[News] The Competition 2016: Running Backs

[BR News]

Justin Forsett leads the way into training camp, but there will be a heated battle for the No. 2 role and the last spot in the group.

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[Crusader]

I see no concern or value talking about running backs this season. The other article posted info about the new left side of the O line this year so even the best running backs in the NFL will have a hard time getting yards.

[eze17]

I see no concern or value talking about running backs this season. The other article posted info about the new left side of the O line this year so even the best running backs in the NFL will have a hard time getting yards.

So I guess your implying that Stanley will be a bust at LT and (probably starting LG) Urschel won't be able to step in and get his job done? I'm glad that you can predict the future.

My prediction is three RB's make the 53 man roster, Forsett, Allen and Dixon. I just don't see the need to have four active players, unless one of the other guys stands out as a special teams player.

[Steve32]

I see no concern or value talking about running backs this season. The other article posted info about the new left side of the O line this year so even the best running backs in the NFL will have a hard time getting yards.

There's a team down the road called the Redskins.
I suggest you follow them if you are so disenchanted with our team.

[sami]

I see no concern or value talking about running backs this season. The other article posted info about the new left side of the O line this year so even the best running backs in the NFL will have a hard time getting yards.

our O-line wasn't that great last year. I think Stanley will be an upgrade on the LT spot cuz Monroe was rarely there and I don't see Urshel starting the LG spot.

[whobilly]

Forsett, Allen, Taliaferro, Dixon. If Taliaferro or any of the other backs go down West has a shot to stick. Not much of a competition in my eyes.

[757RavensFan]

4 hours ago, sami said:

our O-line wasn't that great last year. I think Stanley will be an upgrade on the LT spot cuz Monroe was rarely there and I don't see Urshel starting the LG spot.

come on, you can't leave us hanging.  who do you see at LG if not Urschel?

 

[EdTheMythicalOne]

I see Forsett being the man again this season unless he simply gets hurt again or somebody blows him out of the water. He's got a knack for finding holes and getting more out of plays than he usually should even though he's not a bulldozer. He also is a receiving threat out of the backfield.

Allen looked okay to me. I am not as high on him as some are. His running was average but he was a big threat as a receiver which was a huge part of our offense last year given the injuries. If our TE's stay healthy and the receivers are as good as we hope, the RB will not be as much of a target in this offense so that negates his value some.

I really like Taliafero because I thought he could be the thumper we needed on short yardage and goal line situations. He just can't stay on the field. We could cut him and I doubt any other team gives him a look unless they have some serious injury issues as well.

I wasn't all that impressed with West either, but he was clearly out of shape last season. He's kicked his tail to get in the best shape of his NFL career so it will be interesting to see what he has to offer. He showed some flashes in Cleveland behind their awful offense. To me he's the guy to watch.

Dixon looks like he could be a sleeper, but we've heard this before with guys like Anthony Allen, Bernard Pierce. That being said I don't think there is a way in the world he doesn't make the roster unless he gets hurt.

Richardson...man I hope the best for him but I really don't know if he's going to show much after what he's been through this off season. He busted his butt to get in shape too, but then a soft tissue injury and then a knee surgery...I think that kinda seals his fate. A shame that it happened to him after working so hard, but maybe that bodes well for a future role in a season yet to come.

The problem is that they can't keep Taliafero, West, or Richardson on the practice squad because they all have gone past the eligibility requirements. So if they cut these guys they can't keep them. Allen also is not eligible. The only one eligible would be Dixon and there is no way he passes waivers.

The Ravens will already be carrying 4 running backs technically because you have Kyle Juszcyzk to account for. Teams don't generally carry 5 runningbacks on game day. We're already talking about the team potentially carrying more than 3 active tight ends on the roster and perhaps carrying a lot of receivers based on who we have. Can't keep them all.

[20306cab]

  15 hours ago, Crusader said:

I see no concern or value talking about running backs this season. The other article posted info about the new left side of the O line this year so even the best running backs in the NFL will have a hard time getting yards.

There's a team down the road called the Redskins.
I suggest you follow them if you are so disenchanted with our team.

Well, one thing's for sure. The Skins have a lot better OL and QB than the Ravens!

[Bob21043]

You're saying Cousins is better than Joe?? Oh boy, I'm not even going into that one. I'll let someone else rip you up on that.

[Bob21043]

I suppose they have a better owner too

[Tdot.to.Bmore]

You're saying Cousins is better than Joe?? Oh boy, I'm not even going into that one. I'll let someone else rip you up on that.

yea that boy is just trolling

[mearzunkies]

Troll a la la la trol lala

[PalmBayRaven]

  On 7/12/2016 at 4:17 PM, Steve32 said:

  On 7/12/2016 at 3:03 PM, Crusader said:

I see no concern or value talking about running backs this season. The other article posted info about the new left side of the O line this year so even the best running backs in the NFL will have a hard time getting yards.

There's a team down the road called the Redskins.
I suggest you follow them if you are so disenchanted with our team.

Well, one thing's for sure. The Skins have a lot better OL and QB than the Ravens!

You need to put the crack pipe down. Are you kidding me Cousins better than Flacco? PLEASE... Flacco is a winner and took us to the playoffs the first 5 years in the NFL. Redskins haven't won a playoff game in 20 years. Joe took us to the AFC Championship game 3 times. What has Cousins done? Lost at home and how embarrassing is that? Albert Haynesworth is all anyone needs to know about the Redskins. Let's not even get into mortgaging the farm for RGIII.

[January J]

17 hours ago, EdTheMythicalOne said:

I see Forsett being the man again this season unless he simply gets hurt again or somebody blows him out of the water. He's got a knack for finding holes and getting more out of plays than he usually should even though he's not a bulldozer. He also is a receiving threat out of the backfield.

Allen looked okay to me. I am not as high on him as some are. His running was average but he was a big threat as a receiver which was a huge part of our offense last year given the injuries. If our TE's stay healthy and the receivers are as good as we hope, the RB will not be as much of a target in this offense so that negates his value some.

I really like Taliafero because I thought he could be the thumper we needed on short yardage and goal line situations. He just can't stay on the field. We could cut him and I doubt any other team gives him a look unless they have some serious injury issues as well.

I wasn't all that impressed with West either, but he was clearly out of shape last season. He's kicked his tail to get in the best shape of his NFL career so it will be interesting to see what he has to offer. He showed some flashes in Cleveland behind their awful offense. To me he's the guy to watch.

Dixon looks like he could be a sleeper, but we've heard this before with guys like Anthony Allen, Bernard Pierce. That being said I don't think there is a way in the world he doesn't make the roster unless he gets hurt.

Richardson...man I hope the best for him but I really don't know if he's going to show much after what he's been through this off season. He busted his butt to get in shape too, but then a soft tissue injury and then a knee surgery...I think that kinda seals his fate. A shame that it happened to him after working so hard, but maybe that bodes well for a future role in a season yet to come.

The problem is that they can't keep Taliafero, West, or Richardson on the practice squad because they all have gone past the eligibility requirements. So if they cut these guys they can't keep them. Allen also is not eligible. The only one eligible would be Dixon and there is no way he passes waivers.

The Ravens will already be carrying 4 running backs technically because you have Kyle Juszcyzk to account for. Teams don't generally carry 5 runningbacks on game day. We're already talking about the team potentially carrying more than 3 active tight ends on the roster and perhaps carrying a lot of receivers based on who we have. Can't keep them all.

That pretty much says it all

[harfordravenfan]

14 minutes ago, January J said:

That pretty much says it all

Yup, only thing he missed was how well forsett blocks.

[stampedehero]

I hope Forsett has a great year like 014. The running game is essential   The real; pressure is on Trestman to produce the right plays at the most critical times of the game.   I saw too many three and outs.  On the D side the LB QB rush, corners  and safeties coverage  were not up to the standard Ravens teams were blessed with Reed and Lewis led squads.  We do not need 22 guys on DL  

[sizzlingdoom]

I see Forsett being the man again this season unless he simply gets hurt again or somebody blows him out of the water. He's got a knack for finding holes and getting more out of plays than he usually should even though he's not a bulldozer. He also is a receiving threat out of the backfield.

Allen looked okay to me. I am not as high on him as some are. His running was average but he was a big threat as a receiver which was a huge part of our offense last year given the injuries. If our TE's stay healthy and the receivers are as good as we hope, the RB will not be as much of a target in this offense so that negates his value some.

I really like Taliafero because I thought he could be the thumper we needed on short yardage and goal line situations. He just can't stay on the field. We could cut him and I doubt any other team gives him a look unless they have some serious injury issues as well.

I wasn't all that impressed with West either, but he was clearly out of shape last season. He's kicked his tail to get in the best shape of his NFL career so it will be interesting to see what he has to offer. He showed some flashes in Cleveland behind their awful offense. To me he's the guy to watch.

Dixon looks like he could be a sleeper, but we've heard this before with guys like Anthony Allen, Bernard Pierce. That being said I don't think there is a way in the world he doesn't make the roster unless he gets hurt.

Richardson...man I hope the best for him but I really don't know if he's going to show much after what he's been through this off season. He busted his butt to get in shape too, but then a soft tissue injury and then a knee surgery...I think that kinda seals his fate. A shame that it happened to him after working so hard, but maybe that bodes well for a future role in a season yet to come.

The problem is that they can't keep Taliafero, West, or Richardson on the practice squad because they all have gone past the eligibility requirements. So if they cut these guys they can't keep them. Allen also is not eligible. The only one eligible would be Dixon and there is no way he passes waivers.

The Ravens will already be carrying 4 running backs technically because you have Kyle Juszcyzk to account for. Teams don't generally carry 5 runningbacks on game day. We're already talking about the team potentially carrying more than 3 active tight ends on the roster and perhaps carrying a lot of receivers based on who we have. Can't keep them all.

I agree with pretty much all of that. I just don't see LT making the roster, at least I hope not. I also am not as high on Buck as most people. I don't see his running as anything special at all, and he looks like a good, but not great receiver out of the backfield. That said, I'm really thinking he makes the roster. I see Forsett, Buck, and Dixon as the true rbs to make the team. I don't think there's ANYWAY we keep 4 because of the depth and uncertainty at other positions like you mentioned. TE and WR. I also think OLB and CB/S are quite loaded with talent and depth. I also would like to see if someone like Victor Ohchi makes the team. We have a lot of talent at OLB. Obviously he's unproven and came from a small school....but I'm REALLY high on Judon. Really hoping Doom and Sizzle show him the ropes and I would love it if he can eventually take over full time for suggs.
As far as Dixon.....say what you want, but I think this guy will be a star. I studied a lot waiting for the draft, and I sincerely think this guy was easily the 2nd best back in the draft, and that's only behind the number 4 overall pick. I don't think it will take more than a game or two for everybody to see that as well. Forsett and Dixon could turn into a nasty tag team, with Buck being a solid back up behind them. I think this could easily be the Ravens best draft in a long time.

[EdTheMythicalOne]

Thanks for the replies people.

I don't discredit the talent of Dixon. A lot of people that know more about this stuff than I do were saying that was one of the biggest steals in the draft. If people around the game knew of his talent then that begs the question of why he dropped. Is there some behind the scene things we don't know about him? I certainly hope not.

Bottom line is that the Ravens as history has shown are very loyal to their own draft picks. They give them chance after chance after chance and they REALLY have to foul up for them to part ways with them. Even still, that usually comes when their contract runs out. If this trend holds true this season then the running back situation becomes pretty clear to me.

Forsett because they paid him and he is at least for now the most talented guy with the rock in his hands until somebody else proves otherwise.

Buck Allen because they drafted him the year before last and really like his hands out of the backfield and Trestman like to pass to his backs.

Dixon because they just drafted him and there is NO way he clears waivers to make it to the PS.

And lastly Juice at FB.

West, though he might show well in pre season was a late season grab for a warm body. They really don't have any investment in him. He's not eligible for the PS so some other team would have to sign him to their roster otherwise he just sits around as a street free agent until injuries occur. Taliafero being cut is an easy decision in my mind because he is always hurt. Richardson was a roll of the dice and the Ravens weren't really counting on him anyway. He would have been a nice surprise if he showed anything at all.

I really hope Dixon is as good as we think he will be because while Forsett isn't ancient and has low mileage for the years he's been in the league, he is a smaller back and he's not getting any younger. We're going to need the next bell cow runner and hopefully his name is Kenneth Dixon.