Mark Ingram’s impact is immeasurable:
Mark Ingram’s numbers as stated above are impressive. He has been punishing defenders all season from his season-opening burst of 49-yards to truck sticking Eric Weddle and other would-be defenders in LA, Ingram has been a monster in the Baltimore backfield. But his impact is not just in the running game.
Consider how important Mark Ingram has been as a pass blocker. According to PFF, Ingram’s pass blocking score is 79.5 where Gus Edwards comes in at 64.4 and Justice Hill at 68.4. That’s a considerable drop off for a Ravens team that has been historic offensively. Furthermore, Ingram is rated as an 84 out of the backfield as a receiver where his counterparts come in at 52.5 and 50.2 respectively. Ingram has been especially effective in the red zone this season giving Lamar Jackson an extra target in the condensed field.
Another key part of Ingram’s game is the improvement of the RPO mesh point fumble issues that Jackson and primarily Edwards struggled with last season. Yes, a ton of the improvement is due to Jackson who took Quantum leaps at every single level this season, but it is fair to be concerned about the switch back to Edwards causing potential issues. The good news is the RPO rushing attack is more potent with Edwards, however the other types of run plays suffer:
Just compared the two based on run types. Likely won't see a downgrade in RO, but will in other run types:
— Cole Jackson (@ColeJacksonFB) January 8, 2020
Edwards: (5.35ypc)
powers - 3.80
OZ - 5.75
IZ - 2.80
RO - 8.83 (!)
Ingram (5.04)
powers - 6.05
OZ - 6.15
IZ - 4.89
RO - 3.96
The last major impact that Mark Ingram has on this team that they would sorely miss is his intangibles. Ingram is a nine-year veteran in the NFL and has been in six playoff games overall which ranks him second on the Ravens offense behind Marshal Yanda. Playoff experience is incredibly valuable to postseason success and for a young offense, a calming presence like Ingram is pivotal.
Mark Ingram has also been the hype man for Lamar Jackson and overall has proven to be a key leader on this Ravens team. Can Mark Ingram still lead from the sidelines? Of course he can. But getting one of their more vocal leaders on the field is the ideal scenario for the Ravens and company.