Full Breakdown
Declan Doyle’s Early Impact on the Baltimore Ravens Offense
6/3/2026, 10:59:00 PM
Installing a New Offensive System in OTAs
During the third week of organized team activities (OTAs), offensive coordinator Declan Doyle began installing a new offensive scheme for the Ravens. Practices emphasized cadence variation, pre-snap discipline, and “stress-testing” reps to accelerate player learning. Doyle warned that pre-snap penalties must disappear before the regular season and described the faster cadence as a weapon to disrupt defenses. The coaching staff also used the sessions to evaluate whether Doyle will call plays from the sideline or the coaches’ booth on game days.
Coaching Background and Influences
Doyle arrives as the NFL’s youngest offensive coordinator at age 30. He previously served as the Chicago Bears’ offensive coordinator under head coach Ben Johnson, spent two seasons as the Denver Broncos’ tight-ends coach under Sean Payton, and began his NFL career as an offensive assistant with the New Orleans Saints. He cites the “human-computer” memory of play concepts from Payton and the play-action emphasis from Johnson as key influences on his current approach.
Key Personnel and Relationships
- Declan Doyle – offensive coordinator, primary architect of the new system.
- Lamar Jackson – quarterback; Doyle describes their communication as “great” and constantly evolving.
- Zay Flowers – wide receiver; calls Doyle a “genius” and notes the ease of relating to him.
- Anthony Weaver – defensive coordinator; praises Doyle’s “rolodex of plays.”
- Jesse Minter – head coach; will oversee Doyle’s decision on play-calling location.
- Durham Smythe – tight end; joined Baltimore citing respect for Doyle’s system.
- Rashod Bateman – wide receiver; absent from recent OTAs for personal reasons, but Doyle expressed confidence in his work ethic.
Statistical Shifts Expected
The Bears, under Doyle’s coordination, threw passes of 21 + yards on 13.1 % of attempts (second-most in the league). In contrast, the 2025 Ravens recorded only 10.7 % of such deep attempts. Play-action usage differed markedly: Chicago employed it on 20.3 % of plays (second-most), while Baltimore used it on 14.1 % (25th). The Ravens ranked 26th in first-down play-action passes per game. Doyle’s stated goal is to increase both deep-shot frequency and play-action efficiency, leveraging his mentors’ philosophies.
Official Statements & Responses
Defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver called Doyle “like a human computer” with a “photographic memory” for offensive concepts. Head coach Jesse Minter indicated that the decision on Doyle’s play-calling venue will be tested throughout OTAs and training camp. Defensive staff emphasized that the offensive focus on cadence and pre-snap discipline aligns with the team’s broader goal of reducing self-inflicted penalties.
Criticism & Concerns
Some observers note Doyle’s youth and limited play-calling experience as potential risks, especially as he stresses players with a high-volume, high-complexity workload. The unresolved choice between sideline and booth calling also leaves a tactical question open for the upcoming season.
Player Perspectives
Zay Flowers praised Doyle’s creativity, saying he has “stuff I’ve never seen” that helps receivers get open. Lamar Jackson highlighted the strong chemistry with Flowers, noting they “like being around each other.” Durham Smythe emphasized his respect for Doyle’s detail-oriented approach and the familiarity of the scheme.
Verbatim Quotes
- “genius.” — Zay Flowers, wide receiver
- “He is like a human computer,” — Anthony Weaver, defensive coordinator
- “I think that the communication aspect with Lamar has been great,” — Declan Doyle, offensive coordinator
- “unacceptable on any snap” — Declan Doyle, offensive coordinator
- “We're going to run outside zone to the tight end, we're going to run power to the tight end... It's a little bit of the scheme and a little bit of what coordinators want to do now.” — Durham Smythe, tight end
What’s Next
The Ravens will continue to test Doyle’s play-calling location during preseason games, while OTAs will further refine cadence, play-action, and deep-pass concepts. Player integration, especially of receivers Rashod Bateman and tight end Durham Smythe, will be monitored as the team approaches mandatory minicamp and the regular season.
