The Ravens are considering adding a new running back to breathe life into an unanimated ground attack. Once a dependable arm of the Ravens offense, the ground attack has floundered this season. While the passing attack is the 9th most productive in the league, the ground attack is in the basement, sitting at 24th in the same metric. The Ravens see the run game as a stabilizing force, one that can take pressure off Joe Flacco and the passing attack. In hopes of finding a running back to help resurrect the ground game, the Ravens worked out five running backs, Jamaal Charles, Charcandrick West, Fitz Touissant, Akrum Wadley, and Dare Ogunbowale.
The Ravens have a vested interest in restoring the power of the running game, but would the addition of a new ball carrier actually improve it? None of the running backs that the Ravens worked out are game changers. Jamaal Charles, the most high profile player of the group, is 31 and will not be able to carry the group to greatness. None of the five running backs have any tangible advantage over the three running backs currently on the Ravens roster either. Alex Collins is the lead back, who is elusive yet powerful. Buck Allen is the third-down running back with great receiving abilities, and Gus Edwards is the power back for short yardage situations.
The Ravens are diligent for looking to improve a struggling portion of the team. However, there is simply no outside alternative that can improve the attack at this time. If the Ravens want to turn the running game around, into one that can produce for the offense, then Marty Mornhinweg must work to change the scheme, and play off the strengths of all three running backs. If the Ravens can create an efficient running attack, the already great offense will become one of the best in the league.
