The Baltimore Ravens have found a diamond in the rough with quarterback Patrick Ricard. Initially a defensive forward, Ricard played a hybrid defense-attack role for the team before moving to full-time defender, where he became an All-Pro.
There were a lot of questions about Ricard’s role in 2023 when Baltimore moved from Greg Roman to Todd Monken at the offensive coordinator position. However, he still contributed a lot last season, and when asked about his role in 2024, coach John Harbaugh said it will evolve as the offense progresses, but there is always a need for someone like Ricard.
“It will evolve depending on the direction it goes in terms of where the offense goes and what we need, but there will always be a demand for a guy like Pat [Ricard], if you have a guy like Pat. Last year’s questions were practically debunked. He played a lot and I think it will be the same this year. You have a good football player; you have to put it out there. He’ll be there acting and we’ll find lots of great roles for him to play. The good thing is he can actually run and catch the ball, and that’s something people think he wouldn’t be able to do. I remember the coach [Wade] Phillips here – I love Coach Phillips – when he was [the] defensive coordinator of [Los Angeles] Rams, basically saying, ‘Don’t cover [No.] 42, he is a defensive lineman. On the next play, he caught a touchdown pass in the flat. That’s right, don’t cover [No.] 42.”
Ricard paved the way for Ravens running backs and quarterback Lamar Jackson. During his time in Baltimore, he caught passes, scored touchdowns, and more. Few attacks still use the conventional defender role, but Ricard can do many other things that still add value.
