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Baltimore Ravens: Breaking down the 2019 rushing attack

By Luke Parrish

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JANUARY 06: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens hands the ball off to Gus Edwards #35 against the Los Angeles Chargers during the first quarter in the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium on January 06, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JANUARY 06: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens hands the ball off to Gus Edwards #35 against the Los Angeles Chargers during the first quarter in the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium on January 06, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 30: Running Back Gus Edwards #35 of the Baltimore Ravens runs with the ball in the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 30: Running Back Gus Edwards #35 of the Baltimore Ravens runs with the ball in the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

The young depth

Kenneth Dixon and Gus Edwards return for another season in Baltimore after sharing the load in 2018. Alex Collins and Javorious Allen were replaced, however, by rookie Justice Hill. Normally, I would expect a team to carry three running backs on the active roster but, given the talent surrounding the running backs, I think Baltimore will hang onto four this season.

Gus Edwards

Edwards should be the primary backup to Ingram once the season begins. He rushed for 718 yards on 5.2 yards per carry in 11 games as a rookie. Edwards also racked up three 100-yard performances while averaging 93.4 yards per game after Week 5.

While Edwards may not be a superstar, his presence is felt in the backfield. His consistency on carries will be crucial when wearing out the defense. Both Edwards and Ingram are big, powerful backs with quickness and explosion up the middle.

Kenneth Dixon

Dixon missed the entire 2017season  due to injury. He added two games to his PED suspension with another penalty for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. After all of that, Dixon played the first game of the 2018 season before missing the next 10. In total, Dixon has played in just six games since 2016.

It will be a long road for Dixon to return to his role in the offense. He may be the biggest candidate for a late-summer cut, but he still has potential in the backfield. On the bright side, Dixon finished the 2018 season with a strong outing against the Cleveland Browns. He carried the ball 12 times for 117 yards in the win. Still, it will take a strong training camp from Dixon to earn his keep among the running backs given the depth.

Justice Hill

The Ravens selected Hill in the fourth round of April’s draft. We have yet to see him in the NFL, but his college tape was phenomenal. He is a bit small but he makes up for it with his athleticism on the field. His vision is a key reason why he’s excellent with the ball in his hands as he utilizes a deadly jump cut and makes plays with his speed.

Hill may not be a star by any means, but his change-of-pace potential will open things up for the offense. I truly think he will make an enormous impact in situational packages for the Ravens.

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