Lorenzo Taliaferro Earned Another Start, But Will He Get The Chance?

Sep 21, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Lorenzo Taliaferro (34) runs from Cleveland Browns inside linebacker Craig Robertson (53) during the second quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Ravens won 23-21. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

When Bernard Pierce suffered a thigh injury during the course of the week leading up to Sunday’s road opener, no one blinked an eye. Most likely because the Ravens knew they had a great contingency plan in fourth round rookie Lorenzo Taliaferro, who just happened to lead the NFL in preseason rushing.

After all, Pierce has essentially been a disappointment after his promising rookie season. He has battled numerous injuries, and has largely been ineffective when healthy. After totaling 14 yards on 6 carries in week one, he managed a decent effort in week two with 96 yards – but it took him 22 carries to reach that total.

Lorenzo Taliaferro turned his first NFL start, and first regular season NFL carries, into the best running performance this team has had all season. He is clearly the best option, and deserves the job.

Justin Forsett has been an impressive and efficient runner in what is a familiar offense to him, but he is a smallish change of pace back. Many though that Forsett would get the start Sunday, but he totaled only 11 carries. It’s clear that the Ravens consider Lorenzo Taliaferro to be Pierce’s direct backup as the primary runner and early down back.

And against the Brown’s weak run defense, Lorenzo Taliaferro looked like a star. He took 18 carries for 91 yards and a touchdown, looking shifty and elusive in the open field. “Zo” is a pile pusher who over powers defensive players at a stout 6’0″ and 226 yards. On Sunday, he looked like he belonged as the bell cow in the Raven’s backfield.