Everything To Do With 2011 Ravens RBs

[display name]

My Baltimore Ravens RB Depth Chart for 2011:
Ray Rice
Willis McGahee (4.5 million a year)
LeRon McClain
Jalen Parmele
Allen is the odd man out. He gets the Practice Squad but could be activated for an injured player.

[The Raven]

My depth chart
RB - Rice, Allen, Steele
FB - McClain

We need to cut ties with McGahee. He doesn't produce for us as much. I believe that Anthony Allen can provide a very similar running style. He can definately be the smash to Rice's dash. If you've seen him play, you probably know what I'm talkin about. Steele is a very fast back and can add speed. With Rice as a scat back, Allen as a power back, and Steele as a speed back, we have a very diverse runningback group.

I think McClain could get more carries, though I think Allen is capable of his role as the "ground and pound" back. McClain has still proven to be a more than competent back.

I think Rice should get some more passes and less carries. He's much more efficient in space. If we could get him in space, he's a homerun threat every time. He's most effective with the defense spread out, which is another reason he'd benefit from a change of pace back like Steele and Allen.

I think Allen is an under-rated rb. The knock on him out of college was the system that he played in. He played in a triple-option offense. I don't really think thats an issue, he still made a ton of plays. Here's a video of him for those unfamiliar.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLg2USnoC9c

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='display name' timestamp='1309616894' post='703165']
My Baltimore Ravens RB Depth Chart for 2011:
Ray Rice
Willis McGahee (4.5 million a year)
LeRon McClain
Jalen Parmele
Allen is the odd man out. He gets the Practice Squad but could be activated for an injured player.
[/quote]

What are you like the offical "Everything to do With" guy?

I honestly think the Ravens will be going really young at the RB position this year.

Ray Rice
Anthony Allen
Curtis Steele

FB
either Mckie or a free agent.

I don't think the Ravens will be able to give McClain the carries as a RB he'll wont, and somebody will offer him that in Free Agency.

I only put Allen over Steele because Allen is more of a power back then Steele.

Steele brings something to the running game we haven't had a lot of and that speed. Steele has brust and wiggle, Allen has the power to run between the tackles and good striaght line speed.

I think both Allen and Steele are a combination of what Willis McGahee is, but they'll be much cheaper.

[display name]

[quote name='Ravensfan23' timestamp='1309625031' post='703193']
What are you like the offical "Everything to do With" guy?

[/quote]
Someone's gotta keep us entertained since the writers aren't.

[big hits and ball hawks]

[quote name='Ravensfan23' timestamp='1309625031' post='703193']
What are you like the offical "Everything to do With" guy?

I honestly think the Ravens will be going really young at the RB position this year.

[b]Ray Rice
Anthony Allen
Curtis Steele

FB
either Mckie or a free agent.[/b]

I don't think the Ravens will be able to give McClain the carries as a RB he'll wont, and somebody will offer him that in Free Agency.

I only put Allen over Steele because Allen is more of a power back then Steele.

Steele brings something to the running game we haven't had a lot of and that speed. Steele has brust and wiggle, Allen has the power to run between the tackles and good striaght line speed.

I think both Allen and Steele are a combination of what Willis McGahee is, but they'll be much cheaper.
[/quote]

I agree with this. Ray Rice is obvious and I think Allen will turn heads during Training Camp and preseason, and will earn his spot. I like his drive. I don't know much about Steele, but the more the RB situation is brought up the more I hear about him. So, I've read up on him and have taken in other people's opinions on him plus what I saw from him in the preseason last year and I like him too. Parmele has a chance just because he's been on the field so much but I think both Allen and Steele can edge him out.

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='display name' timestamp='1309629809' post='703207']
Someone's gotta keep us entertained since the writers aren't.
[/quote]

Well i thank you sir, because i enjoy seeing everyone's opinion on them.

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='big hits and ball hawks' timestamp='1309633762' post='703220']
I agree with this. Ray Rice is obvious and I think Allen will turn heads during Training Camp and preseason, and will earn his spot. I like his drive. I don't know much about Steele, but the more the RB situation is brought up the more I hear about him. So, I've read up on him and have taken in other people's opinions on him plus what I saw from him in the preseason last year and I like him too. Parmele has a chance just because he's been on the field so much but I think both Allen and Steele can edge him out.
[/quote]

Yea Steele was hurt during the pre-draft procces last season, and that kinda lingered into training camp and preseason. But if you remember, he's the kid that gashed our first string defense so bad at camp, that it forced Harbs to stop practice and rip into the #1 unit. I guess that moment was just a sign of things to come, because for much of the season, our run defense wasn't very good.

But, yea Steele has a lot of talent, and he's probably being a poor man's version of Ray Rice in the passing game, which is great because it allows us to keep pressure on defenses even when Ray needs a rest. As much as i like seeing McClain in the open field with the ball, he's not really a dynamic passing option.

A lot of people where upset and disagreed with John Clayton when he said Rice doesn't need to be a 400+ carry RB, but I agree.

I see Ray Rice having 17-25 carries a game, and that'll probably be about 22 carries. Then he'll be 2-7 touches in the passing game and that'll put him around 28-30 overall touches a game. The fresher Rice, stay's the more dynamic he'll be.

The only thing I really worry about with both Allen and Steele, is pass protection. Our backs struggled in that area last season, and with those guys being young, they might not be an improvement in that area.

I don't see Matt Lawrence making the team, and with the return game seeming being phased out, as far as Kick Offs, i don't see Parmele's changes as high either.

[grape drank]

A lot of people don't think Anthony can convert to RB in the NFL because he played "wing back" in a triple option offence. However when you see clips of him, most of the plays he makes are because of his running style, opposing defences read the play fairly well and are in position to stop it for minimal to no yards; however, Allen's deceptive speed, and agility allow him to run through in some cases 4 or 5 defenders.

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='grape drank' timestamp='1309658738' post='703286']
A lot of people don't think Anthony can convert to RB in the NFL because he played "wing back" in a triple option offence. However when you see clips of him, most of the plays he makes are because of his running style, opposing defences read the play fairly well and are in position to stop it for minimal to no yards; however, Allen's deceptive speed, and agility allow him to run through in some cases 4 or 5 defenders.
[/quote]

He moves well in tight spaces, I think he'll be a really good short yardage back for the Ravens. That's something the Ravens have been missing over the last few years, a true short yardage back.

A guy that doesn't fool around, just hits the hole, gets the tough yards, and then worry about YAC if it available.

Both McGahee and McClain has the strength to be that, but often they would tip, and look for a backside hole to break a long run, instead of just having the mentality have taking those 1-2 yards and moving the chains. Allen looks to be the type of guy that will lower his shoulder and dish out punishment. That's something that i feel the offense has been missing, since 2008.

[gabefergy]

To me the RB situation is very intersting. I think it is likely that Willis will be gone. McClain seems like he is likely out the door as well if he is an unrestricted free agent. He wants to get paid and he wants to run the ball more frequently, but I am not sure if that fits into what the Ravens need. It wouldnt shock me if went out and signed Vickers to block for Rice, and use Allen as the #2 back.

As for Rice's touches, I think he should see a decrease so he doesnt get worn out. I would like for him to be in the 16-20 rushes per game range. Perhaps that could mean we begin to transform into more of a passing team next season. I think Joe is ready to take more control of the offense and he certainly has more weapons around him to really make strides this year.

On another note, it would be intresting to see what the Offense would like if we didnt sign a Fullback. I think we could get away with using more 2/3 TE sets or going to more 3 WR with a TE and RB groupings. I know Ravens have typically played a more power run game, but spreading out opposing defenses would potentially open up more space where Ray Rice excels. Its probably not going to happen because Cam Cameron seems pretty set in his ways, but its something to think about.

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='gabefergy' timestamp='1309666021' post='703301']
To me the RB situation is very intersting. I think it is likely that Willis will be gone. McClain seems like he is likely out the door as well if he is an unrestricted free agent. He wants to get paid and he wants to run the ball more frequently, but I am not sure if that fits into what the Ravens need. It wouldnt shock me if went out and signed Vickers to block for Rice, and use Allen as the #2 back.

As for Rice's touches, I think he should see a decrease so he doesnt get worn out. I would like for him to be in the 16-20 rushes per game range. Perhaps that could mean we begin to transform into more of a passing team next season. I think Joe is ready to take more control of the offense and he certainly has more weapons around him to really make strides this year.

On another note, it would be intresting to see what the Offense would like if we didnt sign a Fullback. I think we could get away with using more 2/3 TE sets or going to more 3 WR with a TE and RB groupings. I know Ravens have typically played a more power run game, but spreading out opposing defenses would potentially open up more space where Ray Rice excels. Its probably not going to happen because Cam Cameron seems pretty set in his ways, but its something to think about.
[/quote]

Why do so many of us fans assume that Cam doesn't use 3TE sets, or multiple formation sets?

I don't think we'll get away from the power running game as you said, because Harbs has made it a point of saying we need to bring in a power lead FB, and I feel Allen was drafted to help fill that power running role.

However, having a FB, doesn't and won't limit what we'll be able to do offensively.

We'll still see formations with Boldin, Mason, Smith, Heap and Rice on the field at the same time. We'll see formations with Dickson, Heap, Pitta, Hardy and Allen, or Reed, Smith, Boldin, Hardy, with Rice lined up in the backfield. Depending on who's apart of the offense.

I fully expect us to see formations with 2RB 3TE and we still pass the ball to take advantage of LBs.

Cam is a very creative guy, and his style is to take advantage of mismatches against the defense, so I have no doubt that we'll see a lot of different formations this year.

It didn't work last season mainly because we couldn't get push in the run game, and the defense played a lot of prevent, but I still think the Ravens will be a pass to get a 2-3 score lead, and run to close the game out, type offense. That's where the FB will come in the most.

[RavenRain]

This might be off the top, but I'll like to see a 2 headed monster from Ray Rice and LeRon McClain, and put Anthony Allen in at fullback... just imagine it( I know u guys kinda like it )

[grape drank]

[quote name='RavenRain' timestamp='1309697810' post='703324']
This might be off the top, but I'll like to see a 2 headed monster from Ray Rice and LeRon McClain, and put Anthony Allen in at fullback... just imagine it( I know u guys kinda like it )
[/quote]
Leron has 35 pounds on Allen, I'd much rather keep him at FB but give him more carries, and even put him at RB on occasion. Allen isn't big enough to be an effective FB, and I haven't seen any clips of his blocking ability; however, knowing Ozzie the guy can probs block as thats a must-do on our team.

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='grape drank' timestamp='1309702857' post='703332']
Leron has 35 pounds on Allen, I'd much rather keep him at FB but give him more carries, and even put him at RB on occasion. Allen isn't big enough to be an effective FB, and I haven't seen any clips of his blocking ability; however, knowing Ozzie the guy can probs block as thats a must-do on our team.
[/quote]

Yea I agree. If McClain returns he's returning as a FB. The Ravens will give him a little more carries, but there's no way they'll move him from the FB and put a unknown in Allen there.

If anything I could see them trying to sign John Clay once the lockout ends and stash him on the PS to be that LeRon McClain type back. Assuming we love LeRon.

[gabefergy]

[quote name='Ravensfan23' timestamp='1309674374' post='703315']
Why do so many of us fans assume that Cam doesn't use 3TE sets, or multiple formation sets?

I don't think we'll get away from the power running game as you said, because Harbs has made it a point of saying we need to bring in a power lead FB, and I feel Allen was drafted to help fill that power running role.

However, having a FB, doesn't and won't limit what we'll be able to do offensively.

We'll still see formations with Boldin, Mason, Smith, Heap and Rice on the field at the same time. We'll see formations with Dickson, Heap, Pitta, Hardy and Allen, or Reed, Smith, Boldin, Hardy, with Rice lined up in the backfield. Depending on who's apart of the offense.

I fully expect us to see formations with 2RB 3TE and we still pass the ball to take advantage of LBs.

Cam is a very creative guy, and his style is to take advantage of mismatches against the defense, so I have no doubt that we'll see a lot of different formations this year.

It didn't work last season mainly because we couldn't get push in the run game, and the defense played a lot of prevent, but I still think the Ravens will be a pass to get a 2-3 score lead, and run to close the game out, type offense. That's where the FB will come in the most.
[/quote]

I never said Cam doesnt use a variety of formations, but his bread and butter is the Power I with 2 WRs. If we didnt have a FB that would obviously have to change, and personally I think it would be a change for the better. A lot of High Powered Offenses in the League dont use or barely use a FB...NE, Pitt, Indy, NO. We can still run the ball with 2 or 3 TEs on the field, but it creates more mismatches and confusion than having a FB IMO. I think Flacco is capable of being our field general where he can find and exploit them.

How many times did we use 3 TE formations last year? I cant think of many, although it might have just slipped my mind. Maybe the Heap TD against TB?

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='gabefergy' timestamp='1309714653' post='703372']
I never said Cam doesnt use a variety of formations, but his bread and butter is the Power I with 2 WRs. If we didnt have a FB that would obviously have to change, and personally I think it would be a change for the better. A lot of High Powered Offenses in the League dont use or barely use a FB...NE, Pitt, Indy, NO. We can still run the ball with 2 or 3 TEs on the field, but it creates more mismatches and confusion than having a FB IMO. I think Flacco is capable of being our field general where he can find and exploit them.

How many times did we use 3 TE formations last year? I cant think of many, although it might have just slipped my mind. Maybe the Heap TD against TB?
[/quote]

I agree we don't need a FB to be able to run the ball successfully, and I actually think we'll get away from using the FB so much. Except for in late game situation when everyone knows we're running to bleed the clock.

But Rice is the type of back that can operate well without a lead back in front of him, and getting another weapon on the field, be it extra WR or TE, would put more pressure on defenses.

I think we've been a power running team so much over the years, with or without Cam, because our personnel has always been built to fit that style. However now thinks are much different. I think targeted these young WR/TEs for a reason. And that reason is to supply Flacco with what he needs to take the leap into a elite level. Not many Elite QBs in today's NFL are playing in a run first offense.

We ran quite a bit of 3TE sets last season. It probably didn't look like it or stand out much, because often times we'd use a extra Olineman. We used a extra olineman because neither Dickson nor Pitta were particularly strong at run blocking last season and sometimes Pitta wasn't even dressed for game.

But the Ravens did have Heap, Dickson and Pitta on the field together quite a bit last season. It wasn't as much as we saw from a team like NE, and it was no where near as much as I think we'll use it this year, but we used it.

[gabefergy]

[quote name='Ravensfan23' timestamp='1309720200' post='703399']
I agree we don't need a FB to be able to run the ball successfully, and I actually think we'll get away from using the FB so much. Except for in late game situation when everyone knows we're running to bleed the clock.

But Rice is the type of back that can operate well without a lead back in front of him, and getting another weapon on the field, be it extra WR or TE, would put more pressure on defenses.

I think we've been a power running team so much over the years, with or without Cam, because our personnel has always been built to fit that style. However now thinks are much different. I think targeted these young WR/TEs for a reason. And that reason is to supply Flacco with what he needs to take the leap into a elite level. Not many Elite QBs in today's NFL are playing in a run first offense.

We ran quite a bit of 3TE sets last season. It probably didn't look like it or stand out much, because often times we'd use a extra Olineman. We used a extra olineman because neither Dickson nor Pitta were particularly strong at run blocking last season and sometimes Pitta wasn't even dressed for game.

But the Ravens did have Heap, Dickson and Pitta on the field together quite a bit last season. It wasn't as much as we saw from a team like NE, and it was no where near as much as I think we'll use it this year, but we used it.
[/quote]

I wasnt really considering the "jumbo package" as 3 TE set because it doesnt really allow for the pass to the extra lineman. We also had some injuries to Heap and Pitta that might have held them back a bit. I certainly hope we see a lot more of it this coming season, I think Pitta can play sort of the H-Back with Heap or Dickson flexed out as a receiver option. NE really showed how effective that personnel grouping is with defenses having to respect the run, but then having mismatches in the passing game.

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='gabefergy' timestamp='1309745929' post='703492']
I wasnt really considering the "jumbo package" as 3 TE set because it doesnt really allow for the pass to the extra lineman. We also had some injuries to Heap and Pitta that might have held them back a bit. I certainly hope we see a lot more of it this coming season, I think Pitta can play sort of the H-Back with Heap or Dickson flexed out as a receiver option. NE really showed how effective that personnel grouping is with defenses having to respect the run, but then having mismatches in the passing game.
[/quote]

Yea NE had a lot of success with it, the different with them was, they really didn't need their running game to work for their offense to be successful. The Ravens did. So while NE could just focus on the passing catching abilities of their young TEs, the Ravens needed Pitta to be better in the running game, and he just wasn't ready for that last year.

If it was just about Pitta and Dickson running routes, and not worrying about blocking, I have no doubt that both guys would have seen a lot more action last season.

I think that 3TE set, with Rice in the backfield, and maybe Torrey on the outside, will be huge for the Ravens this season.

[Suggs Package]

I would personally like to see a 15-10 split between Rice and McClain. 1000-1200 yards for Rice and 650-800 yards for McClain. I would like Rice to have less carries and be used more like Marshall Faulk, who never had more than 260 carries in a season, but always a threat to have 1000 yards rushing and receiving. I've been wanting the team to run less for awhile and achieve that 35-25 run/pass ratio that most teams employ nowadays. Getting rid of one back will help too.

So I would keep Rice, McClain (if he agrees to get in better shape), and Parmele for his special teams ability. Willis doesn't play special teams, so I think he's a goner, although I think he has some juice left. I would finish out the roster by keeping a pass-catching/pass blocking FB. Rice isn't a particularly good pass blocker, mostly because of his size. Leron isn't a very good pass blocker either and I wouldn't personally want him on the field as a FB on passing situations.

I'm intrigued by Allen's size and speed, but have to see him play first.

I also think Dennis Pitta is getting used to playing FB and H-Back and would be a decent option in the backfield similar to a Marcel Reese.

Depth Chart:
RB: Rice, McClain, Parmele, Allen
FB: Pitta (H-Back), McClain

[Alexir]

Let McClain go, and lock up Vickers. We need more of a meat and potatoes fullback, not one that cries for the ball.....

[CapoRocky]

He broke tackles against some pretty good teams. Give him a chance to prove himself.






[quote name='The Raven' timestamp='1309618106' post='703167']
My depth chart
RB - Rice, Allen, Steele
FB - McClain

We need to cut ties with McGahee. He doesn't produce for us as much. I believe that Anthony Allen can provide a very similar running style. He can definately be the smash to Rice's dash. If you've seen him play, you probably know what I'm talkin about. Steele is a very fast back and can add speed. With Rice as a scat back, Allen as a power back, and Steele as a speed back, we have a very diverse runningback group.

I think McClain could get more carries, though I think Allen is capable of his role as the "ground and pound" back. McClain has still proven to be a more than competent back.

I think Rice should get some more passes and less carries. He's much more efficient in space. If we could get him in space, he's a homerun threat every time. He's most effective with the defense spread out, which is another reason he'd benefit from a change of pace back like Steele and Allen.

I think Allen is an under-rated rb. The knock on him out of college was the system that he played in. He played in a triple-option offense. I don't really think thats an issue, he still made a ton of plays. Here's a video of him for those unfamiliar.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLg2USnoC9c
[/quote]