[News] John Harbaugh: We Need To Get Back To Successful Running Identity

[BR News]

The Ravens attempted a franchise low running attempts last year, and that is an area to improve.

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[Crusader]

People have been saying that we need to run the ball since week 6. Seems like no one is listening.

[JustinB]

That was my biggest fear when I heard they hired Trestman, and he had Matt Forte playing for him

[edthehead]

lets pass the buck on this,

This is a passing league running the ball is a plus but you need good WR to help open up the run game.he needs to be discussing defensive schemes along with player let downs. the offense lost the most and still managed, The offense needs a tweak here and there. but the off season need to get the defense up to par along with our DC.

[Ravensfansince03]

Glad Garret brought it up. We def need to upgrade our RB position. But we must maintain composure and patience, DEFENSE is what we most importantly need to rebuild on, get a top notch pass rusher.

[Ravensfansince03]

lets pass the buck on this, This is a passing league running the ball is a plus but you need good WR to help open up the run game.he needs to be discussing defensive schemes along with player let downs. the offense lost the most and still managed, The offense needs a tweak here and there. but the off season need to get the defense up to par along with our DC.

 

Your last sentence is correct, about the defense. But your mistaken in your first line. Our run game is not up to par, and Buck Allen is not as good as you all think he is as #1. Just wait and see, garuantee you if they keep him he'll just be another Bernard Pierce. Not hating on him, but just stating the point that this team needs a downhill brute RB. A true solid #1.

[JetLife94]

Go back the ways of running when Ray rice was starting!

[BmoreB]

"churched out"... does that mean they prayed a lot and wound up with a lot ?.. if that's the case they just need to get back to praying again and the yards will come

[RavensRegime]

Man i would love to have Marshawn Lynch on this team. Forsett & Buck are more like 3rd down backs. We need a homerun hitter. Our RBs doesnt put any fear in these defenses

[harfordravenfan]

Without Perriman (a deep threat), teams simply stacked the box. I'm ok with the RB's we have on the roster and believe things will improve if they keep the o-line strong

[Peej]

Crusader....As written in the article, when you have no speed receiver, defenses can "stack the box" which makes it difficult to run the ball!

[Purple Dawg 96]

No I disagree that's what's holding the Ravens back thinking they have to run to be successful! The run game is fine the passing game keeps large gaping holes for our backs but not being able to move the ball in the air because secondaries have no respect for your passing game because the word is out Joe locks on his WRs making it an easy day for the safety and the Defense can stack the box against the Ravens! The Ravens had no problems handling the squeelers and that was no fluke either! Allen and West bust out the gate in that game and Ryan hit the squeelers in the mouth!

[Mystigo_Dragon]

"The Ravens were unable to match the success they had on the ground from the previous year,..."

 

Hmmm, so some say (calling no names) Trestman's Offense was better than Kubiak's?

When someone puts a comment critical of the Ravens or a player's play on these boards, it's not because they are haters, or trolls! It's usually based upon what one has honestly seen, what one believes!

 

I am suspect of Trestman and what our offense will look like 2 years from now, given that in 2014, our offense (under Kubiak) was the best it's been in years! Yeah, I know,... Kubiak's gone, but we squandered a chance of sweetening up a deal to lure one of his disciples to remain and take over the helm of the Offense!

 

In my estimation, when we go out a find a mediocre coach we're not here to make him better; and we won't get better! 

 

In 2015, under Trestman, Joe didn't improve, the offense was in stasis! There's a good chance that before it gets better, it will get worst - like the Bears - perhaps costing Harbs his job!

We shall see! So, let em fly!  

Edited January 11, 2016 by Mystigo_Dragon

[balfan23]

"The Ravens were unable to match the success they had on the ground from the previous year,..." Hmmm, so Trestman's Offense was better than Kubiak's? When someone puts a critical comment on these boards, it's not because we are haters, or trolls! It's usually what we've honestly seen, what we believe! I am suspect of Trestman and what our offense will look like 2 years from now, given that in 2014, our offense (under Kubiak) was the best it's been in years! Yeah, I know,... Kubiak's gone, but we squandered a chance of sweetening up a deal to lure on of his disciples to remain and take over the helm of the Offense! In my estimation, Joe's not improving, the offense is in stasis and before it gets better, it will get worst - perhaps costing Harbs his job! We shall see! So, let em fly!

"The Ravens also had to deal with defenses stacking the box to keep them from even having a chance to run the ball. "

 

I think you missed that part. Yeah, I know ... it sounds like an excuse, but that issue is real. It isn't like the run game was horrific like it was 2 years ago ... just not quite what it was last year. 

 

Look - most fans would have liked to have retained Kubiak ... but there is no guarantee that any of his disciples would have been his equal and no indication that promoting the primary disciple (Dennison) would have worked, as he was likely more amenable to being an OC under his long time mentor. 

[utalkingtome123]

I agree with a couple pple on her and I've been saying this for a while. We need a true no 1 back the backs he have now even forsett with his good vision is really a back up and 3rd down backs. At the same time though since we have no damn receivers and playmakers to open up the run game so of course even a great back won't be able to run. I believe flacco has hit his ceiling and won't improve anymore but just like any quarterback you need some type of playmakers to help you out. We do these things for him and flacco will do the rest, and trestman is mediocre a new OC and DC should still be a plan for the future

[Mystigo_Dragon]

"The Ravens also had to deal with defenses stacking the box to keep them from even having a chance to run the ball. "

 

I think you missed that part. Yeah, I know ... it sounds like an excuse, but that issue is real. It isn't like the run game was horrific like it was 2 years ago ... just not quite what it was last year. 

 

Look - most fans would have liked to have retained Kubiak ... but there is no guarantee that any of his disciples would have been his equal and no indication that promoting the primary disciple (Dennison) would have worked, as he was likely more amenable to being an OC under his long time mentor. 

Saw that part, too, Fan,... read the whole article! in 2014, when teams saw that Justin Forsett was gashing teams, they began stacking the box, especially on 1st downs!

Depending upon the opponent, we were able to take advantage of that and exploit them!

Last year was a whole different animal, with the injuries and all,... but, the scheme still didn't pan out!

[The Greek]

we need jamal lewis 2.0 and im sure we can find him in rds. 4 or 5 if the scouts do their research. buck allan makes for a solid backup. im not sold on forsett and lorenzo looks like he will deal with injuries every season

[edthehead]

for the many people who continuously talk about kubiack offense. look no further than our special teams, why is our ST so good,you have a ST coach and the HC is a former. now how is the ST going to look bad when you have the HC, you have 2 personal working on ST, just like KUB and the offense,Dennison is the OC but KUB spends that extra time there. Our offense is ok, just in need of a play maker WR,I wanted perrimann but after last,well I am a little scared.

[crazyboutravens]

I read a lot of the comments on this board. I really think a number of fans would like to see us give everyone a one year contract. Cut them all at the end of the year and start over each year.

Joe has had new offensive coordinators many many years. He has done a great job considering that and the lack of fast receivers. I think we should keep him another year or two. Or the other possibility some of our fans need to go root for another team maybe like Cleveland.

[jravens13]

Packers Skins last night was tough to watch. I saw two teams in the first half that didn't have a clue how to play playoff football. The pass happy up tempo game might bring a spark from time to time, but if it fails, it leaves your defense on the field for more snaps. Every time you stop the clock on offense, you create an opportunity for the opponent run another play or 2 and score: aka more reps for the defense. In the second half, I saw Green Bay wisely switch up the game plan and incorporate the run more and control the clock as well. The Redskins continued their Pass Happy attack and had a couple quick possessions that burned no clock. All of the sudden they were getting manhandled by Green Bay's O-Line because they were gassed out. Look at the Chiefs. Great defense, but not that much offensive talent or a great QB yet they continue to win. Andy Reid knows the recipe to stay on schedule on offense and win football games. Your Defense might set the tone for the game, but the offense controls the gameflow. That is why I have my doubts about Trestman regardless of how many yards Clausen, Schaub, and Mallet threw for. Running clock also protects your QB. Ironically we lost our guy this year too. Unless we are playing catch up, I say consume as much clock as possible and protect your defense. 

Edited January 12, 2016 by jravens13

[cbrook1862]

Forsett can break off a run at any time, he does a lot for the team. Buck is a diverse back who can run and catch, he's a serious weapon, and taliafero is a big back with sneaky quickness. The last thing we need is a rb. Get that defense together and add a game changing WR. Who on This team scares opponents... No one does, If you have no one on offense to keep CB's on their heels, more of the same will continue.

Edited January 14, 2016 by cbrook1862

[bozo]

if the ravens don't male some big changes in there secondary or to the wide receiver position, don't look for much improvement next year.

[RavenzOz]

Is it just me or did Harbs look pretty damn tired at the presser. Not only does Steve have two GM's, he has two HC's, 6am to 6pm Harbs, and 6pm to 6am Harbs.

[edthehead]

Your last sentence is correct, about the defense. But your mistaken in your first line. Our run game is not up to par, and Buck Allen is not as good as you all think he is as #1. Just wait and see, garuantee you if they keep him he'll just be another Bernard Pierce. Not hating on him, but just stating the point that this team needs a downhill brute RB. A true solid #1.

 I am not advocating buck as the 1, he is average, but that is all of our backs. there are only a couple 1 RB's in the league if our backs are average then why not have the WR's open it up for the run game, maybe I am wrong (please don't rip my head off)

but maybe this is what OZ talks about mentioning certain players needed.

[Militant X 1]

“Running the football, it’s our identity,” Head Coach John Harbaugh said. “So, to the extent that we didn’t run the ball well, yes, we lost our identity a little bit and we have to be able to do that. We’re going to find our way back that way, and we’re going to work on that right now".

 

^ Interesting that although the NFL is a "passing league" now...that the coach says that running the football is the Ravens "identity".  I've stated this numerous of times.....POUND THE ROCK!!

 

On a side note; I also believe that on Ravens Talk they constantly show stats that reveal that when Flacco throws the ball a certain amount of times in a game....the Ravens lose!  That's something that may need to be looked into.....

Edited January 11, 2016 by Militant X 1

[sp3ctor]

This problem all stems from the passing game and a lack of all the ingredients found in a formidable aerial attack. You need a burner, a polished route runner, & a chain mover. That could be done by one person. Antonio Brown is all of the criteria previously mentioned, which is why hes too darn good. For most teams, they need three separate players to satisfy that need, since players like Brown aren't easy to come by. We have our polished route runner in SSS. We have our chain moving TE corps, but we missed a burner. We relied on Perriman to be that guy to take the top off of defenses, which never happened thanks to an injury, which then allowed opponents defenses to stack the box. With a healthy Perriman, we make the playoffs this year. Problem? We shouldn't have stacked all our chips on 1 single player! We should have had options. We did that in 2013 with Pitta (only with his absence it was the chain-mover we lost, not a burner) and we didn't make the playoffs. This was done partially because we are still rebuilding and during a rebuild period injuries can lead to disastrous seasons. Now, if Torrey was still on the team (not saying we should have retained him, just saying if) we would have had two reliable burners so that if one falls to injury, we still had a reason to keep opposing defenses honest. I feel fairly certain that if we can find another speedy WR or even a polished route runner with some speed to attack the intermediate of the field, the run game next year behind Forsett & Allen will be incredibly efficient. We don't need a home-run hitter at WR, we just need guys who can stretch the field some. The type of guy that must be covered. Torrey may not have had amazing stats, but he was constantly covered, taking a guy (or guys) out of the box and allowing a dominant run game to form.

[PolishRifle]

“Running the football, it’s our identity,” Head Coach John Harbaugh said. “So, to the extent that we didn’t run the ball well, yes, we lost our identity a little bit and we have to be able to do that. We’re going to find our way back that way, and we’re going to work on that right now".

 

^ Interesting that although the NFL is a "passing league" now...that the coach says that running the football is the Ravens "identity".  I've stated this numerous of times.....POUND THE ROCK!!

 

On a side note; I also believe that on Ravens Talk they constantly show stats that reveal that when Flacco throws the ball a certain amount of times in a game....the Ravens lose!  That's something that may need to be looked into.....

 

When your team's behind, you throw the ball more often. It's the fastest way you can get upfield. The Ravens FO isn't good at building passing offenses. Our OLs aren't that great at pass protection most of the time and we have yet to draft a go-to WR. Hmm, we wouldn't need to have an identity, if we had more options on the roster.

 

Can't wait for all the "we have so much depth at the WR position"-talk to kick in this offseason. Heard it before, has yet to be actually true.

Edited January 12, 2016 by PolishRifle

[thecommish]

i like the direction our offense went under trestman....i cant even imagine what he can do with a fulldeck! CANT WAIT

[harfordravenfan]

This problem all stems from the passing game and a lack of all the ingredients found in a formidable aerial attack. You need a burner, a polished route runner, & a chain mover. That could be done by one person. Antonio Brown is all of the criteria previously mentioned, which is why hes too darn good. For most teams, they need three separate players to satisfy that need, since players like Brown aren't easy to come by. We have our polished route runner in SSS. We have our chain moving TE corps, but we missed a burner. We relied on Perriman to be that guy to take the top off of defenses, which never happened thanks to an injury, which then allowed opponents defenses to stack the box. With a healthy Perriman, we make the playoffs this year. Problem? We shouldn't have stacked all our chips on 1 single player! We should have had options. We did that in 2013 with Pitta (only with his absence it was the chain-mover we lost, not a burner) and we didn't make the playoffs. This was done partially because we are still rebuilding and during a rebuild period injuries can lead to disastrous seasons. Now, if Torrey was still on the team (not saying we should have retained him, just saying if) we would have had two reliable burners so that if one falls to injury, we still had a reason to keep opposing defenses honest. I feel fairly certain that if we can find another speedy WR or even a polished route runner with some speed to attack the intermediate of the field, the run game next year behind Forsett & Allen will be incredibly efficient. We don't need a home-run hitter at WR, we just need guys who can stretch the field some. The type of guy that must be covered. Torrey may not have had amazing stats, but he was constantly covered, taking a guy (or guys) out of the box and allowing a dominant run game to form.

 

we see eye to eye on that one, well said sp3ctor

[harfordravenfan]

i like the direction our offense went under trestman....i cant even imagine what he can do with a fulldeck! CANT WAIT

 

Not sure why you got the negs. considering all the injuries and bad officiating and still almost set a franchise record for yards. I am also looking forward to seeing what trestman can do next year