I don’t think you can overstate the importance of the Ravens’ signing of wide receiver Jeremy Maclin.
It’s just what the offense needed.
With Steve Smith Sr. retired and Dennis Pitta gone, proven downfield targets suddenly were in short supply. There’s an interesting collection of young receivers on the roster, but let’s just say the Pittsburgh Steelers weren’t going to flinch at the sight of any of them split wide.
Maclin’s presence should completely change that calculus. He is a proven playmaker who has averaged 67 catches, 913 receiving yards and seven touchdowns per season since he entered the NFL in 2009.