Is The Ravens' Running Game The Key To Our Success The Rest Of The Season?

[baltravens]

Yes or no, is our rushing attack what will determine how successful we are from here on out? (Is it the Ray Rice recipe?)
...I did try to make this a yes/no poll.

[DevilsLuck]

I would say yes. Mostly because when our run game is on fire then it warms up our passing game for big plays. I believe we will finish 12 and 4 this season. Go Ravens!!!

[berad]

I've got to believe the answer is "yes". We saw what happened when our running game is working effectively, we toppled one of the best teams in the NFL in the midst of a 6-game winning streak.

That said, we've shown we can beat teams without a strong running game, too. I think, more-so, our success hinges upon our defense remaining as stout as it has been. They were excellent against New Orleans and Pittsburgh, I'd like to see that same level of play in January and February.

[Gameplan]

It's what works and let's face it....we have runners who are not worried about personal stats. I wish I could say it was the same with a couple of our receivers. Run, Run, Run all the way to the Lombardi Trophy! We did what we had to do and that was make the playoffs. We win tomorrow and 1st monkey off the back. Then let the other teams worry. The Ravens are the team no one wants to play. No matter home or away.

[darklight1216]

I think that this is a quarterback driven league and that passing (and pass D) is what is generally important. However, since the Ravens are bound and determined to run the ball down their opponents throats, they need their rushes to be successful.

[gabefergy]

I dont think our success hinges solely on the run game, although it certainly helps put teams away when we have 4th quarter leads. The good thing is, we do have a relatively balanced offense. The passing game has been solid all season, and if we arent able to run the ball for whatever reason I have faith in Joe and his receiving corps to make things happen.

[Jamal]

I would say definitely, yes. Cam hasn't unleashed Flacco, so we can't consistently rely on offense through the air.

[funky141]

It is every game!!

[Ngata92NT]

[quote name='funky141' timestamp='1293336852' post='584928']
It is every game!!
[/quote]

.... unless you're Peyton Manning.

But seriously, I would love for our running game to suddenly become consistent again. But we've learned this season that Flacco can carry the team when we have no running game.

The recent game against the Saints has altered my perspective; before I would've attributed the running game issues to personnel problems. But honestly we have all the right personnel to run the ball against anybody, it's all about timing, chemistry, and execution.

Let's just hope that the running game gets going strong next week and carries us all the way to the Super Bowl.

[flynismo]

We're going to go as far as Flacco and our defense takes us. Those have been, are, and will continue to be the keys to our success this season.

[Tank 92]

Yes, indirectly.

The true key to offensive success is the O line play which will allow both the running and passing game to flourish. The run is key to keep the passing game effective and will produce the balanced attack we need to go deep into the post season.

[Militant X 1]

run the ball!

[Rav'n Maniac]

Running the ball is an important facet, no question. The key to being successful the remainder of the season and into the playoffs is execution of the plays called, whatever they may be. Move the ball, sustain drives and score points consistently is all that matters offensively, no matter how it's done.

[JenJen]

Good Luck to our Ravens in Cleveland. I think the emotion of being in control our the final two gamES will allow us to win with authority. I'm so proud of my team to have come so far under such diversity. We won 3 games on the road when we became Superbowl champs and we can do it again! I have all the faith that we are going as far as we will let ourselves go. We are peaking now!!! 1 THINK WE ARE READY!! GOOD LUCK TO ALL OUR LOYAL FANS! I LOVE THE RAVENS!

[mhead66]

[quote name='Rav'n Maniac' timestamp='1293381221' post='585003']
Running the ball is an important facet, no question. The key to being successful the remainder of the season and into the playoffs is execution of the plays called, whatever they may be. Move the ball, sustain drives and score points consistently is all that matters offensively, [b]no matter how it's done[/b].
[/quote]
Agreed.

The Cardinals went to the SuperBowl 2 years ago, and were last in the NFL in rushing. However, they had a GREAT passing game.

The Ravens have a good running game and a good passing game. If both facets play well, they will be difficult to beat...