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The Baltimore Ravens recently signed veteran tight end Dallas Clark to a one-year deal. The purpose of the signing is to bring leadership and experience to the tight end position, and to develop a one-two punch with fourth-year player Ed Dickson. With that being said, what exactly will Clark’s role be on offense for the Ravens in 2013?
Clark is definitely someone to watch during Baltimore’s third preseason game, which will come against the Carolina Panthers Thursday night. It will be there where fans will get a good idea of what the 34-year-old, who many thought would retire this summer, is capable of accomplishing.
Basically, the Ravens should expect Clark to be a contributor over the middle of the field where he will consistently haul in short passes and occasionally turn them into big gains. His purpose is to make the passing attack more dimensional so that quarterback Joe Flacco and the wide receivers can go to work on the sidelines and deep down field. Expect to see Clark be Flacco’s go-to guy on third downs where he can dump the ball off and allow the 11-year veteran go to work.
Dickson will still be Baltimore’s No. 1 tight end, but Clark will definitely bring plenty to the table where the defense will have their hands full.
Even though Clark showed plenty of signs of wearing down last season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, do not count him out. He is very familiar with Jim Caldwell’s offense and will thrive in the role the Ravens put him in.
