Film Insights Reveal Accuracy Problems for the Baltimore Ravens

For NFL teams, film study is the backbone of evaluating performance—and for the Baltimore Ravens, recent breakdowns of game tape have uncovered a critical issue: persistent accuracy problems that are undermining their offensive potential. What casual viewers might dismiss as “bad luck” or “missed opportunities” becomes a pattern of mechanical flaws, situational lapses, and decision-making gaps when analyzed frame by frame. These insights aren’t just academic; they’re shaping how the Ravens adjust their practice drills, game plans, and quarterback development strategies. Film Insights Reveal Accuracy Problems for the Baltimore Ravens breaks down the key findings from the team’s film room, how these issues manifest in games, and why resolving them is essential for a deep playoff run. For the Ravens, film study isn’t just about reviewing the past—it’s about fixing the present to secure the future.

Film Insights Reveal Accuracy Problems for the Baltimore Ravens begins with the most glaring issue uncovered by tape: inconsistent quarterback mechanics, particularly from Lamar Jackson, that directly impact pass precision. Frame-by-frame analysis of Jackson’s throws shows recurring flaws: his front foot often points toward the sideline instead of the target (creating a misalignment in his body), and his release point varies by 6-8 inches on similar routes (leading to erratic ball placement). Against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 14, for example, film captures a third-down pass intended for Zay Flowers where Jackson’s front foot drifts left, causing the ball to sail 5 yards wide of the wide receiver—even though Flowers was open. “Mechanics are the foundation of accuracy, and Lamar’s inconsistencies here are a red flag,” said former NFL quarterback and film analyst Trent Dilfer, who reviewed the Ravens’ tape for ESPN. “When your front foot isn’t aligned, you’re forcing your arm to compensate, which leads to misses. The film doesn’t lie—this is a fixable issue, but it requires consistent repetition.” The Ravens’ film room has also noted that these mechanical flaws worsen when Jackson is forced to throw on the move, with his accuracy dropping 23% on rolling passes compared to stationary throws.

Another key film insight is the Ravens’ accuracy struggles in specific situational contexts—most notably under pressure and in the intermediate passing game. When defenses send four or more pass rushers, film shows Jackson often rushes his throws, cutting his windup short and sacrificing precision to get the ball out quickly. In Week 10 against the Buffalo Bills, a frame-by-frame review of a second-quarter drive reveals three consecutive pressured throws: two were overthrown, and one was nearly intercepted. The film also highlights issues in the 10-20 yard intermediate range—an area the Ravens rely on to connect with tight end Mark Andrews. Film from the Cincinnati Bengals loss shows Jackson completing just 4 of 9 intermediate passes, with three misses coming on routes where Andrews was open but the ball arrived either behind or above him. “The intermediate game is where offenses control the tempo, and the Ravens’ inaccuracy here is killing their drives,” Dilfer added. “The film shows Mark is getting open—Lamar just isn’t delivering the ball where it needs to be. That’s a timing and precision issue, not a talent one.” Film Insights Reveal Accuracy Problems for the Baltimore Ravens notes that these situational struggles aren’t limited to Jackson; backup quarterback Tyler Huntley also shows similar accuracy dips under pressure, suggesting a systemic need for better pocket awareness and decision-making drills.

Film Insights Reveal Accuracy Problems for the Baltimore Ravens also delves into how these issues impact the Ravens’ wide receivers—creating frustration and limiting their ability to make plays after the catch. Film captures multiple instances where receivers like Flowers and Rashod Bateman have to slow down, reach back, or dive to catch off-target passes—movements that prevent them from gaining yards after reception (YAC). Against the Miami Dolphins in Week 15, a third-quarter pass to Bateman illustrates this: the ball arrives 2 yards behind him, forcing Bateman to stop and twist, which lets a Dolphins defender close in and make a tackle immediately. Without the accuracy issue, film suggests Bateman could have gained an additional 10-15 yards. For the Baltimore Ravens, this loss of YAC is significant—they rank 21st in the NFL in YAC per reception, a drop from 12th in 2024. “Receivers can only do so much to compensate for inaccurate passes,” said Ravens wide receivers coach David Culley, who has reviewed the film with his unit. “The film shows our guys are getting open and making an effort, but if the ball isn’t on target, they can’t create plays. This is a team issue, not just a quarterback issue.” The Ravens’ film room has started compiling highlight reels of “what could have been” plays—showing open receivers and missed opportunities—to emphasize the impact of accuracy on overall offensive success.

The film also reveals a disconnect between the Ravens’ playcalling and their accuracy limitations—a mismatch that opponents have exploited. Film study shows the Ravens call 38% of their passes in the deep (20+ yard) range, but Jackson’s accuracy on deep throws is just 32%—well below the NFL average of 41%. Against the Kansas City Chiefs, the Ravens called three deep passes in the first half; all were off-target, including one that was intercepted. Film analysts note that opposing defenses have caught on, using “prevent” coverage to force the Ravens into intermediate and deep throws, knowing the accuracy issues will work in their favor. “The film shows defenses are game-planning around the Ravens’ inaccuracy,” Dilfer said. “They’re not rushing to cover deep because they know Lamar struggles to hit those throws consistently. That’s a strategic disadvantage for Baltimore.” For the Baltimore Ravens, this means adjusting their playcalling to align with their strengths—prioritizing short, quick passes (where Jackson’s accuracy is 71%) and using play-action to create easier throws. The Ravens’ offensive coordinator, Todd Monken, has acknowledged this in press conferences, stating, “We’re using the film to tailor our playbook. If the tape says we’re more accurate on short routes, we’ll call more of those. It’s about playing to our strengths.”

In response to these film insights, the Ravens have revamped their practice routine to address accuracy—adding targeted drills that focus on mechanics, situational throwing, and timing with receivers. Film from practice shows Jackson working with quarterbacks coach Tee Martin on front-foot alignment, using cones to ensure proper positioning on every throw. The team has also added “pressure simulations” to practice, with linemen wearing padded vests to mimic game-like pass rushes, forcing Jackson and Huntley to maintain mechanics under duress. Early results from these drills are promising: film from the Ravens’ Week 16 win over the Cleveland Browns shows Jackson’s intermediate accuracy improved to 62%, and his mechanical alignment was correct on 85% of throws—up from 68% in previous weeks. For the Baltimore Ravens, these practice adjustments are a direct result of film study—turning insights into action. “Film doesn’t just tell us what’s wrong; it tells us how to fix it,” Martin said. “We’re using every frame to build better habits, and the practice tape shows Lamar is responding. This is about consistency—repeating the right mechanics until they become second nature.”

Film Insights Reveal Accuracy Problems for the Baltimore Ravens concludes with a balanced outlook: the film highlights significant issues, but it also shows clear paths to improvement. The Ravens’ willingness to lean into film study—using data and visual evidence to drive adjustments—suggests they can resolve these accuracy problems with time and practice. For a team with Super Bowl aspirations, fixing these issues is non-negotiable; the playoffs will bring elite defenses that will exploit inaccuracy at every turn. The film also serves as a reminder of the Ravens’ strengths: their running game, their defense, and Jackson’s ability to make plays with his legs. By aligning their playcalling with these strengths and fixing accuracy through targeted drills, the Ravens can turn their film insights into on-field success. “The film is a tool, not a criticism,” Dilfer said. “The Ravens are using it the right way—identifying flaws, creating solutions, and practicing until those solutions stick. If they keep this up, their accuracy issues will be a thing of the past.” As the Ravens head into the final weeks of the season, all eyes will be on the film—both from games and practice—to see if their adjustments translate to consistent, winning football. In the end, film insights aren’t just about revealing problems—they’re about empowering the Baltimore Ravens to solve them.