his significant plays was catching a major pass late in the fourth quarter, which helped the Chiefs retake the lead.
Meanwhile, the Ravens have always struggled in the passing game because of their poor wide receiver core, and quarterback Lamar Jackson has gotten a lot of hate for that. Every successful quarterback needs a solid, reliable receiver on the team. Without one, winning games is tough. So far, the Ravens have had such a dominant run game and talented defense that they almost haven’t needed that strong of a passing game. Or at least haven’t until the playoffs.
When the Ravens first drafted Jackson in 2018 and started him, they relied heavily on the run. This may have worked well enough during the regular seasons, but for the playoffs, it hasn’t been enough. And when the Ravens have made it to the playoffs and found themselves forced to pass, they have failed miserably. People love to blame it on Jackson’s throwing ability, but Jackson has thrown some impressive passes over his young career. For people to say he can’t throw is simply shortsighted.
Currently, the Raven’s best wide receiver is Marquise Brown. Brown’s strengths are as a speed receiver, and since the Ravens haven’t had a “true” number one receiver, Brown has been their go to. But now, with the signing of Sammy Watkins, the Ravens have a new force they can unleash. It will be interesting to see how Watkins will influence the Ravens and help turn the team into a triple threat.
