Expect Ravens running backs Ray Rice and Bernard Pierce to catch more screen passes this season. New offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak wants quarterback Joe Flacco to release the ball quicker, and Kubiak plans to use the screen pass to that effect.
"I was telling [coach] John Harbaugh the other night: 'You know, I think we've got a chance to be a pretty good screen team," Kubiak told ESPN.com. "Our guards are not only big and physical, but they can get out and run."
The Ravens have called 123 screen passes since 2001, fourth-fewest in the NFL over that span, the website said. In addition to Rice and Pierce, running backs Justin Forsett and rookie Lorenzo Taliaferro could benefit if Kubiak follows through on his plan.