OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- At the start of last year's offseason program, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco couldn't run at full speed. As the Ravens begin this year's workouts, Flacco said he's "trying to run the 23-year-olds into the ground."

Much of the Ravens' optimism in turning around last year's 8-8 season rides on Flacco being ahead of the game compared to last season.

There are no longer any limitations or concerns involving Flacco's left knee, which was surgically repaired 16 months ago. Flacco has already been surprising teammates and trainers by finishing first on some of the team sprints on the first day of this year's offseason program.

The Ravens know Flacco is going to be better as he continues to distance himself from the most significant injury of his NFL career. But, how much better?

After missing all of last year's offseason practices, Joe Flacco is now set to participate in all 13 of the Ravens' workouts in May and June. Aaron Doster/USA TODAY Sports

"I think he is going to be 10 times better just from a year removed from that injury," safety Eric Weddle said. "Just seeing him run, seeing the effort that he is putting in to lifting, watching him run [Tuesday], there is no hiccup in his running form. He is getting after it."

Flacco refuses to use his knee as an excuse for his uneven season last year. He does, however, shoulder the blame for a second straight non-playoff season.

Even though his 4,317 yards passing were a career high, Flacco settled for short passes instead of going for big plays downfield, ranking 27th in yards per attempt (6.4). One reason for this lack of efficiency was Flacco's knee. There were times when it appeared that he got rid of the ball quicker than previous seasons in order to avoid taking a hit.

"We just did not get the job done," Flacco said. "It starts with me."

Flacco and the Ravens' pass-happy offense struggled to get in sync. It didn't help that there was an offensive coordinator change during the season. It's also not ideal that Flacco didn't take his first snap under center last year until training camp in late July.

This lack of cohesion was evident in the results. Flacco's 20 touchdowns were the second-fewest for quarterbacks who threw over 600 passes in 2016 and his 15 interceptions were the second-most of his career.

Flacco is now set to participate in all 13 offseason practices in May and June after missing all of them a year ago. This should improve the chemistry and allow him to be more prepared for his 10th NFL season.

"Everything will be better," Flacco said. "You can just attack it with a little bit more 'umph,' and you are starting with a better foundation. I think that always helps."

Flacco is back, but a chunk of the offense is not. Baltimore has lost four starters (wide receiver Steve Smith Sr., fullback Kyle Juszczyk, offensive tackle Rick Wagner and center Jeremy Zuttah) and added one free agent on offense (running back Danny Woodhead).

As far as offense, if the Ravens are going to catch the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC North, it all starts with an impressive first step by Flacco.

"Joe is just such a big, athletic guy that people can underestimate him," director of performance Steve Saunders said. "We all watched film [Tuesday] of some of the runs, and we're like, 'Wow, that was Joe on some of them finishing first.' So for him, I just think there's a confidence, there's building on last year, and there's getting Joe stronger and faster, and all of that is going to pay big dividends later during the season."