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Baltimore Ravens: Blueprint for offensive success in 2019

By Richard Bradshaw

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - DECEMBER 30: Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts after scoring a touchdown in the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - DECEMBER 30: Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts after scoring a touchdown in the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – JANUARY 06: Gus Edwards #35 of the Baltimore Ravens runs with the ball against the Los Angeles Chargers during the first quarter in the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium on January 06, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – JANUARY 06: Gus Edwards #35 of the Baltimore Ravens runs with the ball against the Los Angeles Chargers during the first quarter in the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium on January 06, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

Use running backs who compliment Jackson:

In 2018, we saw how effective Gus Edwards, an undrafted rookie free agent out of Rutgers, was with Lamar Jackson on offense. Edwards and Jackson combined for 1,413 rushing yards on the year (718 and 695-yards respectively). In their seven starts, Edwards (654-yards) and Jackson (556-yards) again combined for 1,210 rushing yards. Each would be on pace for over 1,200-yards rushing in 16 starts.

Is that sustainable? Heck no! But the main thing to take away from this is that the two have chemistry together. Edwards and Jackson have shown that they’re respective running styles operate smoothly together. Now, the Ravens just need to find another back to compliment them both. That man may already be on the roster.

Baltimore signed running back Mark Ingram during the 2019 Free Agency period, locking him up until 2021. Ingram, who just turned 29-years old in December, still has a few good years left in him, and is already the best running back on the team. Ingram will be the team’s lead back as well as the go-to receiver out of the backfield on passing downs. Signing Ingram was a fantastic move by the front office, if only because he brings multiple facets to the unit.

Related Story. 2019 NFL Draft: Ravens could still draft a running back early. light

However, the Ravens still lack a running back with true home run ability. Edwards is a bona-fide power-back, while Ingram is closer to a do-it-all runner (undeniably with a downhill running style). Jackson may be fast, but he needs a partner in crime who is equally as fast to break off chunk-plays for the offense.

The solution to that might just be in the 2019 NFL Draft, as guys like Darrell Henderson and Devin Singletary have nasty speed to beat defenses. Even beyond them, talented runners like Miles Sanders have the upside to be complete backs, especially after Ingram departs or retires.

The Ravens need to add running back help to finish up a backfield ready to run wild with Lamar Jackson.

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