Ravens Acquire Falcons Center to Bolster Brissett Before Deadline

WHO:

Newsweek - Baltimore acquired veteran offensive lineman Ryan Neuzil from Atlanta to help Jacoby Brissett, who took over as the Ravens’ quarterback.

Heavy NFL - The Atlanta Falcons traded their starting center to the Baltimore Ravens.

Heavy NFL - Ryan Neuzil is a proven starting center who can also play guard; Baltimore’s coaches discussed him as potential backup depth at both positions.

baltimoreravens.com - Head Coach Jesse Minter said the Ravens expect Brissett to “operate our offense at a level required to be successful.”

baltimoreravens.com - The Ravens’ mailbag describes Neuzil as familiar with Run Game Coordinator/Offensive Line Coach Dwayne Ledford’s system from their time with Atlanta.

Heavy NFL - The Ravens acquired Cam Jurgens, Jacoby Brissett, and Ryan Neuzil in three trades during the season, giving up multiple draft picks.

WHAT:

Heavy NFL - Baltimore made a last-minute trade for an Atlanta starter described as worth $13 million; the articles identify the player as center Ryan Neuzil.

Heavy NFL - The trade was characterized as an under-the-radar move intended to add depth.

baltimoreravens.com - Neuzil could cover for Cam Jurgens at center, avoiding the need to move Vega Ioane there; the article says Neuzil was not expected to enter Baltimore’s starting lineup immediately.

baltimoreravens.com - Baltimore had scored below 14 points in four consecutive games and thrown for 123 yards across its previous two games.

baltimoreravens.com - Brissett’s goals include getting the ball out on time, avoiding mistakes, and restoring explosive-play potential; the article notes his strong touchdown-to-interception ratio.

baltimoreravens.com - Baltimore’s rushing game had stagnated, its defense had allowed too many explosive plays and points, and the team needed to reduce penalties.

baltimoreravens.com - Trey Hendrickson suffered a hand injury in Week 1, missed two games, and continued playing with three fingers on one hand. Tavius Robinson suffered a season-ending pectoral injury in Week 6 and was tied for the team lead with 3.5 sacks.

baltimoreravens.com - The Ravens had seven sacks in nine games from players who were not outside linebackers; defensive linemen Nnamdi Madubuike and Calais Campbell had one each.

baltimoreravens.com - Atlanta signed Jake Moody from Baltimore’s practice squad. Baltimore was without Tyler Loop, who had a right-groin injury, for at least three games; Moody had made a 53-yard kick in his Baltimore debut against Jacksonville.

baltimoreravens.com - Nick Folk, Daniel Carlson, Riley Patterson, and Harrison Mevis were listed as available free-agent kickers.

WHERE:

Heavy NFL - The trade was between the Atlanta Falcons and Baltimore Ravens.

baltimoreravens.com - The Ravens’ mailbag says Brissett had helped tight end Trey McBride flourish in Arizona and discusses potential chemistry with Mark Andrews and Baltimore’s other tight ends.

WHY:

Newsweek - Baltimore made the deal to give Brissett needed help.

Heavy NFL - The Ravens acquired Neuzil to strengthen offensive-line depth amid injuries and concerns about available center and guard coverage.

HOW:

Heavy NFL - Baltimore added Neuzil through a trade with Atlanta before the NFL trade deadline.

baltimoreravens.com - The Ravens could use Neuzil as a backup center or guard; he could step in for Jurgens if needed.

Baltimore traded Atlanta for veteran center Ryan Neuzil, bolstering its offensive line. The move gives quarterback Jacoby Brissett added protection and insurance at center and guard. Neuzil knows Baltimore’s offensive system, but coaches don’t expect him to start immediately.