Ebony Bird
FanSided

Buck Allen Could Be Ravens X-Factor

By Chris Schisler

Dec 13, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Buck Allen (37) chased by Seattle Seahawks defensive end Cliff Avril (56) at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Buck Allen (37) chased by Seattle Seahawks defensive end Cliff Avril (56) at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Buck Allen Could Be The Ravens X-Factor

The Baltimore Ravens have several intriguing options at the running back position, but Javorius “Buck” Allen could be the X-factor. He is a quick downhill runner, and he is an incredible receiving threat out of the backfield. The Ravens need to give Allen an increased role in the offense.

When Justin Forsett broke his arm against the St. Louis Rams, Allen stepped up and took on an increased work load. Allen was a small glimpse at hope in a horrible 5-11 season. While Justin Forsett is still likely to be the Ravens number one rusher, they must incorporate the flashy skill set of Allen.

Allen rushed for 514 yards and scored a touchdown on the ground in his rookie season. He’s the kind of back that chips away and gets stronger as the game progresses. He may get bottled up for short gains but he is capable of having huge carries. His longest rush of the 2015 was a 45-yard scamper.

Allen made a big difference in the passing game. He had 45 receptions for 353 yards and two receiving touchdowns. Allen has abilities very similar to a young Ray Rice, making it no surprise that he is showing off in the Ravens offense. He’s not lightning bolt fast but he is quick and shifty. He makes one cut and then runs downhill.

The Ravens look to be more balanced in the passing game this season. Mike Wallace was signed to give the team a deep threat they have lacked. Breshad Perriman will hopefully make a difference in that area as well. A healthy Steve Smith Sr. and Kamar Aiken will be reliable receivers in the short and intermediate passing game. Ben Watson, Crockett Gillmore and Maxx Williams all have great athleticism at the tight end position. Allen could the extra piece that makes all the difference.

The Ravens now have what a west coast offense needs. They have the ability to attack the entire width and length of the field. Flacco can get into a rhythm with timely routes to Smith Sr. and Aiken. He has the middle of the field to utilize his tight ends and the deep ball will keep the defense honest, and take advantage of Flacco’s need to be a gunslinger. Allen will be the safety valve.

Another thing Allen will do is give the Ravens away to take advantage of zone coverage. If you have two burner receivers in Wallace and Perriman, you’re likely to see a lot of Cover 2 and a ton of Cover 3. Against a soft zone, Allen underneath will have room to operate. In the open field he is hard to wrap up. In man coverage, his athleticism will be hard for linebackers to keep up with.

Next: Za’Darius Smith: The Next Great Ravens Pass Rusher?

The Ravens have a lot of interesting options on their offense. In theory, Flacco has a much sharper set of tools and he should be able to surgically cut through defenses. Allen just may be the player to watch moving forward.

Home/Ravens News