Baltimore Ravens: Predicting the Offensive Numbers

Nov 30, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Justin Forsett (29) chased by San Diego Chargers

(96) and linebacker Kavell Connor (53) at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

Rushing Offense

The Ravens hired Trestman because his style of offense is similar to that of Kubiak. Both coaches use a West Coast offense and Trestman has vowed to use the same zone-blocking schemes that Kubiak implemented last season with great success. After finishing 30th in rushing in 2013, averaging 83 yards per game, the rushing attack featuring Forsett was seventh best in the NFL at 124.5 yards per contest.

The Bears are blessed to have one of the best running backs in the league in Matt Forte. Forte was ranked No. 48 in the NFL Top 100 this season, 17 spots ahead of Forsett, who was voted the 65th best player. However, there is no denying that Forte is a top-five running back in the NFL. Forsett still has plenty to prove to doubters that he is capable of posting back-to-back consecutive seasons. It’s hard to judge Forte because he has never played behind an offensive line like the Ravens possess. The Bears never finished even in the top half of the league in rushing under Trestman, but that is not as big of a deal as you think. 

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We all know that the running backs in Trestman’s system have all had terrific years catching the ball out of the backfield. Forte finished fourth in the NFL with 102 receptions in 2014. That is a mind-boggling stat in an era of football that features so much downfield passing that a running back would catch so many passes. It is important to understand that Trestman likes to use the screen game as if they are rushing plays. The numbers count as receiving yards and diminish the rushing yards. Forte is one of the best athletes in the league and his elusiveness in open space is a reason why.

The Ravens have a running back with some wiggle in Forsett and you can expect to see a significant increase in his receptions from a season ago in which he finished with 44 catches. They drafted Buck Allen because of his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield as well. Allen and Lorenzo Taliaferro are going to battle for the backup running back job.

It is possible that the Ravens rushing numbers do take a dip in 2015. It will be hard to judge how effective the running game will be until it is all said and done. Forsett could actually have an even more effective season with lower rushing totals.

Predictions:

Justin Forsett: 220 carries, 1,075 yards, 7 TD. 60 receptions, 520 yards, 3 TD
Lorenzo Taliaferro: 90 carries, 390 yards, 4 TD. 15 receptions, 110 yards, 0 TD
Buck Allen: 70 carries, 315 yards, 1 TD. 22 receptions, 160 yards, 1 TD