Baltimore Ravens 4 keys on offense vs. Patriots
Dec 28, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Justin Forsett (29) runs with the ball during the game against the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
3. Justin Forsett must grind out tough yards
Statistically speaking, the Patriots run defense has been even more impressive than the passing attack this season, because they’ve allowed just four yards per carry and a meager six touchdowns. Baltimore Ravens breakout running back Justin Forsett will have his work cut out for him, but there’s a reason why he’s become a fan favorite around the league. Not only does he have the speed to make some eye-catching plays at times, but he’s a consistent rusher and workhorse who runs with strength and patience.
Those last two traits will be critical against a Patriots run defense that won’t be easy to crack, and the Ravens might have to rely on Forsett if they can’t get enough splash plays from their receivers on a cold day. They have plenty of firepower upfront to counter the likes of Vince Wilfork, Jamie Collins, Dont’a Hightower, and two good run-support safeties, as the Ravens line contains a top trio of run blockers on the interior, including elite guard Marshal Yanda and breakout star Kelechi Osemele.
Yanda isn’t on the interior right now after filling in at right tackle with Ricky Wagner out, but he’s a dangerous run blocker wherever he lines up. If left tackle Eugene Monroe can play through the questionable tag this week, then he’ll kick back inside to guard with Monroe and rookie James Hurst starting at tackle.
Those two guards are two of the toughest players in the entire NFL, and they’ll pave the way for a running back who needed just 235 carries to break the 1,200-yard barrier, averaging 5.4 yards per carry in the process. Forsett also caught 44 passes and showed up very well in pass pro throughout the year, so he’ll do the little things in the passing game. But his main job will be to grind out tough yards against a disciplined Patriots defense that is filled with solid run defenders up front, at linebacker, and in the secondary.
Next: Keep Flacco clean