If the Ravens want to run the ball in December...

**ballhawk** · 12-02-2011, 06:35 PM

...they can. 4 of the final 5 games are against 3 of the worst run defenses in

the league. Indy (32nd), Browns x2 (29th), SD (25th). the timing couldn't be

better. it is time for the Ravens to get the running game into gear as they

make their push for the playoffs.

**73doubledown73** · 12-03-2011, 02:28 PM

f december. they need to worry bout january.

**Tucking** · 12-03-2011, 02:31 PM

Originally Posted by 73doubledown73

f december. they need to worry bout january.

f January, Gotta worry about February

**bmorecareful** · 12-03-2011, 03:48 PM

This is very encouraging. The ravens desperately need to improve their rushing efficiency, and they very well may do it over the next month. The time is now to get things figured out. If the run game is still stagnant come playoff time, it will only get worse--the AFC playoff field is sure to be full of good run defenses.

**ballhawk** · 12-03-2011, 04:41 PM

it's all on Cam Cameron, IMO. if he sticks with the balance that he has found in the last 2 games, we may be INDY bound. He has finally installed a short passing game into the offense as well, something we have been lacking for 3+ years. he has been calling a lot of slants and short passes lately, and i like it.

as for the running game...it has had its struggles this season, no doubt. but you get rice 20 or so carries a game over the next 5 weeks, they should be able to fine tune some things against these sorry defenses, and be that much better for it in january.

**rpcfball** · 12-03-2011, 06:50 PM

lets hope so. theres nothing more satisfying than knowing that you can run it right at someone and be successful. we havent gotten to see much of that this year

**Ravenswintitle** · 12-04-2011, 06:07 PM

well they ran the hell out of it today! take what the D gives you

**ballhawk** · 12-04-2011, 06:51 PM

glad Harbaugh kept Rice in the game long enough to get 200 yards. great showing for the running game, Leach was putting guys on their backs.

**rastaman831226** · 12-04-2011, 07:11 PM

If this team is to get a better running game for January, now is the time to install Gurode at C and Jones at blocking TE especially in short yardage and Red Zone situations.

**ballhawk** · 12-04-2011, 07:29 PM

WOW...52 attempts for 290 yards rushing against the browns. that is great...and just what this team needs right now.

**BcRaven** · 12-04-2011, 08:16 PM

Originally Posted by ballhawk

WOW...52 attempts for 290 yards rushing against the browns. that is great...and just what this team needs right now.

Hawk, don't forget that the run gave us a 37:34 to 22:26 time of possession advantage. That's 15 minutes and 8 seconds more than the Browns had it. The equivalent of an entire quarter. That bodes well for our rested defense, but badly for the incoming Colts... Bc

**ballhawk** · 12-04-2011, 08:30 PM

Originally Posted by BcRaven

Hawk, don't forget that the run gave us a 37:34 to 22:26 time of possession advantage. That's 15 minutes and 8 seconds more than the Browns had it. The equivalent of an entire quarter. That bodes well for out rested defense, but badly for the incoming Colts... Bc

absolutely....it's a winning formula. the ravens kind of got away from that formula for a little while this year and dropped a couple that they shouldn't have. the strength of this team is still the defense and no better way to exploit that strenth than to commit to the running game.

**BcRaven** · 12-04-2011, 08:38 PM

Originally Posted by ballhawk

absolutely....it's a winning formula. the ravens kind of got away from that formula for a little while this year and dropped a couple that they shouldn't have. the strength of this team is still the defense and no better way to exploit that strenth than to commit to the running game.

Right, and a few other things have come together too...Cam has either seen (or was told to see) the light, and Grubbs return seems to have solidified the entire OLine. I also think it's very satisfying for OLinemen to punch out the opposition in the running game, rather than staying back too often protecting the passer... Bc

**lovefootball** · 12-04-2011, 09:17 PM

Getting 1st downs by running keeps the defense fresh. Controlling TOP is the way to beat good teams. Ravens can be winners if touchdowns start replacing field goals.

**ballhawk** · 12-04-2011, 09:34 PM

it looks like the only way to beat the packers is by keeping aaron rodgers off the field.

**bacchys** · 12-04-2011, 10:19 PM

Today wasn't balance. 55 runs to 23 passes isn't balance. However, if you're going to be imbalanced, that's the direction to go. Balance only matters if you're not getting the yards in the run game. Failing to keep the defense honest by running the football basically let's the defense dictate the terms of the contest. When you're running the ball down their throat you're dictating to them.

**RavenAggie2** · 12-04-2011, 10:40 PM

Increase Ricky's carries if possible, don't sacrifice anything competitively but he should be able to run on some of these folks too. Let Rice stay fresh(er) for the playoffs.

**Phantoom** · 12-05-2011, 06:38 AM

Originally Posted by RavenAggie2

Increase Ricky's carries if possible, don't sacrifice anything competitively but he should be able to run on some of these folks too. Let Rice stay fresh(er) for the playoffs.

Came here to say this. Rice wears down into the playoffs most years, so let's get Sticky Ricky in there, and remind him to hang onto the ball!