Baltimore Ravens vs New Orleans Saints: Position by Position Grades

Running Backs

Aug 28, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Lorenzo Taliaferro (34) runs through a hole in the New Orleans Saints defense in the second quarter of their game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

After an unimpressive performance in Week 3 against the Redskins, the running game excelled once again. Note that neither Ray Rice nor Bernard Pierce participated in this game, as expected.

The surprise rusher in this game was undrafted rookie free agent Fitzgerald Toussaint, who carried the ball 17 times for 103 yards (6.1 yards-per-carry), becoming the first and only Raven to eclipse the 100-yard mark in a single game this preseason. He made a good case to be the third running back on the roster during Ray Rice’s absence instead of veteran Justin Forsett.

The big guy, Lorenzo Taliaferro, looked pretty good last night as well. Although his numbers weren’t flashy, he ground out some tough yardage. He rushed 25 times for 88 yards and capped off a nice preseason for the rookie.

Grade – A-