Could we be looking at another "three headed monster" in 2012?

**blacknpurplepain** · 05-29-2012, 05:27 AM

Originally Posted by leachisabeast

Totally agree. I think the FO know very well that we win games when we control the clock and run the ball, and play good defense. I am sure that after the Seahawks and Jag games, the FO probably called Cam in and requested to run the ball more. I think in the AFC North, it is really going to be a total run the ball first, pass second type of division in 2012 and beyond. The Steelers have openly admitted that they want to run the ball a lot more, the Browns drafted Trent Richardson with the 3rd overall pick trading up in the process, and the Bengals used a first round pick on a run grader guard aswell as signing BJGE. And like I said, this isn't really a bad thing, because we know when it is on the line, Flacco can make the big throws and win us big games when he has to.

Expect the Bengals.

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**leachisabeast** · 05-29-2012, 06:08 AM

Originally Posted by GOTA

The problem is that you can no longer say someone looks good at OTAs and say that means something for the team. For example the whole premise of this thread is that AA looked good therefore we have improved options at running back. Until the preseason games there is just no way to know because the OTA just isn't physical enough to get a true picture.

I actually meant that so far AA has been getting most of the first team snaps, not Pierce. It just seems like an indication to me that they are serious about Allen.

**leachisabeast** · 05-29-2012, 06:12 AM

Originally Posted by blacknpurplepain

Expect the Bengals.

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IDK about that, I'm not sold that Andy Dalton is going to be able to run a pass first offense and be effective. They signed BJGE who hasn't really had the chance of doing anything special while playing for the Patriots, but he is certainly an upgrade over Benson at this point. They also spent a first round pick on a guard, and waited a while to draft a WR. They have AJ Green, but outside of him, they have no one proven enough IMO. I think they will be slightly more balanced than other teams though. You can bet any money that the Browns are going to run the ball as much as they can with Richardson, and will want to take pressure off Weeden to start with.

**GOTA** · 05-29-2012, 06:21 AM

Originally Posted by leachisabeast

I actually meant that so far AA has been getting most of the first team snaps, not Pierce. It just seems like an indication to me that they are serious about Allen.

That #2 RB spot is going to be open during camp. Pierce wasn't drafted high enough to be handed anything. They're going to compete all camp and we'll see who comes out on top. What I don't think though is that this will change the Ravens offense to be more run oriented like it was Flacco's rookie season. Rice is still going to get the lions share of snaps.

**leachisabeast** · 05-29-2012, 06:25 AM

Originally Posted by GOTA

That #2 RB spot is going to be open during camp. Pierce wasn't drafted high enough to be handed anything. They're going to compete all camp and we'll see who comes out on top. What I don't think though is that this will change the Ravens offense to be more run oriented like it was Flacco's rookie season. Rice is still going to get the lions share of snaps.

Idk man, they traded up in the third round to get him. A lot of RB's that get drafted in the 3rd are expected to make an early contribution. Roy Helu springs to mind. The Ravens don't normally like giving their rookies a lot of work to begin with, but I guess we will have to wait and see.

**HoustonRaven** · 05-29-2012, 06:39 AM

Originally Posted by leachisabeast

Idk man, they traded up in the third round to get him. A lot of RB's that get drafted in the 3rd are expected to make an early contribution. Roy Helu springs to mind. The Ravens don't normally like giving their rookies a lot of work to begin with, but I guess we will have to wait and see.

I don't think Helu is a good example.

Helu saw the field more because Hightower blew out his ACL. It was a forced move but it did certainly pay off for them.

**GOTA** · 05-29-2012, 08:15 AM

Originally Posted by leachisabeast

Idk man, they traded up in the third round to get him. A lot of RB's that get drafted in the 3rd are expected to make an early contribution. Roy Helu springs to mind. The Ravens don't normally like giving their rookies a lot of work to begin with, but I guess we will have to wait and see.

Musa Smith was drafted by the Ravens in the 3rd round by the Ravens and didn't see much time when he was healthy. PJ Daniels was taken in the 4th round and I don't even remember him ever being active. Both those guys pre date Harbaugh so maybe things have changed but I still think Pierce is going to have to earn his spot if he's going to play this year.