The Baltimore Ravens don’t have a running game right now. It’s a sentence that seems odd given the dominant rushing attack the organization has had over the last few years with Lamar Jackson at the helm.
But it’s true. The Ravens’ lack of a running game is equal parts stunning as it is concerning.
They’ve failed to have a running back rush for over 30 yards in two of the last three weeks. They fell short of the 100-yard mark last week for the first time in three years.
Fortunately, their ice-cold running game will be given a golden opportunity to bounce back and find success again with an ideal matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 6.
The Ravens running game could find success again against the Chargers
The Ravens will play host to the Chargers in Week 6 in a battle between two exciting 4-1 teams coming off action-packed victories.
Both teams have leaned on their quarterbacks this season, but the Ravens have been forced to do so out of necessity. After facing criticism that they were too one-dimensional for years, the Ravens remain one-dimensional.
Only they’ve pulled a complete 180 on the narrative.
The Ravens are entirely dependent on Jackson and the passing game, as evidenced by the fact that he broke his career-high for passing yards twice in consecutive weeks.
None of the four running backs who have received touches have been able to do anything of note in recent weeks. Not aging veterans Latavius Murray, Devonta Freeman, and Le’Veon Bell and not former undrafted free agent Ty’Son Williams.
However, their matchup with the Chargers could jumpstart things for Baltimore.
The Chargers currently rank dead last in the NFL in both rushing yards allowed per game (157.6) and rushing yards allowed per attempt (5.6). There’s every reason to believe that this could be the week the Ravens rushing attack shows up again.
Especially with the Chargers missing a number of key front-seven players including defensive tackle Justin Jones and linebackers Kenneth Murray and Drue Tranquill.
This is the matchup that the Ravens needed. They need to keep pace with the Chargers’ high-octane offense and find a way to establish the running game early.
For as great as Lamar Jackson has been, they can’t continue to completely rely on his arm. Not against a Chargers team with Justin Herbert under center.
The Ravens must find success on the ground in Week 6. Fortunately, their matchup is as favorable as it could be.