
The Baltimore Ravens are gearing up for a new era on offense, and it’s all thanks to rookie play-caller Declan Doyle. At just 30 years old, Doyle is stepping into the spotlight, crafting an offense that looks to break away from the mold left by Todd Monken and Lamar Jackson’s previous schemes. The Ravens’ front office is clearly seeking a fresh approach, evidenced by their decision to part ways with John Harbaugh and bring in Doyle, who’s had stints under the tutelage of offensive masterminds like Sean Payton and Ben Johnson.
Doyle’s task is no small one. He’s expected to infuse Baltimore’s playbook with elements he’s learned from his mentors, while also putting his own stamp on the Ravens’ attack.
The Ravens have long been a team that favors the ground game, often opting to chew up the clock under former coordinators like Greg Roman. But if there’s one thing Doyle’s mentors are known for, it’s a fast-paced, high-tempo style of play.
Last season, the Ravens were the fourth slowest in the league, taking an average of 32 seconds per play. Compare that to Payton’s Broncos, who were among the quickest, and it’s clear that Doyle has a different tempo in mind. Johnson, who worked with Doyle in Chicago, also favors a brisk pace, which should mesh well with the athleticism of quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson and the Bears’ Caleb Williams.
During recent OTA sessions, Johnson emphasized the importance of tempo, noting the improvements in speed and urgency from his offensive players. “The communication in the huddle, what it looks like to break the huddle, the urgency to line of scrimmage, the tempo that we want to stress the defense with,” Johnson said, highlighting the quarterback’s pivotal role in orchestrating this fast-paced approach.
Payton, too, has been a vocal advocate for an up-tempo offense, stressing the need for speed and intensity to keep defenses on their heels. “We’re on them about tempo constantly,” Payton remarked back in 2023, underscoring the importance of a high-paced game plan.
For Doyle, who was still a student assistant coach at Iowa when Jackson entered the NFL, this is a chance to innovate and push the boundaries of what the Ravens’ offense can achieve. His connection to Payton, who brought him to New Orleans and then Denver, is a testament to the influence and expectations he carries into this role.
As the Ravens transition into this new offensive chapter, the learning curve will undoubtedly be steep. However, if executed well, this shift could prove to be a game-changer, allowing Jackson to leverage his dynamic skills even further and keep defenses guessing.
It’s a challenge that Doyle seems eager to embrace, and one that has already caught the attention of Jackson, who has expressed excitement about the potential of this revamped offense. The Ravens are poised for a thrilling transformation, and fans should be ready for a faster, more exhilarating brand of football.