[News] The Competition 2015: Running Back

[BR News]

Pro Bowler Justin Forsett is the starter but the backup job is up for grabs.

View the full article

[reed20fence]

Not the first time I've wondered how we landed the feature back of an elite program like USC in the 4th round.

That kid had 276 carries last season and 40 receptions against good competition.

[GO_Ravens]

We have good running back Lorenzo looks to be in great shape and Buck Allen will fit right into the rotation.

[757RavensFan]

Forte avg 6 catches a game.  That's a lot for a RB.  As much as I want Trestman to mix it up, I'm hoping he doesn't target our RBs that much.

[ryananth]

Not the first time I've wondered how we landed the feature back of an elite program like USC in the 4th round.

That kid had 276 carries last season and 40 receptions against good competition.

It's also very impressive when you look at his numbers split by quarters. He actually appeared to get better/stronger in the second half of games where his YPC numbers increased pretty significantly.

[Grapple Raven]

We have an excellent corps of running backs this year!  Rotate them a lot to keep them fresh and stay healthy.

[stampedehero]

You know they'll keep Taliaferro and Allen.  The only question is who is #2.  Plenty of time to consider prior to 9/13

[Rasenshuriken84]

Not the first time I've wondered how we landed the feature back of an elite program like USC in the 4th round.

That kid had 276 carries last season and 40 receptions against good competition.

 

i'm not angry that we missed out on any of the top 2 guys when we landed Buck. I'm a big time USC fan and saw most of their games and he could turn into the real deal for us.

Edited June 23, 2015 by Rasenshuriken84

[Ravensfan23]

Forte avg 6 catches a game.  That's a lot for a RB.  As much as I want Trestman to mix it up, I'm hoping he doesn't target our RBs that much.

 

i doubt it. Last season was a bit of an aberration for Trestman from the looks of things. I think 2013 is a better indication of what Marc will look to do. In 2014 both Marshall and Jeffery dealt with injury so they needed to rely on the RB and TE position to carry much of the passing game.

 

in 2013 Forte had 74 catches, which is still 30 more catches then Forsett had last year, however as a unit, in 2013 Trestman targeted the RB/FB position 107 times, while last season Kubes targeted the RB/FB position 102 times. i don't think things change too much. I think there are too many other pass catchers to target the RB position 

[Ravensfansince03]

Toussaint showed good flashes last season

[Bandit666]

I think both are #2. If it's 3rd and 4 or more it will be Allen. 3rd and short or inside the 5 it will be Taliaferro. 1st half we might see Allen more, 4th qtr use Taliaferro to wear down the D and run out the clock.

[TheConquerorWorm]

i doubt it. Last season was a bit of an aberration for Trestman from the looks of things. I think 2013 is a better indication of what Marc will look to do. In 2014 both Marshall and Jeffery dealt with injury so they needed to rely on the RB and TE position to carry much of the passing game.

 

in 2013 Forte had 74 catches, which is still 30 more catches then Forsett had last year, however as a unit, in 2013 Trestman targeted the RB/FB position 107 times, while last season Kubes targeted the RB/FB position 102 times. i don't think things change too much. I think there are too many other pass catchers to target the RB position 

I agree. Trestman also had to rely on Jay Cutler - who couldn't hit the side of a barn...from the inside. About the only accurate pass he can throw is the short dump off to the RB in the flat.

[law215]

I think it will come down to which back can pass protect the best. Rookies usually need time to build that. I expect all 3 to get touches during the game.Also, Given Foresett age and size, Ravens will allow other RBs touches as long as both can produce. 3 headed monster

[ellicottraven]

By the end of training camp, I believe we'll have Forsett, Buck Allen and Talliafero in that order backing us up.

[Purple Dawg 96]

This one position I never really worry about too much! Dont sleep on Fitzgerald Toussaint Ohio St vs that team up north Sorry Harbs Toussaint did a lot of damage in those games!

[Halshayeji]

I think both are #2. If it's 3rd and 4 or more it will be Allen. 3rd and short or inside the 5 it will be Taliaferro. 1st half we might see Allen more, 4th qtr use Taliaferro to wear down the D and run out the clock.

I would love to see that happen. Put the ball in forsets hands 15 times a game and 15 times between the 2 of them (run or pass) Allow each one to specialize in specific situations and go with the hot hand every game.

What a pleasant surprise Forsett has been. Hope the young guns develop into studs!

[Joey Flac]

i think we are in a great position here. We have three backs that compliment each other so well.. a small shifty speedster, a big bruiser and then a combination of the two. Potential three headed monster if Forsett and Taliaferro build off last year and we can bring Buck along like we did last year with Taliaferro.

[purpledown]

a position of strength.

[mearzunkies]

Good idea Halshayeji but I see Forsett getting a lil bit more then 15 touches.

[arizonaravensfan]

I have a feeling Taliaferro will have a big year and by year end might even be the featured back . He has the power and speed to be a #1 RB.

[GO_Ravens]

Taliaferro just look like a monster I think he really will blow up this year. If everyone remember him and Forsett were spouting carry evenly before he got hurt. I can see the spouting carries between them both and bring the rookie in here and there.

[GO_Ravens]

Splitting carries not spouting. Damn auto correct!!!

[20306cab]

Forsett, Allen, Toussaint.

[Martin Phillips]

High quality backfield. Buck Allen was a steal in the fourth round.

[huntrgathrr]

With the quality of our offensive line all 3 will be effective and play a lot. Having fresh running backs will pay off big in the 4th quarter and later in the year. Everything appears to be lining up in the Raven's favor this year. The game in Denver will give us a good barometer for the strength of this team. A win in Denver would indicate that this team is as good as it looks on paper, and IMO that's the best in the AFC.

[trevorsteadman]

With the quality of our offensive line all 3 will be effective and play a lot. Having fresh running backs will pay off big in the 4th quarter and later in the year. Everything appears to be lining up in the Raven's favor this year. The game in Denver will give us a good barometer for the strength of this team. A win in Denver would indicate that this team is as good as it looks on paper, and IMO that's the best in the AFC.

I agree and I would go to say that as of now on paper Denver and Baltimore look like the two best teams in the AFC. This will probably show who has the edge in the conference even though it is early. But if a team wins by double digits you know there will be a stout leader in the AFC.

[jrock6587]

You guys are sleeping on Fitzgerald Toussaint. Wait till preseaon and watch him. This kid wants to be on this team.

[January J]

You guys are sleeping on Fitzgerald Toussaint. Wait till preseaon and watch him. This kid wants to be on this team.

I believe he wants it- but just can't see anyway he beats out our 4th round pick and tali who has more experience under his belt and showed up for camp in tip top shape. It's Forsett at the healm with buck and tali Dukin it out for the number 2 or even splitting the reps. No question. Not to mention they fit trestmans scheme almost to a T. Toussaint to the P.S Edited June 24, 2015 by January J

[Ravens_Flock]

Ferro needs to be given plenty of carries, period. The kid has future starter potential, he just needs the chance to show it. He certainly showed flashes his rookie year.

[PalmBayRaven]

Talifaro fumbled the ball in the Steelers game and it was a game changer last year and we ended up losing. Let's hope he solved that problem. After that he didn't play as much. I think it will be Forsett, Allen and Talifaro but I like Fitz too though. We shall see how many running backs they keep for the final 53. I am excited about our team this year and yes, I remember the Raven at Levi Stadium. I like our chances.......