Baltimore Ravens: Can Gus Edwards keep up his dynamic pace?

From undrafted rookie free agent to starting running back for the Baltimore Ravens, can Gus Edwards stay hot for the remainder of 2018?

With the way Alex Collins ended the 2017 season, it seemed to be a forgone conclusion that he would build off his success and challenge for a 1,000-yard season. Instead, Collins has greatly regressed in 2018 and looks like a complete afterthought on the offense. Who would step up in his place then? Kenneth Dixon? No. Javorius Allen? Not even close.

Try Gus Edwards.

If I told you that 2018 undrafted rookie free agent Gus Edwards out of Rutgers would eventually become Baltimore’s lead back, you would’ve called me crazy. Instead, the 6’1″ 238-lbs. runner has been the Ravens focal point on offense next to fellow rookie Lamar Jackson. Based off all the moves the front office made this off-season to compliment Joe Flacco, none of what we’re seeing now was even remotely expected.

However, to the surprise of everyone, Edwards has been as dynamic as anyone else on the team’s offense. The duo of Edwards and Jackson in the backfield has made opposing Defensive Coordinators lose their minds. Edwards is a big, strong runner who is nearly impossible to bring down, while Jackson can beat you with his legs but is also becoming a stronger passer with each passing week (no pun intended).

With their unique blend of running style meshed together, it makes for an unstoppable force. The looming question about the offense is whether or not Jackson can continue to mature as a passer. But the real question that needs to be asked is this: Can Gus Edwards continue his dynamic pace?

The unlikeliest of heroes:

Somehow, the Baltimore Ravens remain in playoff contention and are riding a two-game winning streak following their bye week. It isn’t coincidental that this started as soon as the team switched its quarterbacks from Flacco to Jackson and began giving Edwards more touches. Regardless of the unlikeliness, Baltimore’s playoff hopes lie in the laps of Jackson and Edwards.

This is more true for Jackson than it is Edwards, but that’s because he’s the quarterback of the team and must captain the team to success. A lot of the rookie quarterback’s success can be attributed to Edwards play, however, putting a larger emphasis on Edwards to keep his pace up. No pressure.

The Ravens have always been recognized as a run-first team, and this identity is coming back with the play of Lamar Jackson and Gus Edwards. While it is Jackson that must continue progressing, it’s up to Edwards to keep up his pace. With a runner like Edwards to lean on, things become that much easier for Jackson. Baltimore will certainly be hoping for the young man to keep up his current hot streak, and we’re looking forward to Gus Edwards continuing to mold himself into a featured running back for the Ravens offense.