Running Game
We can assume the Ravens will try to improve their running game, but it will be more difficult than most believe. The Ravens have, at best, an average offensive line and running back Jamal Lewis isn't what he used to be when he was once the most feared power runner in the game. Even more importantly, the Ravens don't have a good lead blocking fullback on the roster. There are no Sam Gashs. Chuck Evans or Alan Ricards on the roster. Fullbacks Ovie Mughelli and Justin Green are good athletes, but not powerful blockers. Lewis has always run out of the I-formation, and has admitted that this year has been an adjustment with the Ravens using an H-back more instead of a true fullback. It's going to be just as tough trying to cut off a fullback who will have problems blocking linebackers at the point of attack.
Comments
What about using Wilcox as a blocking fullback?
Posted by: Cisco | October 20, 2006 5:24 PM
How can the Ravens hope to establish an offensive identity if these issues are still out there at this stage of the game? I hope you're wrong because no offensive identity means continued offensive struggles and confusion, even with Billick at the helm. And that means an unlikely return to the Super Bowl, or perhaps even the playoffs. Nevertheless, I remain faithful and optimistic. I believe in this team, as a team.
Posted by: gordon | October 20, 2006 7:21 PM
Excuses, excuses, excuses. It's been 3 years now; I think the jury is in.
Posted by: Sugarbear | October 21, 2006 8:36 AM
Why not re-establish the "I" with Mike Anderson playing fullback. He played some fullback in Denver a few years ago.
This gets Jamal back to the "I" and adds a dynamic twist to the offense - allowing Billick to be creative and versatile in his use of the two backs - e.g. similar to when they ran both Priest and Jamal during the '00-'01 playoffs.
Granted Anderson is a not a traditional fullback but he is a great athlete and could fill this gap while getting more into the gameplan - e.g. catching screens and short passes - allowing Jamal to be decoy.
Posted by: RockyMountainOyster | October 21, 2006 1:25 PM
And to think we passed up Lawrence Maroney because we resigned Jamal. What a waster of salary cap space!
Posted by: Patrick | October 22, 2006 1:06 PM
Did you watch Chester taylor yesterday? He is the second great back we have let go and kept Jamal. Who makes these decisions?
Posted by: jim Gayhardt | October 23, 2006 12:40 PM
I think it's time for Billick to realize that Jamal Lewis is not going to have another 2000 plus yards season. It's time to give someone else a chance. Musa Smith deserves more carries than he gets. If Jamal Lewis is not producing, sit him down and go with someone else.
Offensive line, well, what can you say. Let's see what the benchwarmers can do.
Posted by: Cheryl Ragsdale | October 23, 2006 1:18 PM
Jamal Lewis is a 250 pound running back with speed once he hits open field. He does not, however, possess the quickness and moves of a Walter Payton or Barry Sanders. Lewis is most effective when he uses his size to hit the holes hard and punish defenders. Lately, when Lewis gets the ball he displays more tap dancing at the line then the late Gregory Hines. If Lewis is delusional and thinks he has the waterbug moves of Payton and Sanders, sit him down to watch some film of them running. If he's afraid of getting hurt, just sit him down on the bench.
Posted by: The Duckster | October 24, 2006 10:05 AM
What position does Michael Bucklous play?
Posted by: Deena | March 23, 2007 4:07 AM