Once again the Ravens’ stagnant running game was on full display Sunday against the Bengals.
It is looking more and more each week that the once strong Ravens run game is a thing of the past and won’t make a grand re-appearance anytime soon.
“We’ve got to block better,” coach Harbaugh stated on Monday at the team’s press conference. “There’s individual accountability for that. Collectively, it has to improve,” he went on to add.
While neither back lit it up on the field against Cincy, it was Bernard Pierce who once again proved to be the more productive back. Ray Rice was on the field for 51 snaps and rushed for just 30 yards on 18 carries. Pierce, the second-year back, only saw 23 snaps yet managed 31 rushing yards on eight carries.
Many times coaches go with the “hot hand.” However, Harbaugh didn’t waiver when asked who would see more action based on production. “Both those guys will get a large number of carries,” he said. “Both those guys have been getting healthier. I don’t think that [making a switch at starter] would be the solution.”
Well something has to give for sure coach. I understand the play of the Ravens offensive line – whether it’s run blocking or pass protecting – has been atrocious, but how long can the Ravens keep this charade up?
“His health has been a factor,” Harbs said of Ray Rice, contradicting Rice’s own assertions that he is 100% healthy. “He’s working hard to be healthier.”
If that is the case (and it very well could be) why not just make the switch and allow Rice to get healthy? It can’t get any worse.
I am a huge Ray Rice fan and the man has long carried this team offensively. It seems unthinkable that some fans are right and “he’s just lost it.”
Still, Fourth and 29 seems like an eternity ago. While I am elated with the Ravens victory yesterday, I really wonder, how long can they go on without a running game?
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