To say that the Ravens’ running game has been dismal would be an understatement. The team’s offensive output thus far might make a Brian Billick-era offense cringe. However, at least Billick’s teams could run the ball, for the most part. This year’s Ravens haven’t been able to do that at all, as they currently sit 27th in the NFL in rushing yards, and 31st in yards per carry (2.7).
It’s no secret that whatever schemes have been implemented since Juan Castillo stepped on board have not worked. With key divisional games looming, if the staff is waiting to bring out some sort of fire to the ground game, the time is now.
Ray Rice clearly isn’t the explosive runner we have seen in the past, but some sort of pass has to be given considering his hip clearly isn’t back to normal. However, even the comparatively healthy Bernard Pierce has been unable to give much of a boost, thanks to the miserable performance that the offensive line has given for six weeks.
With a bye week approaching, the line should get some time to work and build with whatever coach is leading the way, whether it’s coach Castillo, Moeller, or even Todd Washington, the assistant and former Super Bowl champ.
Might that aforementioned fire in the rushing attack come from former Cincinnati Bengal running back Bernard Scott?
According to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun, the Ravens worked out Scott this week. The team released Shaun Draughn last week, leaving Pierce and Rice as the only active running backs on the 53-man roster.
Think the Ravens brass wishes Bobby Rainey was still around?
This offense needs to get to quick passing on first down, leaving manageable 2nd down plays, and Scott might just be just the guy to get the ball moving until Rice is fully healthy.
Could Scott be a reliable option in the passing game? Although he hasn’t been used much as a check-down weapon out of the backfield (29 receptions in three seasons), he has the speed and shiftiness to make guys miss in space. The former sixth-round pick has averaged nearly six yards per catch in his career—a nice chunk that Jim Caldwell could use on first and second downs.
His rushing ability was touted out of college, and he averaged 4.1 yards per carry with the Bengals from 2009-12. With Rice clearly not 100% and Pierce being the guy that is going to have to shoulder much of the load, Scott could be a reliable safety net that might even come in handy late in games.
Will the team decide to try and use Kyle Juszczyk more often, or turn to a back like Scott who may be just the change-of-pace they need?
Either way, the ability to move the ball going forward will depend on the offensive line’s ability to turn it around. These next three games could very well make or break the Ravens’ season, and bringing in a player like Bernard Scott could be just the kind of outside-the-box thinking that gets the ship righted.
