Opinion: The Baltimore Ravens have best run game in NFL

The biggest factor in the Baltimore Ravens 4-1 run has been Lamar Jackson’s impact on the running game, which is now objectively the best in the NFL.

It has become well known that Lamar Jackson is the quarterback of the future. First off, and most importantly, the team is winning football games, but it’s special how they’re winning the games. “Ravens football” is thought of when the team is running the ball and playing stout defense, and since Lamar has been at the helm, that is exactly what has been happening. The long drives that take up the clock has helped the defense get long rests and get the opposition out of rhythm.

Lamar Jackson is a unique talent at the quarterback position. He’s one of the best runners in the NFL, and teams are having to adjust to his style of play. After Week 15, Jackson has rushed for at least 70 yards in all but one of his starts. The read-option is giving teams trouble, and also his ability to improvise when he drops back gives opposing Defensive Coordinators headaches.

Another revelation that has helped the rushing attack has been Gus “Bus” Edwards. Alex Collins, who excelled last year as the Ravens starting running back, regressed mightily this year. Collins has struggled to find holes and break tackles, something he did better than anyone last year. Enter Gus Edwards, who has been everything we hoped Collins would be this year.

Undrafted out of Rutgers, Edwards has rushed for 550 yards and averaged 5.0 yards per carry. That is extremely good, if you didn’t know. Also, the resurgence of Kenneth Dixon cannot go overlooked. I have been saying that when healthy (and that is the problem), Dixon is the Ravens most well-rounded back. He has averaged 4.7 yards per carry and has busted some big plays for the offense late in the year.

Finally, the offensive line is looking better than they have all year. They are executing blocks and getting into the second level at will. Orlando Brown Jr. taking over at right tackle is certainly a big reason for this, but also Matt Skura playing his best football since the bye-week, which has been huge for the unit.

I really struggle to find a team that is running the ball better than Baltimore is right now. In their last 5 games with Jackson at quarterback, they have rushed for more than 200 yards in all but 1 of them (198 yards at Kansas City). They are now 2nd in the league with 141.8 yards rushing per game, and they are by far first in the league in that category since Jackson took over.

I give a lot of credit to the Ravens coaching staff and John Harbaugh for turning this season around. This system is obviously working, and it might just save the staff their jobs. The season isn’t over yet, and the Ravens will need to win two more big games to get to the playoffs. But no matter what happens, the future is definitely bright in Baltimore, thanks to the league’s best run game.