Declan Doyle Set to Unleash Offense in Play-Calling Debut
Ravens’ New Offensive Coordinator Declan Doyle Gets Ready for His First Game Calling Plays
What’s Happening This Saturday?
The Baltimore Ravens play their first preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles this Saturday at 7 p.m. at M&T Bank Stadium. But this game is extra special for one reason: it’s Declan Doyle’s debut as the team’s offensive play caller.
Think of an Offensive Coordinator (OC) like the "quarterback of the coaches." Their job is to decide which plays the offense runs during the game. Doyle has been practicing this in training camp, but Saturday is the first time he’ll do it in a real game situation.
Important Point: Preseason games don’t count toward the regular season record. They’re like practice games where teams test new players and strategies before the real games start.
Why This Game Matters for Doyle
Doyle told reporters he’s "really excited" but also focused on what matters most:
- Watching the players perform – Seeing how the guys execute the plays he calls
- Learning the rhythm of game-day play calling – There’s no substitute for the real thing
- Testing where to sit – He’ll try both the sideline and the coach’s box to see what works best
Key Insight: Doyle says "there’s nothing that can simulate a Saturday or Sunday and your guys going out there and playing ball." Practice is different from the real game environment.
Who’s Playing (And Who’s Not)
Don’t expect to see the superstars:
- Lamar Jackson (starting quarterback) – sitting out
- Most starters – getting the night off
But Doyle still wants sharp execution:
- Backups and younger players get their chance to shine
- The offense should still run smoothly regardless of who’s on the field
- This is a test of the system, not just the stars
The Big Decision: Sideline or Coach’s Box?
Doyle hasn’t decided where he’ll call plays from during the regular season. He’ll use preseason to test both spots:
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Sideline | Close to players, can talk to QB face-to-face | Harder to see the whole field, more distractions |
| Coach’s Box | Bird’s-eye view of the field, quieter | Farther from players, relies on headset communication |
His two priorities for game day:
- Speed & Confidence – Get the play to the quarterback fast and with conviction
- Communication – Stay connected with coaching staff and players
Pro Tip: Doyle says he "won’t really know without being able to experience it." Sometimes you have to try both to find what fits your style.
His Game Plan: Keep It Simple & Scripted
The "Vanilla" Approach
Doyle admits the preseason playbook will be "pretty vanilla" – meaning basic, simple plays without fancy tricks. Why? Because preseason is for evaluation, not revealing secrets.
The Bill Walsh Method: Scripting Plays
Doyle follows advice from legendary coach Bill Walsh (who won 3 Super Bowls with the 49ers):
"The more decisions you make in the air conditioning [the better] because guys have a good feel for what you’re going to call. You’ve made the decision based on data and facts, rather than being out there and it kind of feels a certain way and you may lead yourself astray."
In plain English: Plan your plays before the game when you’re calm and can think clearly. Don’t make emotional decisions in the heat of the moment.
How Scripting Works (Step by Step)
- Study the opponent – Look at their defense tendencies
- Plan 15-20 opening plays – Decide exactly what to run in what order
- Prepare for situations – Have ready-made calls for 3rd down, red zone, 2-minute drill
- Adjust as needed – Use the script as a foundation, not a rigid rulebook
Doyle’s Journey to This Moment
Last Year: Learning from the Best
In 2023, Doyle worked for the Chicago Bears under Ben Johnson (now considered one of the NFL’s brightest offensive minds). Doyle’s job? Tell Ben Johnson the down and distance as fast as possible. He didn’t have time to think about play calls – he was supporting the play caller.
Eight Years of Studying the Masters
Even before getting his own shot, Doyle spent years watching the best:
- Sean McVay (Rams) – Known for creative play designs and pre-snap motion
- Kyle Shanahan (49ers) – Master of play-action and making defenses look silly
What Doyle watches for:
- Sequencing – How they order plays to set up bigger gains later
- Game planning – How they attack specific defenses
- In-game adjustments – How they react when something isn’t working
Learning Moment: Doyle says even as an assistant, "you’re trying to emulate when you’re building a plan." Good coaches never stop learning from other good coaches.
What to Watch For Saturday
When you tune in (or check highlights), keep an eye on:
- Pace of play calls – Are they getting plays in quickly?
- Operation smoothness – No confusion, no delay of game penalties
- Communication – Headsets working? Coaches on same page?
- Execution – Are the backup players running the plays correctly?
- Where Doyle stands – Sideline first half? Box second half? (Or vice versa)
Summary
| Key Takeaway | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Doyle’s first real game calling plays | Big step in his coaching career |
| Testing sideline vs. box location | Finding his optimal command center |
| Scripted, vanilla game plan | Smart preparation over flashy plays |
| Starters resting, backups playing | Chance to evaluate roster depth |
| Learning from Walsh, McVay, Shanahan | Standing on shoulders of giants |
Bottom line: Saturday isn’t about the final score. It’s about Doyle getting comfortable in the driver’s seat and the offense running like a well-oiled machine – no matter who’s behind the wheel.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
What exactly does an Offensive Coordinator do?
Think of them as the "play designer + play caller." They create the game plan during the week, then decide which play to run on every single snap during the game. They’re the architect and the builder.
Why don’t starters like Lamar Jackson play in preseason?
Risk vs. reward. The games don’t count, but injuries do. Teams protect their franchise players from unnecessary hits in meaningless games. Backups need the reps to prove they belong.
What’s the difference between the sideline and the coach’s box?
Sideline = On the field level, right next to players. Coach’s box = High up in the stadium (like a luxury suite), with a perfect view of the whole field. Each has trade-offs for communication vs. vision.
What does "vanilla" mean in football?
Plain, basic, no surprises. Vanilla plays are standard concepts every team runs. Teams save their "rocky road" (creative/trick plays) for the regular season when games matter.
How does scripting plays help?
Removes emotion from decision-making. When you plan ahead calmly, you make smarter choices. In the heat of the game, adrenaline can lead to impulsive calls. The script is your safety net.
Enjoy the game Saturday! Whether you’re a die-hard Ravens fan or just learning football, watching a new play caller’s debut is a rare peek behind the curtain of how NFL offenses are built.