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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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Dec 25, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Kenneth Dixon (30) runs against Pittsburgh Steelers nose tackle Dan McCullers-Sanders (93) and inside linebacker Lawrence Timmons (94) and inside linebacker Ryan Shazier (50) during the third quarter of a game at Heinz Field. Pittsburgh won 31-27. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 25, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Kenneth Dixon (30) runs against Pittsburgh Steelers nose tackle Dan McCullers-Sanders (93) and inside linebacker Lawrence Timmons (94) and inside linebacker Ryan Shazier (50) during the third quarter of a game at Heinz Field. Pittsburgh won 31-27. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports /

Why Kenneth Dixon is the best option:

Let’s start with Danny Woodhead. The 32-year old veteran is well past his prime and is also recovering from a major season ending injury in 2016. Even with a respectable 4.3 YPC career average, Woodhead averaged just 3.4 YPC in his last full season as a rusher (2015). But that’s not what Woodhead is known for. Rather, he is a reliable receiver out of the backfield.

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His 267 career receptions back up that claim. In fact, he had 80 receptions back in 2015.

How will all of this effect Dixon? It won’t. Woodhead will be a valuable pass catcher for Joe Flacco but he provides next to nothing as a rusher. Woodhead should also see time in the slot, which would allow both himself and Dixon to be on the field together.

Then we have Terrance West. West was a very solid rusher last season for Baltimore. He is, however, a very limited runner. His 3.9 career YPC indicates that he isn’t capable of being a lead back. He is a great complimentary back, but he isn’t going to be a bell cow for anyone, let alone Baltimore.

That being said, West will certainly not be a threat to Dixon because he isn’t nearly as dynamic as Dixon. What West will be is a great compliment to Dixon. Think of him as the thunder to Dixon’s lightning.

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