Ravens still have an amazing and dominating rushing attack

The Baltimore Ravens’ rushing game is an impressive and unusual offensive weapon.

Despite not having a true workhorse, do-to guy and despite a running back room that often looks like an overwhelmed M*A*S*H unit, the Baltimore Ravens have the third-most rushing yards in the NFL. It doesn’t matter who is in the backfield. This unit continues to produce impressive results.

The Ravens rank third in the league in rushing yards behind the Bears and Eagles, averaging 162 yards a game on the ground. Baltimore averages 5.2 yards per carry as a team, an incredible number that sits second only to the Bears. Unbelievably, none of their top five ball carriers have played in all 13 games.

It doesn’t seem to matter who is healthy and who is not. For this unit, whoever is up next is always ready to go and produce for the team. The Ravens hadn’t had a game with less than 100 yards on the ground since week one when they only totaled 63 yards. On Sunday versus the Steelers, it was J.K. Dobbins’ turn to shine, wracking up 120 yards on just 15 carries in the 16-14 win over their divisional rival.

Everyone knows how talented Lamar Jackson is running the football but the Ravens are more than a one-man show with their ground attack. Jackson was out against the Steelers and Baltimore still managed 215 rushing yards, the third time they’ve done in the last eight games.

Who are the Baltimore Ravens’ leading rushers in 2022

The Ravens have five players with 225 yards rushing or more so far this season. All of them average at least 4.2 yards per carry.

• Lamar Jackson – 12 games, 768 yards, 6.8 average
• Kenyan Drake – 11 games, 422 yards, 4.5 average
• Gus Edwards – 5 games, 261 yards, 4.2 average
• J.K. Dobbins – 5 games, 243 yards, 4.9 average
• Justice Hill – 11 games, 225 yards, 5.5 average

What is amazing about this group is the incredible depth. Hill, who’s had the fewest opportunities, has the highest average among the running backs. This depth allows them to maintain their team identity even with their star quarterback on the sidelines.

The Ravens still have a good chance at the AFC North. Their next three games are at the Browns, home against the Falcons, and at home against the Steelers. Those games are all winnable. The wild card here is Jackson’s health. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Saturday that the Baltimore star wouldn’t be ready until Christmas Eve against the Falcons.

"“Jackson’s most realistic return date, as of Sunday, would be Baltimore’s Saturday afternoon game on Christmas Eve against the Falcons, according to sources. There also is a strong chance Jackson will not be at full strength for the rest of the regular season, at least.”"

This could be problematic for the Ravens unless their running game can continue to dominate as it has so far this season. Of course, the defenses will load up the box in an effort to stifle the ground attack so this unit will be severely tested, especially against the Browns. If they can survive Cleveland, and Jackson can return in good enough health to lead them past the Falcons and Stellers, it sets up a winner takes all match-up with the Bengals in week 18 for the divisional title.

The ground attack has been awesome this season and it needs to continue to be the next man up if the Ravens want to be AFC North champions.