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Ravens Release Justin Forsett With New Vision For Backfield

By Chris Schisler

Sep 18, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) and Baltimore Ravens running back Justin Forsett (29) at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) and Baltimore Ravens running back Justin Forsett (29) at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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According to Jeff Zerbiec of the Baltimore Sun, the Baltimore Ravens have released Justin Forsett:

The Ravens have a youth movement happening in their backfield. With the imminent return of Kenneth Dixon, Forsett is the odd man out. Honestly it’s hard to argue with the move.

Forsett was a superstar with the Ravens in 2014, but let’s not forget Gary Kubiak has made a lot of running backs look good. In 2015 Forsett saw reduced success before breaking his arm in the same game that Flacco tore his ACL. This year Forsett was relatively ineffective. Forsett saw 31 passing attempts this season and mustered just 98 yards. 3.2 yards per carry isn’t cutting it.

Forsett’s biggest problem was that he was awfully easy to tackle. My best friend likes to say that the wind could take him down. While this may be a little harsh, it’s hard to say that Forsett was known for his tough running.

Related Story: The Ravens Need A Dose Of Kenneth Dixon

Terrance West now is in control of the Ravens backfield. West gave the Ravens the best performance from the running game this season against the Oakland Raiders. The former Towson star broke a few nice runs and had 113 yards on just 21 carries. West shined in the preseason. When the Ravens stopped splitting carries, it allowed West to find his groove.

Kenneth Dixon is one of the most exciting rookies the Ravens have ever had. It seems like Dixon will insert some big play potential into the Ravens rushing attack. The key is to make sure that they split the carries in a productive fashion. What we need is for West to be the workhorse and Dixon to be the lightning rod change of pace.

Next: Baltimore Ravens Have Potential In Both Directions

When the Ravens figure out how to maximize the rushing attack, the offense will take off to another level. Right now it is clear that Forsett, as much as we liked him was not the answer. I applaud this decision, though it’s bittersweet to see Forsett leave. He is a great example of a good guy in the NFL.

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