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Why Kenneth Dixon is the Ravens’ next great running back

By Richard Bradshaw

Dec 25, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Kenneth Dixon (30) runs the ball against Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Lawrence Timmons (94) during the third quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 31-27. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 25, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Kenneth Dixon (30) runs the ball against Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Lawrence Timmons (94) during the third quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 31-27. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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With pessimism surrounding the 2017 Ravens’ offense, the team needs a star to take the spotlight. Is that man Kenneth Dixon?

Throughout the Baltimore Ravens’ brief existence, fans have enjoyed watching a plethora of great running backs. Names such as Jamal Lewis, Willis McGahee, and Ray Rice will bring a smile to just about any Ravens fan’s face. Since Rice was cut from the team following the 2013 season, the running back situation has been… murky, to say the least.

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Despite Justin Forsett’s career year in 2014 in which he eclipsed 1,200 rushing yards and made the Pro Bowl, he turned out to simply be a one-year wonder. Names such as Javorius Allen and Lorenzo Taliaferro were failed attempts to become “the man” of the offense. Now, the team has Terrance West, a Baltimore native, in the mix to be a key contributor. The team also signed veteran Danny Woodhead in free agency to be a reliable pass catcher out of the backfield.

But one name sticks out the most among the Ravens’ running backs: Kenneth Dixon.

Though he will start the 2017 season on the bench because of a four game suspension for PEDs, Dixon remains the most talented running back on this roster. Yes, West and Woodhead will both be featured heavily in the offense, especially while Dixon is suspended, but neither of them possess the talent Dixon has.

Yet, fans seem skeptical about the former Louisiana Tech Bulldog. Despite his above average play as a rookie, no one wants to commit to Dixon. That opinion needs to change.

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Background:

Dixon left college with 87 total touchdowns in his four years at Louisiana Tech. This comes despite the fact that he missed a few games here and there with injuries. The end zone is no stranger to Dixon, and neither is the passing game. Dixon hauled in 87 passes during his time as a Bulldog, 15 of those being touchdowns.

Keeping in mind that he played against lesser competition, how do those skills translate to the pros? It’s simple: He has always had the talent to be an above average starting running back in the league.

Take a look at this:

This isn’t something a rookie can just come into the league and accomplish. This is something a seasoned veteran struggles to accomplish. Dixon’s elusiveness is something special.

His receiving skills can’t be mocked, either. In 12 games as a rookie, Dixon hauled in 30 of 41 targets, including one touchdown reception. If he can get his yards after catch up (5.4) he could be extremely versatile as a pass catcher.

All this being said, with four weeks off Terrance West and Danny Woodhead could shine and play significant roles even after Dixon returns. Even if that happens, Dixon is better than the both of them.

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