Ravens vs. Cowboys: 5 Things To Watch For
By Brett Foote
Aug 7, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Lorenzo Taliaferro (34) runs with the ball in the third quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Will Lorenzo Taliaferro work his way into some first or second team snaps?
Against the 49ers, Lorenzo Taliaferro played strictly with the third team offense but looked very impressive, even leading the team in rushing. On top of that, he did an excellent job in pass protection, which is often the Achille’s heel of rookie running backs. He ran strong and with authority, looking quite fast for a power back.
If the rookie continues to impress it only makes sense that he would get more chances with the starters. Bernard Pierce looked OK in week 1, but didn’t blow anybody away. The same goes for Justin Forsett, who played reasonably well but didn’t show any special or game breaking talent. On top of that, both of those guys fumbled, with Forsett’s resulting in a turnover. And in the NFL, there is perhaps no quicker way to lose snaps than to put the ball on the ground.