No matter how they try and justify things, the Ravens need a playmaking receiver.

Wanted: speedy, sure handed pass catcher who can separate from defenders and create big plays in the offense. Must develop rapport with strong armed quarterback and must posses big play ability. If interested please report to 1 Winning Drive in Owings Mills”. This ad was not found in Baltimore newspapers, but after watching the game Monday night against the Packers, the Ravens should probably think about it.

 Coming into the season there were some talented, veteran receivers available that could have done nothing but help the Ravens offense. Instead,the Ravens signed a journeyman receiver and relegated their third string receiver to nothing more then a special teamer. I am not saying Demetrius Williams would make this offense a juggernaut but he would allow you to run four receiver sets without having to move Ray Rice out wide. If John Gruden and a national audience can see that the Ravens receivers can’t get separation, then why can’t the Ravens? Monday night’s game against Green Bay wasn’t an aberration rather another long like of disappointing performances by the receivers that made Ravens fans wonder how good Brandon Marshall would look in a Ravens uniform.

 During the off-season every time a free agent receiver’s name was mentioned or a receiver who demanded a trade, the Ravens were quick to dismiss the notion that they were interested. Their defiance was borderline egotistical and arrogant and quite frankly has left a sour taste in my mouth and the mouths of other Ravens fans. The term “play like a Raven” was the term used by Ravens brass when referring to the reason for not acquiring a certain player and a player like Marshall did not fit into that mold. That term has been so overused that it makes me cringe every time I hear it. The Ravens are 6-6 which means they are an average football team that is one of the most penalized in football. That must mean that “playing like a Raven” means playing undisciplined, average football. Brandon Marshall may not “play like a Raven” but is he the best player on a team that currently sits at 8-4 this year.

 I am not naive enough to think that the Ravens problems can be attributed to their lack of ineptitude at the receiver position, but I know it is a position that could have been upgraded but wasn’t. Even if a Brandon Marshall, Anquan Boldin or Percy Harvin were to win them “one” game based on their ability, then the Ravens would be in a much better position then they are now. Marshall single handedly won the Broncos their game against the Cowboys and he had not, they would be in much more precarious playoff position then they are currently in.

 This off-season there are likely to be tons of rumors floating around linking the Raven to a free agent or college wide receiver, and I hope the organization actually pays attention to them. This offense needs to be upgraded and it starts at the receiver position and it needs to be done sooner then later.

 I know there are a lot of problems that need to be addressed, but I hope the organization finally addresses the receiver. Another off-season of bringing in the likes of Kelly Washington and LJ Smith just won’t cut it. Hopefully it happens soon and the term “Play like Raven” will refer to offensive prowess.