After seven NFL seasons, six different offensive coordinators on five different teams, running back Justin Forsett looks as if he’s found a home here in Baltimore with the Ravens.
Through 12 weeks of the season, the journeyman running back is on the brink of eclipsing the 1,000 yard mark for the first time in his career.
“It’s been a goal my whole career just to get to 1,000 yards,” Forsett told members of the media following Wednesday’s practice. “To finally be close to it, it’s amazing – a blessing. Hopefully we get there soon.”
Fresh off his best game of the season against the Saints on Monday night where the veteran back rushed for 182 yards and two touchdowns, Forsett was named the AFC Offensive Player of the Week for the second time in November.
Forsett plays the game the way it’s supposed to be played and his endearing humility was on full display when asked about the aforementioned award.
“It’s been a blessing. It’s a credit to the guys around me. I couldn’t get these awards without them. It’s definitely a team award.”
Running behind a revamped offensive line has paid dividends for the Ravens this season and is a perfect match for Forsett’s one-cut style of play. As week 13 gets under way, his 903 rushing yards on 155 attempts are an NFL third best. More impressively, Forsett ranks first in the league toting an astounding 5.8 ypc average.
“They can take the credit. I’m blessed with a great offensive line,” said Forsett when questioned about his success. “They do a lot of the work up front. It’s their job to get me from ‘A’ to ‘C’ and for me to get from ‘C’ to ‘Z.’ I think we work very well together.”
As the season presses on and with each game possibly determining the Ravens postseason fate, Forsett understands the importance of establishing the run game early to punish opposing defenses.
“I think this time of the year you have to be able to run the football. You want to be able to control the clock.
“We have a dominant front with the offensive line that we have, and we’re able to wear guys out. When it comes down to the fourth quarter in the back end of the season, it’s difficult to stay with us.”
Beginning on Sunday, Forsett and the Ravens will challenge the San Diego Chargers 15th ranked run defense that is allowing 108.8 rushing yards a game to opposing offenses.
So as the Ravens seek their eight win of the season, here’s hoping Forsett hits the 1000 yard mark and gets a well deserved ovation from the fans as he’s performed above and beyond expectations at a position that had so many question marks to start the season.
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