The first game of a new season always carries extra intrigue. For the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday's opener has tripled the intensity. For the first time since 2008, there's a new head coach, Jesse Minter, patrolling the sideline.
His coordinators are also new. The Indianapolis Colts and Lucas Oil Stadium are the first stop in their journey. This game also marks Declan Doyle's debut as the play caller.
That alone guarantees scrutiny. Ravens fans have spent months hearing aboutDoyle's creativity, attention to detail, and desire to create explosive plays. Lamar Jackson has repeatedly praised the new system, calling it "mind-blowing," among other things. He has predicted a more explosive offense.
Doyle has echoed that sentiment, making it clear that explosive
plays are a pillar of his offensive philosophy. Of course, talk only goes so far. Baltimore's faithful want to see results. If the Ravens leave Indianapolis with a victory and accomplish a few of the following goals, Doyle's first regular-season performance could earn rave reviews throughout Baltimore.
Lamar Jackson throws 2-3 touchdown passes and looks comfortable
Nothing matters more than the quarterback, it seems. Let's be honest here. If the offense doesn't work for Lamar Jackson, it may not work consistently for anyone else either.
Jackson enters his ninth NFL season and is learning his fourth offensive system, but all indications suggest he has embraced Doyle's approach. Throughout the offseason, he has praised the scheme's creativity and complexity while expressing confidence that defenses aren't prepared for everything Baltimore plans to unveil.
The stat line doesn't have to be perfect, but Ravens fans want to see a quarterback operating with confidence. Two or three touchdown passes, efficient decision-making, and complete command of the offense would go a long way toward validating the excitement surrounding Doyle's arrival.
The center position provides competent play.
Not every storyline is glamorous. Tyler Linderbaum's departure left a massive void in the middle of Baltimore's offensive line. The Ravens spent the offseason exploring options, signed veterans, and evencross-trained rookie Vega Ioane at center during training camp.
Whether it's Ethan Pocic, Jovaughn Gwyn, or someone else handling the responsibilities, Ravens fans want stability. Clean snaps, solid communication, and dependable pass protection would qualify as a successful afternoon. Sometimes avoiding disaster matters as much as creating highlights.
Derrick Henry rushes for 125 yards.
A quarterback's best friends are a tight end and a strong running game. Derrick Henry certainly has the latter covered. He remains the identity of Baltimore's rushing attack, and Doyle has made it clear that everything starts with physical football and controlling the line of scrimmage.
A 125-yard afternoon wouldn't just reflect well on Henry. It would reflect well on Doyle, the offensive line, and the offense's overall structure. Ravens fans love explosive passing plays, but they also appreciate watching Henry wear down defenses one bruising run at a time.
Explosive plays, explosive plays, explosive plays
If there has been one recurring theme throughout the offseason, this is it. Doyle wants explosive plays. Lamar Jackson expects explosive plays. Ravens players have repeatedly discussed explosive plays.
That doesn't necessarily mean 50-yard touchdowns. It could be a chunk run from Henry, a deep completion to Zay Flowers, a shot play to Rashod Bateman, or a breakout moment from Ja'Kobi Lane. Whatever form it takes, Ravens fans want to see an offense that stresses defenses and creates easy points.
Baltimore finishes drives with touchdowns.
There's an old football saying that every drive should end with a kick. The Ravens would probably prefer those kicks come as extra points rather than field goals. But isn't that everyone's desire?
Baltimore moved the football inconsistently at times last season and too often failed to maximize scoring opportunities. The best offenses don't simply generate yards. They finish possessions. If the Ravens consistently reach the red zone and emerge with seven points instead of three, Doyle's debut will be difficult to criticize.
Final thought
One game won't determine whether Declan Doyle becomes a successful offensive coordinator. It won't answer every question about the Ravens' new offense, either.
Still, first impressions matter. If Lamar Jackson looks comfortable, Derrick Henry dominates, the center position holds up, explosive plays appear throughout the afternoon, and drives consistently end in touchdowns, Ravens fans will head into Week 2 feeling optimistic about where this offense is headed. That's about as strong a debut as any first-time play-caller could ask for.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: 5 ways Declan Doyle can shine vs. Colts in Ravens opener
