When you think of the Ravens offense, what comes to mind?
Probably Lamar Jackson, a solid running game, as many field goals as touchdowns (if not more), and too many delay of game penalties. All accurate thoughts. Hopefully, though, with the addition of new Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken, those last two will become distant memories.
Last year, the Ravens’ offense finished 19th in points scored (20.6 per game) and 16th in yards gained (338.8 per game). The points scored mark was their lowest rank since 2016 (21st) and their lowest mark since 2015 (20.5 points scored per game).
Given a few key injuries, it’s understandable why Baltimore performed beneath expectations. At the same time, one could argue that the defenses they faced also had to deal with losing key players.
The general notion is that the Ravens offense is at their best when they’re running the ball. During Jackson’s MVP season, that was true. In 2019, Baltimore ran for well over 3,000 yards as a team, including a per game average of over 200 yards.
Last season, they weren’t too far off the 3,000-yard threshold. In 2022, Baltimore rushed 526 times for 2,720 yards and 14 touchdowns, for a per-carry average of 5.17 yards. Their passing attack was a bit better, gaining 3,202 yards on 488 attempts and scoring 19 touchdowns.
The Super Bowl champion Chiefs had a pass/run ratio of 61.0/39.0. The NFC Champion Eagles had a pass/run ratio of 49.6/50.4. Both teams won 14 games and made the Super Bowl. Given the right personnel, you can win either way. The 2019 Ravens ran the ball 57.5 percent of the time and finished with the best record in franchise history. It all comes down to personnel.
Speaking of personnel, Baltimore has five running backs and two fullbacks currently on its roster. It’s fairly safe to say the final active roster will include three running backs and one full back. Patrick Ricard has the clear, unquestioned advantage over Ben Mason at fullback. The 4-time Pro Bowler just turned 29 in May, so he’s firmly in his prime.
As for the primary ball carriers, J.K. Dobbins is No. 1, with Gus Edwards being 1a. Quite honestly, I wouldn’t mind if those roles were reversed. Both average over five yards per carry and at least 50 yards per game in their career, so the order doesn’t really matter (except when it comes to contract time).
One problem: both are in contract years…kind of. Dobbins is set to be an unrestricted free agent at the conclusion of this season, while Edwards’ contract voids after 2023 (four void years thru 2027).
It’s really an ideal situation for the team. In a league (and particularly an offense) where you need two good running backs, the Ravens have two good running backs and those two are auditioning for a big pay day. As far as the player’s mindset, I have to think they’re not happy, as they will have to perform at their best without risking injury and what could be the biggest contract of their life.
One thing is for sure: Monken will give them the opportunity to shine. In 2019, he helped Browns running back Nick Chubb gain 1,494 yards rushing (2nd-most in the league that season). Last season at Georgia, the Bulldog’s offense led the country in yards gained and point scored.
With his coaching pedigree and outspoken feelings about increasing tempo and offensive efficiency, Dobbins and Edwards will have plenty of opportunities to prove themselves.
What will a successful season look like for these two? First and foremost, staying healthy. In six pro seasons, Dobbins and Edwards have combined to play in 75 of a possible 98 games. Secondly, they’ll want to extend drives and maximize touches. Both backs, throughout their careers, have gained an average of 5.53 yards per touch.
Edwards has a particular advantage to shine, as the 238-pound back gained 14.3 yards per reception in 2020, yet, somehow, he only saw two targets last season. You don’t have to be an accomplished offensive coordinator like Monken to know Edwards needs to be given more of a role in the passing game.
After Dobbins and Edwards, the favorite to solidify to running backs room is Justice Hill. Keaton Mitchell (East Carolina) and Owen Wright (Monmouth), both rookies, are realistically fighting for a spot on the practice squad. Hill is a free agent after the 2025 season, but if he’s cut after this season, Baltimore gains $2.5 million in cap savings. So, in a way, he’s in a contract year, too.
Hill’s primary contribution will be on special teams, which is no small duty. In the last three years, Baltimore’s special teams have finished ranked tied for 2nd, 1st, and 2nd. Ravens coaches know how vital special teams are to the success of the franchise, so if Hill represents an advantage to them in that regard, they will likely keep him, even if he doesn’t offer a significant contribution on offense.
Of course, Jackson running will have a tremendous influence on defensive gameplans the Ravens will face. That impact is hard to overstate. Considering their health, experience, youth and scheme they’re now in, Baltimore’s running backs could very well be a Top 10 unit this season.
All three backs (Dobbins, Edwards, Hill) missed 2021 due to injury. Last year, needless to say, was not much better.
This year, when all are making a claim for the big contract, is three years in the making. They will have the chance to shine. It’s just up to them to produce.
Born in Baltimore, Mike had long been drawn to sports of all kinds. Growing up watching Cal Ripken play ever day gave him a great example for which to attack every endeavor he undertakes.
When the Ravens came to town, though, that’s when Mike found his passion. Since that time, he’s tried to gain every bit of knowledge he could. Now as a high school coach, Mike is able to take his film study and appreciation of the game to a new level.
To engage with Mike on social media, follow him on Twitter @MikeFastNFL.