Ravens Week 1 Stock Report: Justin Madubuike shines, running backs disappoint
By Jake Lippman
Ravens running backs (Trending Down)
With running backs Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins still working their way back from injury, the Ravens signed Kenyan Drake after he was released from the Las Vegas Raiders.
They also signed Mike Davis at the tail end of free agency after he had a decent year with the Atlanta Falcons in 2021. With them was 2019 fourth-round pick Justice Hill. Between these three, the Ravens have their temporary running back committee.
Unfortunately, Week 1 was not their best game. Now, I will give the Jets credit. Where they may lack talent in some areas, they are a solid team when it comes to their run defense.
They have a defensive-minded head coach and will be a team that will present difficulty throughout the year for their opponents. This week, the Ravens struggled. Running backs contributed 15 carries for 46 yards or just over three yards per carry.
That’s just not going to do it.
In addition, the trio was very quiet in the passing game, only catching three passes for 22 yards. In a game where the team found success on defense, special teams, and in the passing game, the Ravens were able to overcome their lack of a rushing attack.
In the future, the run-oriented offense will need a boost. Dobbins is likely a week or two away and Gus “The Bus” will likely join sometime midseason. For now, the team looks to their Week 2 matchup with the Miami Dolphins as the starting point for improvement.