Baltimore Ravens Running Backs: Who Takes the Lead Role?

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Aug 7, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Lorenzo Taliaferro (34) runs with the ball in the third quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

Lorenzo Taliaferro

Lorenzo Taliaferro is the wildcard here, but that doesn’t make him an afterthought by any means. After his breakout performance against the Cleveland Browns, Taliaferro looks slated to have a much bigger role going forward.

Even with Pierce back in the picture, Taliaferro showed enough to be the short-yardage back, as he did his best work between the tackles.

Taliaferro should also have earned an opportunity to establish himself going forward. That means making sure all three backs get carries early and seeing who has the hot hand that day. That was always the strategy for Pierce and Forsett, but now Taliaferro should be added to that rotation as well.

Taliaferro is just 98 yards away from the team lead in rushing, despite only having received substantive action in one game. He has a very good chance to end the season with the team lead. All he has to do is get hot and stay hot, and the Ravens will be forced to give him the ball.