Baltimore Ravens Training Camp: 3 things the team doesn’t need to fix

BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 31: Running Back Alex Collins #34 of the Baltimore Ravens carries the ball in the fourth quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium on December 31, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 31: Running Back Alex Collins #34 of the Baltimore Ravens carries the ball in the fourth quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium on December 31, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
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BALTIMORE, MD – DECEMBER 23: Running Back Javorius Allen #37 of the Baltimore Ravens carries the ball in the third quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at M&T Bank Stadium on December 23, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – DECEMBER 23: Running Back Javorius Allen #37 of the Baltimore Ravens carries the ball in the third quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at M&T Bank Stadium on December 23, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

1. A good running game:

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The one thing the Ravens offense did well was run the football. It almost makes you wonder why the Ravens didn’t run the football more often. The Ravens ranked 11th in rushing yards per game. Alex Collins and Buck Allen were the main productive components of the offense. When the Ravens remembered to be a run first team, the offense ran more smoothly. Collins is the key to success in 2018. If Collins can give the Ravens an elite rushing attack, or simply recreate last season’s success, the offense could take off to new heights.

When you consider how bad the Ravens pass offense was, the Ravens run game is even more impressive. Joe Flacco averaged just 5.7 yards per pass attempt, which didn’t keep the defense honest. The Ravens ability to run the ball last season spoke to the merit of the offensive line and the ball-carriers. Baltimore has every reason to expect the running game to continue being a driving force in the 2018 season. Collins, Allen and Kenneth Dixon form an exciting trio in the backfield rotation and the passing attack around them figures to be better.

If the Ravens can average over four yards per carry and can rack up around 1,500 yards or more on the ground, this could be a good season. Collins is entering his second season with the Ravens. We have to see him do it for more than just one year, but every indication is that it will be a strong performance by the running backs.

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