It probably shouldn't have surprised anyone. The criticism came quickly after the Baltimore Ravens' loss to the New Orleans Saints. Some questioned why the Ravens took a deep shot on third-and-1 late in the game rather than handing the ball to Derick Henry. Others focused on the protection breakdowns that helped derail several promising drives.
Offensive coordinator Declan Doyle addressed both topics this week, offering insight into the thought process behind one of Baltimore's most scrutinized play calls and identifying the technical issues that contributed to the protection problems. Doyle understood the criticism surrounding the third-and-1 call, but he explained that Baltimore believed it had identified a favorable defensive look.
"We felt
like we had a pretty good bead on what they would do in a situation like that. Obviously, you're coming off of a drive previously where we got the ball in the plus 49 [and] we went backwards. [We were] trying to establish a rhythm, and yet at the same time, being aggressive and being able to go after a defense that you feel like is predictable in that moment."
The Ravens expected a one-high zone look and believed an explosive play opportunity existed downfield. The gamble failed, and Doyle didn't try to deflect responsibility. He expressed that he, like everyone else, wishes he had called something else (especially after the play failed).
The third-and-1 decision wasn't the only issue Doyle addressed. Later in the session, he explained two protection breakdowns that stalled promising drives. According to Doyle, one involved technique against a pressure look Baltimore anticipated seeing from New Orleans.
"We're in an eight-man protection, they run the Mike through, and we just have to do a better job from a technique standpoint of working through the shade, recognizing pressure, and being able to push through to that backer pressure player."
The second breakdown stemmed from a communication error.
"The play after that is really the drop-back where we have a little bit of miscommunication between center and back. We've gone through that with our guys and have worked to fix that."
Those comments offer some clarity on the struggles of a Ravens offensive line still developing chemistry. The Saints repeatedly tested the interior, particularly young starters Jovaughn Gwyn and Vega Ioane, and Baltimore failed several critical tests.
The encouraging part for the Ravens is that Doyle viewed both mistakes as correctable rather than systemic problems. Baltimore still moved the ball effectively for stretches and generated opportunities. The issue was failing to capitalize.
Now the focus shifts to the Dallas Cowboys. The Ravens know another performance filled with protection lapses and second-guessed decisions could put them in an early-season hole. Doyle's challenge is ensuring the lessons learned against the New Orleans Saints translate into cleaner execution when Baltimore takes the field in Rio de Janeiro.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens' Declan Doyle owns controversial third-and-1 call vs. Saints
