The Baltimore Ravens were on the wrong end of an instant classic game in Week 1 of the 2021 regular season, losing to the Las Vegas Raiders by the final score of 33-27. It was a contest that Baltimore probably should have won in regulation, but their defense gave up a massive amount of yards in under 37 seconds, setting Las Vegas up to kick a game-tying field goal.
It’s rough to start any season 0-1, but with a game against the Kansas City Chiefs staring them in the face, it’s a bit more of a cause for concern. Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report listed off one thing that every team has to change after Week 1, and for the Ravens he said that forcing Lamar Jackson to lead the running game must stop.
“The Ravens lost running backs J.K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards and Justice Hill before the start of the regular season. They had to scramble to add replacements and signed Latavius Murray and Le’Veon Bell (practice squad) mere days before the season opener…Still, letting Jackson lead the team with 12 carries against the Las Vegas Raiders was a mistake. In addition to taking additional hits, Jackson fumbled once on a scramble and three times overall. In an overtime loss, his turnovers were the difference.”
Knox pointed to the fact that Baltimore needs more balance offensively.
“While the Ravens certainly don’t want to take away the threat of Jackson running, there needs to be more balance offensively. Whether that means giving backs like Murray and Ty’Son Williams more carries, elevating Bell or adding a free agent like Todd Gurley, something must change. Otherwise, opposing defenses will key on Jackson in an effort to force him into game-altering mistakes.”
Even though there should be a bit more balance offensively, Jackson leading the run game with 12 carries is far different than him leading it with 20 or 25. The next highest carry amount in Week 1 was 10 by Latavius Murray. As the Ravens get their new running backs up to speed, Baltimore could rely on the ground game even more, Jackson included. The quarterback averaged 10.6 carries per game in 2020, so the 12 he received in the opening game of 2021 was only a slight increase from what he did last season.
It’s understandable that Knox doesn’t want to see Jackson take as many hits in the run game. However, the fourth-year signal caller has been among the best at keeping his body away from a lot of contact over recent years. He will have to cut down on his turnovers, but those can happen in the pocket too and even while throwing. Even so, it seems likely that the Ravens will get their running backs more involved as the season goes on, which could potentially lighten the rushing load for Jackson.
