How can the Baltimore Ravens overtake the New England Patriots in the AFC?
Running game
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
The Ravens have found themselves a star in running back Justin Forsett. Forsett finished 2014 with 1,266 yards from his 235 rushing attempts and scored eight touchdowns.
The problem they face now is that he is a pending free agent.
Dec 14, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Justin Forsett (29) warms up prior to the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
Bernard Pierce is an adequate backup: he rushed for 366 yards from his 93 rushing attempts with two touchdowns.
Forsett has to be a priority for the Ravens heading into free agency. Achieving balance on offense is of critical importance, especially as you get late in the season and into the playoffs.
Along with Forsett, they may wish to bring in a running back from a deep draft class. With the possible departure of pending free agent wideout Torrey Smith, adding a running back who can also be used effectively in the passing game could be a move Ozzie Newsome looks to make.
A running back that would be a perfect fit for Baltimore is Nebraska’s Ameer Abdullah. Abdullah is only 5’9″, but he has great acceleration and speed, breaks tackles and can be used as a receiver and in the return game.
Due to a deep class of running backs this year, it is possible Abdullah could fall to them in the second or third round — he could enhance the offense greatly.
New England got a lot of production out of running back Shane Vereen in the passing game. Vereen rushed for 391 yards from 96 yards, and caught 52 passes for 447 yards and three touchdowns.
The Ravens used Forsett in a similar way: he caught 44 passes for 263 yards.
Adding a pass-catching back like Abdullah could help take the Ravens’ offense to the next level, which is important for them to be serious contenders in the AFC next year.
Next: The pass catchers...