The Ravens gambled on youth this offseason by letting both starting guards Kevin Zeitler and John Simpson walk in free agency while trading away right tackle Morgan Moses to the New York Jets.
This decision looks quite questionable after an 0-2 start to the 2024 season, with the most significant issue being a struggling offensive line with three new starters. This has led to questions about whether the team will change the starting lineup, particularly at right guard and right tackle. 2022 third-round pick Daniel Faalele has started both games at right guard to start the year, while versatile veteran Patrick Mekari has handled most duties at right tackle, with rookie second-round pick Roger Rosengarten rotated in on occasions.
Baltimore head coach John Harbaugh was asked if he would consider changing the offensive line following the team’s 26-23 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 2.
“Yes, I’m just going to look and try to coach the guys and keep getting better with the guys,” Harbaugh said. “I’ll look at the tape, and we’ll see. We’re always going to play the best players; that’s part of it, if that is what your question is. We’ll always try to do that.”
Ben Cleveland is the obvious replacement at right guard if Harbaugh decides to bench Faalele, while Rosengarten would take over full-time duties at right tackle from Mekari. Cleveland has performed well when given the opportunity in previous seasons, and Rosengarten appears to offer more pass protection than Mekari.
Ben Cleveland in weeks 17 & 18
64 pass-blocking snaps
2 pressures allowed
0 sacks allowed
85.9 PFF GradeThe new RG? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/JzADq9x45Y
— PFF BAL Ravens (@PFF_Ravens) February 20, 2024
Watch Roger Rosengarten work his tail off on an island with Maxx Crosby to extend this play for his QB. Thatta boy, rook. #RavensFlock pic.twitter.com/CuMYxENbHM
— Bobby Trosset (@bobbybaltim0re) September 15, 2024
