Through four games, Zay Flowers has officially placed the NFL back on notice. He has re-established himself as one of the NFL's most productive and versatile receivers when healthy. The film doesn't lie, and neither does its subject. According to the Ravens star, the biggest reason for his fast start isn't a new offseason training program or a dramatic change in preparation.
Flowers puts things in simple terms. He's being used differently.
He has emerged as a focal point of Baltimore's offense, creating problems for defenses whether he's lined up outside, in the slot, or even in the backfield. Head coach Jesse Minter recently credited offensive coordinator Declan Doyle for moving Flowers around the formation and creating favorable matchups. On
Wednesday, Flowers offered a similar explanation.
Expanded role creating more opportunities
When asked about spending significantly more time in the slot this season, Flowers said the change has expanded what he can do in the offense.
"It is just giving me opportunities to show what I could do more. It is just opening up my route tree [and] opening up everything that I can do."
The results have been obvious. Defenses can no longer focus on Flowers in one area of the field because Baltimore constantly moves him around before the snap. That versatility often creates favorable matchups against linebackers, safeties, and nickel defenders, rather than letting opponents consistently keep a top cornerback attached to him. Meanwhile, Flowers admitted that's part of the fun.
"It is more fun when you know you can get the ball from anywhere. It does not matter who, whether it is a nickel, linebacker or whichever corner is over me."
The Ravens expect their offense to keep rollin'
Flowers also pushed back on the idea that Baltimore's offense would change significantly if Lamar Jackson is unavailable Sunday night against the Atlanta Falcons. He pointed to Tyler Huntley's experience and teammates' confidence in the veteran quarterback.
"I do not think it will change in any way... He is our backup quarterback for a reason. We all believe in him. We trust him."
Flowers' comments echoed similar sentiments from Jesse Minter and Mark Andrews. Both emphasized their belief that Huntley can run the offense if called upon. For now, Flowers remains focused on helping Baltimore continue its offensive momentum regardless of who takes the first snap against Atlanta.
"I think I kind of did the same thing every offseason. "I am just being utilized in a different way."
Sometimes the simplest explanation is the correct one. Flowers isn't necessarily a different player than he was a year ago. The Ravens are simply finding more ways to get one of their most dangerous playmakers involved, and defenses have struggled to keep up.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens' WR Zay Flowers credits an expanded role for his fast start
