Tag: nfl rushing

Here’s why the Ravens have a top 5 backfield in the NFL

The Ravens ranked No. 1 in rush yards per game last season. Their success may continue with Derrick Henry & Justice Hill.

The Baltimore Ravens ranked No. 1 in rush yards per game during the 2023-24 season so it’s logical to assume their success will continue with the signing of running back Derrick Henry.

Earlier this summer, Bleacher Report endorsed the Ravens’ rushing attack, giving accolades not only to Henry, but running back Justice Hill also.

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It’s hard enough for defenses to account for the scrambling ability of Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. Now, Jackson will finally be accompanied by a top running back (Henry) who can handle a volume of 23 plus carries per game. With 280 carries last season, no running back in the NFL had more rushing attempts than Henry in 2023.

Hill is expected to shine as the supporting cast to Henry but Hill’s 84 rush attempts last season rendered an impressive 4.6 yards per carry. Basically, the Ravens’ rushing attack has become a three-headed monster that will be nearly impossible to contain, especially if their play-action pass game is exceptional in 2024.

With training camp just weeks away, the Ravens’ running back room will prepare for endless hours of study with running back coach Willie Taggert who after two decades of coaching professionally, will enjoy the most talent he’s ever had.

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Ravens rank No. 1 in rush yards per game in the NFL

After the 298 total rush yard output, the Baltimore Ravens now rank No.1 in the NFL in rush yards per game. 

Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken committed 41 play calls to running the ball in week 9.  After the 298 total rush yard output, the Ravens now rank No.1 in the NFL in rush yards per game.

Criticism for Monken’s play calling were merited after week 8. As discussed previously, too many pass plays led to short Ravens drives and coverage sacks vs. Arizona. Monken must’ve taken note.

Versus Seattle, the Ravens ruled the time of possession 40:06 to 19:56 and converted 29 first downs. Consequently, long offensive drives led by establishing the run allowed a well-rested Ravens defense to unleash the pass rush.

An incredible performance by undrafted running back Keaton Mitchell gives even more incentive for the Ravens to focus in on the ground-game moving forward. Mitchell had 138 rush yards on nine carries, including a  60-yard fourth quarter run that was the dagger for the Seahawks.

Quarterback Lamar Jackson was also optimized in the ground game, turning his 10 rush attempts into 60-yards. Ultimately, when Monken sticks with the run, the Ravens become a overall very dangerous team.

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – NOVEMBER 05: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens carries the ball against the Seattle Seahawks during the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on November 05, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

Can the Chargers finish among the NFL’s five best rushing teams in 2020?

The Los Angeles Chargers are equipped to finish among the best rushing teams in 2020.

With the change at quarterback, the Chargers are expected to run the ball more so than they have done in the past.

After finishing No. 28 in the league rushing, Los Angeles has the opportunity to go from the bottom to the top now that they will have more creativity in the running game.

ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez is confident that the new offensive scheme will see L.A. finish among the NFL’s five best rushing teams at the end of the 2020 season.

Here’s Gonzalez’ explanation:

Doesn’t sound bold? We’re talking about a team that ranked 28th in rushing yards per game last season, then lost one of the greatest running backs in franchise history. No one man can truly replace Gordon, but the combination of Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson will produce, Taylor will give the Chargers rushing ability out of the quarterback position that they haven’t had in, well, a really long time, and here’s the kicker: That offensive line will greatly benefit from a healthy Mike Pouncey at center and the additions of Trai Turner and Bryan Bulaga on the right side.

With Melvin Gordon’s departure to Denver, it remains to be seen whether Austin Ekeler will see an uptick in rushing attempts, or if Justin Jackson, rookie Joshua Kelley and perhaps others can help to fill that void.

No matter who is getting the carries, they’re all more than capable of making big things happen.

While Ekeler produced more through the air, he still got it done on the ground, rushing for 132 carries, 557 yards, and three touchdowns last season.

Prior to getting injured, Jackson, through the first three weeks of the 2019 season, had 142 yards on 18 carries (7.8 yards per carry). Northwestern’s all-time leading rusher has flashed plenty of dominance in two NFL seasons.

Production is the name of Kelley’s, the team’s fourth-round pick, game. In 2018, he rushed for 1,243 yards. He followed that up with another 1,000-plus-yard campaign in 2019.

Then there’s quarterback Tyrod Taylor, who will also use his legs as a weapon. In his three years as a starter in Buffalo, Taylor averaged 525 rushing yards per season.

The bottom line is that the Chargers are equipped to finish among the top teams in rushing when all is said and done.