Ravens' electrifying playmaker sparks offense (but still barely sees the field)

The Baltimore Ravens' handling of Keaton Mitchell has been maligned all season long. Mitchell was a healthy inactive for the first four weeks of the season. This widely frustrated Ravens fans, as Mitchell's explosiveness was clear during his last fully healthy season in 2023.

Thankfully, John Harbaugh has started to give Mitchell a real role. However, it's come in the wake of Justice Hill's injury, and more concerningly, Mitchell still doesn't have a big enough role.

During Thursday night's embarrassing 32-14 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, Mitchell was outsnapped by Rasheen Ali. This is despite Mitchell recording 19 yards and a touchdown in his two rushing attempts. In contrast, Ali recorded 17 rushing yards with four attempts.

To make matters even more baffling, this was Ali's second game this season with more than one rushing attempt. How has Mitchell not earned more carries?

Mitchell needs a bigger role (still)

Mitchell gives the Ravens backfield a much-needed explosive element. The Ravens need to lean into their run game as their passing game has struggled in recent weeks. While Derrick Henry is fantastic, he can't get every single carry, and Mitchell's elite speed makes him the ideal complement to Henry.

Just look at Mitchell break through for an 18-yard touchdown.

The third-year running back is averaging an absurd 6.1 yards per rushing attempt. However, Mitchell has just 25 rushing attempts on the year. His low usage certainly boosts this stat, but there's no denying his explosiveness. Mitchell is below the minimum threshold for season-leading stats, but it's worth noting that Jonathan Taylor and Jahmyr Gibbs lead the NFL with 5.8 yards per carry.

Mitchell, having more yards than the league leaders in his limited role, is certainly something that must be considered.

During Mitchell's rookie season appeared in eight games, recording 396 yards on 47 attempts, which translates to 8.4 yards per attempt. Mitchell has played in the same number of games this season, but hasn't gotten nearly the same usage. With Hill's injury and the need to run the ball more, Mitchell must see a bigger role. There's simply no reason Mitchell shouldn't get more touches.

The Ravens offense hasn't looked the same, but they have the talent to turn things around. Regardless, this will take a lot of changes from the coaching staff, and utilizing Mitchell more should be near the top of the list.

Mitchell could give the 6-6 Ravens the punch they need to make a playoff push. While giving Mitchell more reps won't single-handedly secure a playoff spot, it could be a key factor.

If the Ravens don't unleash Mitchell, it will be coaching malpractice.