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Baltimore Ravens: Studs and Duds from Thursday’s Game

By Hassan Zakai

Aug 11, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; (Editors note: Caption correction) Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Stephane Nembot (67) and running back Terrance West (28) celebrate a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 11, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; (Editors note: Caption correction) Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Stephane Nembot (67) and running back Terrance West (28) celebrate a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 11, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; (Editors note: Caption correction) Baltimore Ravens running back Terrance West (28) runs the football during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers during the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 11, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; (Editors note: Caption correction) Baltimore Ravens running back Terrance West (28) runs the football during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers during the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

Studs: The Entire Group of Running Backs

Marc Trestman and Joe Flacco have to be happy guys after watching the display by the three-headed monster of Terrance West, Buck Allen and Kenneth Dixon. Seriously, they all had some impressive plays throughout the night, even when there wasn’t much room.

West had several tough runs between the tackles and scored twice, with the second being an impressive display of athleticism, cutting all the way across the field to beat defenders and score. West is in phenomenal shape and looks to be a completely different player from last season. He’s focused and is gunning for rotational and goal-line carries. West may even end up starting this year, that’s how good he’s looked throughout the summer.

Allen didn’t have much room to run, but he made his mark in the passing game with a 19 yard touchdown on a screen pass. He quickly caught the ball and made his way up the field without any hesitation. Allen is the ideal third-down back, he is a great receiver and runner in the open field. He has also improved his pass protection and ball carrying ability, adding to his versatility.

Dixon may have had the most impressive night of all, albeit against mainly second and third string players. He showed great explosive ability and burst all night, contributing 44 yards on nine rushing attempts. That amounts to an impressive 4.8 yard per rush. He reminds me of former Ravens running back Ray Rice, as he has a low center of gravity and doesn’t go down easily. He’ll be a real play maker when given the chance.

Heck, even fourth-stringer Stephen Houston busted an impressive 12-yard run to the outside. It was just that kind of night for the Ravens’ running backs.

Next: Duds: The Secondary (again)

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