[News] Terrance West, Kenneth Dixon Proved Themselves In 2016

[BR News]

The Ravens would also still like to bring another running back into the mix this offseason to add a playmaker to the offense.

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[#Nevermore]

I have been saying this. I like both backs, but they are not playmakers. They can't make something out of nothing. They can't take a 8 yard gain and make it an 80 yard touchdown. We need someone with speed and agility. We need a guy that makes the other team think, "If I miss this tackle or take a bad angle this is going to the house".

[RaRaRavens]

6 hours ago, #Nevermore said:

I have been saying this. I like both backs, but they are not playmakers. They can't make something out of nothing. They can't take a 8 yard gain and make it an 80 yard touchdown. We need someone with speed and agility. We need a guy that makes the other team think, "If I miss this tackle or take a bad angle this is going to the house".

In principle I agree with you, it would be a dream to have a RB with Elliot's or Bell's caliber on our team. But my issue is, we have way more urgent needs.

Both West and Dixon have showed that they can be RBs who average 5-8 YPC if the o-line plays well. 2 RBs with that kind of average is enough to run over defenses on regular basis and build your gameplan on run game. Therefore, by further improving our o-line (and sticking to running the football), we can already drastically improve our run game, not to mention it would boost the pass protection and thus the passing game as well.

At the same time, we currently have no WRs on this team, who have proved that they can either make catches or get open on a regular basis. We do not have proven pass rushers outside of Suggs who's on the twilight years of his career and with Doom probably gone in 2017. We have no solid 3rd and 4th string CBs, and we can't bank on our best CB lasting the entire season. We could use improvement on FS and DE positions. We probably need another DT/NT if Williams walks.

Looking at this list of needs I was baffled when I read Harbaugh was seriously saying RB is one of the biggest needs. Some writers are already predicting us to pick a RB with our 1st round pick (way too early for any serious projections, I know, but still). I honestly do not understand what Harbaugh is trying to do with this team anymore. He says one thing but his actions indicate complete opposite. All this makes me very afraid for our outlooks in 2017.

[Rav'n Maniac]

Both of these backs can produce and will only get better with a stronger OL in front of them. Resign Wagner and draft a top Center along with some good backups will help.

[ellicottraven]

"The play calling too often strayed from the run, and Harbaugh stressed that finding the running game will be a point of emphasis for the second season under Offensive Coordinator Marty Mornhinweg".

Uhh... didn't he stress the same exact thing before Trestman was hired, when Trestman went into his second year, etc., etc.?? So how much credibility do we put into anything that Harbaugh stresses? Harbaugh hasn't yet lost the locker room it looks like (otherwise he wouldn't be here), but he's surely on his way to losing the fans if he doesn't implement what he stresses so eloquently and vehemently.

[Bline1027]

I think if we stuck to Ravens Football. Run and Good D we will be in the playoffs. The Offensive Philosophy has to change as we pass like we are the Steelers, Saints, or Falcons. We should be running the ball at least 25-35 times a game. Not letting Joe Flacco pass 40 to 50 times a game.

I think Dixon and West are good enough to do what we want to do if we actually run the ball.

[The Greek]

still too early to tell with dixon but we need a back that can take it to the house. still feel that cb or 3 down edge rusher should be the top priority

[billiejean]

I have been saying this. I like both backs, but they are not playmakers. They can't make something out of nothing. They can't take a 8 yard gain and make it an 80 yard touchdown. We need someone with speed and agility. We need a guy that makes the other team think, "If I miss this tackle or take a bad angle this is going to the house".

how many of those types of guys are in the game?

[Halshayeji]

Don't you guys know harbs by now?

This is just a smoke screen. Theyr gonna keep giving the impression that we need a RB but won't even come close to drafting one in the first 3 rounds. FO did the same thing last year with ILB. We heard all off season that we need a middle linebacker and let go of D.Smith early to give the impression that we were looking at MLB with our first round then passed on every single one of them. I think this is the show theyr pulling this year. Give everyone the impression that were drafting RB but that's really not the priority.

[The Greek]

still early to tell with dixon but we need a back that can take it to the house. i would still focus on cb and 3 down edge rusher 1st.

[JD08]

The overall production was great with the little carries they did get, cant be able to get many yrds when you run about 15x all game and throw the ball 50x.

[Ravensfansince03]

Our running game is OK at best without help from our passing game. We need a game-changing TE, and a threat WR.

[Ravensfansince03]

I have been saying this. I like both backs, but they are not playmakers. They can't make something out of nothing. They can't take a 8 yard gain and make it an 80 yard touchdown. We need someone with speed and agility. We need a guy that makes the other team think, "If I miss this tackle or take a bad angle this is going to the house".

I agree with you in a way. Kennith Dixon is very good, but I feel that his size is to small to be depended on as a lead back in our division. And i just do not see productive longevity from West. We went from Jamal Lewis, to Mcghee, then to Ray Rice, to now shuffling between a variety of not so sure RB's. Like I said, Kennith Dixon is very good, but he would be much more productive as a second punch leading behind a star RB. Imagine if Dixon was backing up Ray Rice in his prime, instead of Pierce lol.

[Ravensfansince03]

I'd move forward with the RB's we have, and focus this offseason on making our defense more stout and brute. Because our defense is not up to par. But, if this team has forgotten how to be successful, look at Pittsburgh and New England. Both teams have elite, bruising, down-hill style running backs. Thats the difference between us and them. Lagarette Blunt, as much as i hate him, is a very intimidating running back. And Le'veon Bell.... well I just say this, what's understood does not need to be explained.

[JimmyBlack]

We need to pick up a big bruising back in the draft, free agency, or by a trade.

[Ravens nation 20]

I would try to add playmakers early like Fournette if you trade up. I just think after wanting Elliot and Gurley the previous two years they might try to trade up for him. Obviously very early though but I do think Ozzie is gonna get really good playmakers this offseason on both sides of the ball. I'm a big fan of the way Fournette plays though but we will see.

[sizzlingdoom]

I know we all like knee injuries, but what are people thoughts on taking a 1 year flier on Jamal Charles?

[davy_861]

Fifth worst rushing attack really proves something. Foolish penalties on behalf of o-line and poor speed tells the story. Too much speed at every position in today's nfl to succeed with a slow back.