Baltimore Ravens training camp: Five major questions
The Baltimore Ravens are opening training camp, and we take a look at five major questions facing this team as they attempt to regain prominence in 2017…
The Baltimore Ravens are set to open 2017 training camp and if you ask me, this is a team that’s on the cusp of contending for the AFC North crown once again.
The Ravens were 8-8 last season and had one of the league’s top 10 scoring defenses and a very good special teams group, but their offense was below average and maddening at times. They fired Marc Trestman midseason, replacing him with Marty Monhinweg.
With an improved offense, the Ravens have a chance to unseat the Steelers in the AFC North this year. Here are my top five questions and issues facing this team as we approach the start of a new season…
1. Where is the run game production coming from?
It will be very interesting to see, first and foremost, which back carries the majority of the load for the Ravens this year.
In case you didn’t know, Terrance West was last year’s leading rusher with 774 yards and five touchdowns in 13 starts. He averaged four yards per carry, and considering the majority of his runs came between the left and right guard, that’s not bad at all.
The sample we got last season from West may have been enough for the Ravens to be comfortable with him as their lead back moving forward. He showed he can break tackles in the trenches and contribute positively in the passing game.
West was efficient with the snaps he was given and the role he was asked to play, but the Ravens have some guys that can help out behind him.
With Kenneth Dixon out for the season following surgery on a torn meniscus, it will be Danny Woodhead who is the primary backup running back, and if he’s healthy, he’s a great veteran to have around.
When Woodhead is able to play extensive snaps, he is one of the best pass catching backs in the NFL. He is also one of the best at creating yards after the catch, so the Ravens hope he can provide a dynamic option in that regard.
Still, another back may be necessary. The Ravens don’t have anyone that can seemingly blow the game open with a big play in the running game now that Dixon is out. Unless Buck Allen steps it up in camp, I think the Ravens could be in the market for one more back.