As the Ravens proceed to get gamers again from harm, none are extra vital for making a deep postseason run than working backs J.Ok. Dobbins and Gus Edwards.
There is a cry from some league analysts and followers for normal supervisor Eric DeCosta so as to add one other receiver, reminiscent of free agent Odell Beckham Jr., however that’s regular on this city.
This offense constructed by coordinator Greg Roman requires a powerful working recreation and a top-notch halfback reminiscent of Dobbins, the third-year professional out of Ohio State.
To complement Dobbins, the Ravens have the proper fourth-quarter nearer within the 6-foot-1, 229-pound Edwards.
When each have been final wholesome on the similar in 2020, Dobbins rushed for 805 yards and 9 touchdowns, whereas Edwards had 723 yards and 6 touchdowns.
They each suffered torn ACLs the next preseason and missed all of 2021, however Dobbins has performed within the final three video games and Edwards has practiced for almost three weeks now.
They could possibly be collectively once more quickly, which is why the Ravens don’t must panic and make any questionable trades for receivers earlier than the Nov. 1 deadline.
“Last year was odd, crazy,” Dobbins stated after observe Thursday. “I believe I had my harm like 4 days earlier than Gus, and on the day I used to be getting into for surgical procedure I acquired [the] notification about Gus and [cornerback] Marcus Peters happening.
“Now, I just offer him [Gus] words of encouragement. I can’t wait for him to get out there with me and it will be a good mental breakthrough for him, too.”
The Ravens (3-2) have struggled at instances this season on each side of the ball, however they will get assistance on each offense and protection with a powerful working recreation.
The Ravens have the No. 7 ranked working recreation within the NFL, however that’s deceptive as a result of quarterback Lamar Jackson has rushed 49 instances for 374 yards. Dobbins solely has 28 carries for 108 yards and one landing.
It’s a restricted position, but it surely offers him time to construct up power in his knee and get into peak form within the closing month of the season when groups make that final playoff push.
That similar method can also be getting used for Edwards. The present rotation contains Dobbins, Kenyan Drake and Mike Davis.
It’s not an amazing combine, however respectable.
“When you start looking into who gets how many carries, who gets how many snaps, that’s not really in our thought process,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh stated. “We’re not saying, ‘Oh, this guy has got to get so many carries, and if he doesn’t, then one thing is incorrect.’ You play guys in conditions, guys get a bit bit drained, some guys do sure issues higher, [and] you need them on the market for sure issues.
“We’ve got three backs up; they’re all good players, so you want to use them all to some degree, as much as you can. None of those guys are really special teams guys. So, yes, you just try to win the game with the guys you have and where you’re at in that place and time.”
The Ravens’ philosophy is obvious. They need Jackson throwing the ball 15 to 35 instances a recreation, and when he goes past that, the Ravens have struggled, particularly within the postseason.
Jackson is an explosive expertise however is normally restricted to fast passes over the center. His decision-making might be poor, which is among the causes the Ravens have struggled in current weeks towards Cincinnati and Buffalo.
Ideally, the Ravens need to strike early in video games, get a lead after which win the time of possession battle with a powerful working recreation.
Having a wholesome Dobbins and Edwards would additionally assist the protection. The Ravens rank No. 32 in go protection, permitting almost 290 yards per recreation. They have misplaced fourth-quarter leads towards Miami, Buffalo and Cincinnati, however at the least they prevailed towards the Bengals.
One of the very best methods to maintain high-powered offenses off the sector is with a powerful working recreation. There aren’t many issues extra demoralizing for a protection than a gentle dose of Dobbins and Edwards within the fourth quarter.
On Sunday, the Ravens face a New York Giants group permitting a median of 131.6 dashing yards per recreation. Two weeks in the past towards the Bills, Dobbins juked a defender and left him greedy for air. Against the Bengals, a run that ought to have been a 2-yard loss as a substitute resulted in a 12-yard achieve when Dobbins ran by a number of defenders.
He’s near returning to 100%, however the Ravens are affected person. They need Dobbins and Edwards (nicknamed The Bus) collectively once more.
“I’m still working, trying to get better each day,” Dobbins stated. “I’m back to my old self. This is tough because I pride myself in being a game breaker, a playmaker. But I know the organization is trying to be safe with me, and even though I don’t realize it sometimes, I’m glad to be part of an organization that takes care of its athletes.”
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Source: www.bostonherald.com