It’s not often you see the Ravens call a timeout three plays in to their first offensive possession. Usually it would give one cause for concern, but this time the next play resulted in a 70 yard touchdown run by star running back Ray Rice. Right guard Marshall Yanda made a critical block on the play and his value can’t be overstated as he is one of the premier run blockers in the NFL. After the quick score the offense was off the TD watch that began last week in the Cleveland game.  Add a Flacco to Pitta TD pass and another score by Rice and the Ravens had secured a 24-16 road win that clinched the AFC North Division. 

The offense might not be getting more explosive, but it is becoming more efficient.  During the second half of the season the Red Zone conversion percentage has been 62% compared to 43% for the first eight games. The touchdown conversion rate is a major factor for this team to be successful specifically because the passing game is pedestrian. The offense has the hammer in Ray Rice, but it lacks the scythe in the passing game.    

The win over Cincinnati was another example of the formula we’ve seen work all year. Limit turnovers and feed the ball to Rice and you will win…it’s that simple. In games this year when Rice scores a rushing TD and the offense has less than two turnovers the Ravens are

8-0.

In the first eight games Rice ran for six TDs and Flacco threw for nine.  In the second eight games Rice ran for six TDs and Flacco threw for 11. The scoring was down to 21.2 points per game over the last eight games compared to 26 for the first half of the year. 

Efficiency is even more important to the Ravens offense for the simple fact they don’t generate as many Red Zone chances as most of the other playoff teams.  For the year the Ravens averaged 3.1 Red Zone attempts per game. The only playoff team with fewer attempts per game is Denver.  

(2011 Final regular season offensive stats)

Keep in mind for some categories a decrease is positive, as in the case of Fumbles lost, and an increase is negative, as in the case of Penalties.