Kenneth Dixon: The forgotten running back for the Ravens
By Joe Schiller
Kenneth Dixon returns off injury and suspension with a chance to make an impact in his third NFL season.
Out of all the offseason moves made to improve the offense, the Baltimore Ravens have barely touched the running back position. Aside from releasing Danny Woodhead and signing a few undrafted rookies, the backfield remains the same.
Alex Collins is primed for a huge year after a coming out party in 2017. He finished just shy of 1,000 yards in 12 starts for the Ravens. Buck Allen enters the last year of his rookie contract, looking to take over Woodhead’s role as the versatile pass-catching threat for Joe Flacco. But perhaps the most interesting player is Kenneth Dixon. Almost a forgotten part of the offense, he returns from a disappointing 2017 campaign.
Dixon was highly touted coming out of Louisiana Tech and found a role with the Ravens early in 2016. After missing the first four games of the season with a knee injury, Dixon was featured primarily as the No. 2 back behind Terrance West. He racked up 544 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns, showing off an impressive motor and strength.
The production got fans and the coaching staff alike excited for a breakout 2017 season but it was anything but that.
In March of that year, Dixon was suspended four games for violating the league’s PED policy. Shortly after, he suffered a season-ending meniscus tear and was placed on injured reserve. He joined the long list of offseason injuries suffered last season.
Since releasing a statement over a year ago, we haven’t heard from the 24-year old running back. He’s been relatively quiet, presumably rehabbing and preparing for a crucial bounce-back season in 2018. That’s exactly what the Ravens will need from him.
The lack of attention at running back assumes Ozzie Newsome and co. are comfortable with their options. But Collins isn’t a surprise to NFL teams anymore. Defensive coaches will be actively game planning against his physical style of run play.
The NFL has transitioned to a backfield by committee approach. Just take a look at the two teams that played for Super Bowl LII. Both the Patriots and Eagles followed that same trend with a one-two and even three punch out of the backfield.
Dixon showed potential in his rookie season but is he a player the Ravens can truly rely on? Two knee injuries in two seasons and a suspension certainly raise questions. But with the talent he possesses, Dixon should earn a roster spot and see his fair share of touches.
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Once OTAs and mandatory minicamp begin within the month, we’ll get a better idea of what’s to be expected from a running back who’s been absent from the gridiron for quite some time.