I am a Baltimore Ravens’ fan — born and raised in Maryland — so I can speak on the Ravens’ backfield situation with much passion and viewing knowledge. The main point to be made can be summed up by two words in question form…Terrance West?
With Justin Forsett’s early departure, Terrance West has been the lead back for an underwhelming Ravens’ offense, leading to the idea that Kenneth Dixon, when healthy, would take over the starting role. Instead what has happened is the slow acclimation of Dixon to the NFL. The Ravens have limited his carries, while steadily increasing them each week.
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West had success during Weeks 4-6, with Dixon starting to play in Week 5, but Weeks 7 and 9 were very different stories. In these two games, West totaled 23 carries for 31 yards, one reception for six yards and zero touchdowns. The Ravens’ bye week (Week 8) led to head coach John Harbaugh proclaiming his unhappiness with his rushing attack, as well as his desire to see Dixon’s role increase.
Simply put, the door is wide open for Dixon to steal the starting gig. Common knowledge coming into this season was the idea that Dixon would be the pass-catching back for the Ravens, considering he was the top receiving back in the 2016 NFL Draft.
More surprisingly, watching Dixon carry the ball nine times versus the Steelers in Week 9 illuminated something else, the dude runs downhill, very-very hard. His 5’10, 210-pound frame is used with explosive suddenness, while he also tends to finish his runs with great violence, giving Dixon the ability to be an above-average goal line back.
The Ravens, and West, are presenting Dixon with the opportunity to snag the starting role for the remainder of the season. The Ravens’ defense has started to play extremely well, keeping games close, meaning the running game will be the main focus, rather than watching Joe Flacco chuck it 40-50 times a game. In fact, in the four wins this year, Flacco has averaged 37 passing attempts per game, compared to 47.5 passing attempts per game in the teams’ four losses.
Want some more positive progression? Marty Mornhinweg, the recently appointed offensive coordinator, has worked wonders with Chris Ivory in New York and LeSean McCoy in Philadelphia. Mornhinweg knows how to run the ball and prioritizes it in his offense.
So let’s add all this up. West’s recent struggles + Dixon is healthy + Dixon’s ability in the pass game + Dixon’s violent running style + Baltimore’s newly energized defense + Marty Mornhinweg’s offensive play style = Kenneth Dixon becoming the lead back for the second half of the season.
Add him. You are welcome.
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Ben Graul is a correspondent for FantasyPros. For more from Ben, check out his archive or follow him @bgraul89.