As many expected before the season, the Baltimore Ravens' restructured offensive line has been a bit of a headache to start the season.
The struggles have been particularly apparent for right guard Daniel Faalele. The 6-foot-8, 380-lb Faalele is attempting to make the switch from tackle to guard, and has been choppy so far. Faalele was beaten badly on several occasions by Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby during the Ravens' Week 2 collapse.
Faalele's rough start has led to some fans calling for backup Ben Cleveland to start.
However, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh made clear on Monday that Cleveland has not won playing time over Faalele, giving a startlingly honest assessment of where the two players stand.
"If Ben had earned the job at right guard, he would be the starting right guard. You look at the tape, and he didn’t beat out Daniel or anybody.
"I think Ben is a good player. I like Ben. I want Ben to take the next step. He’s in his fourth year. Ben knows what he needs to do. If he wants playing time, he knows how he needs to play and how he needs to practice when he gets that chance.
"So our evaluation right now is that Daniel outplayed Ben. Just facts, straight up. Matter of fact. … If I see that Ben is playing better than Daniel, then Ben will be the starting guard. He practices every day. Just like I tell all the guys: show me.”
John Harbaugh made his thoughts on Ben Cleveland *very* clear:
— Sarah Ellison (@sgellison) September 16, 2024
“If Ben had earned the job at right guard, he would be the starting right guard. You look at the tape, and he didn’t beat out Daniel [Faalele] or anybody.
“I think Ben is a good player. I like Ben. I want Ben to… pic.twitter.com/uGykwSBnaY
Harbaugh also told reporters that he's aware the offensive line has been inconsistent, but he believes they will get better as the season goes along.
Harbaugh isn't always so open with the press, so it makes his comments all the more eye-opening. It may be his attempt to try to instill confidence in Faalele and avoid any sort of controversy about who should start.
It's worth wondering, however, how much time the Ravens can give this unit. At 0-2, the Ravens playoff chances have already taken a hit. Their upcoming schedule doesn't make it any easier, as the Ravens face the Cowboys in Dallas next week, followed by the Buffalo Bills at home, then the Bengals in Cincinnati.
The offensive line will face a great test trying to block Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons next Sunday. Despite Harbaugh's comments, if Faalele and the line struggle, calls for a change may only grow louder.
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