Baltimore Ravens Stock Report Week 5
By Brett Foote
Oct 5, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Justin Forsett (29) celebrates his touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Colts won, 20-13. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports
Stock up: Justin Forsett
Justin Forsett continues to produce better than any other Raven’s running back, yet the Ravens continue to use him sparingly. They are understandably concerned about the smallish back getting injured, but we have plenty of other examples of tiny NFL backs who are being used as feature backs (Andre Ellington, Jamaal Charles, etc).
Forsett played on 72% of the snaps Sunday but only received six carries. He made the most of those chances, however, gaining 42 yards for a healthy 7.0 yards per carry average and a touchdown. Forsett was even second on the team in receiving, securing 7 of 8 targets for 55 yards.
We understand that the Ravens want to rotate backs and keep Forsett healthy, but he has been by far and away the most effective offensive weapon this team has outside of Steve Smith. Why they aren’t giving him more carries is baffling, especially when Forsett leads the NFL in rushing average through five games.