Baltimore Ravens vs. Miami Dolphins: 5 thoughts following the win

3. Man does Alex Collins run hard

Alex Collins eclipsed 100+ yards for the first time in his career last night. He went for 113 yards on the ground and came just inches away from his first touchdown of the season. Pretty impressive for a player signed off the Seahawks practice squad earlier this season, right? What’s made Collins so successful this season is his power and physicality as a runner. In the Ravens backfield, he’s a man among boys.

I thought Kenneth Dixon ran hard last season but Collins runs with even more power. He’s like a mini beast-mode even with his black visor. There’s no dancing around once Collins gets the ball, he’s strictly a north and south runner.

It’s not like Collins is a freak of an athlete like some of the other top running backs in the NFL. He’s short and stocky but never keeps his legs from stopping. Even when it’s a one or two yard gain, it takes multiple defenders to bring him to the ground.

Collins has had his fumble problems but hasn’t coughed up the ball since Week 4 against the Steelers. Even with Terrance West and Danny Woodhead returning in the near future, you’d be hard pressed to think Collins wouldn’t stay the starting running back. As long as he keeps holding on the ball and running the way he does, there’s good things for the Ravens ground game this season.