The Baltimore Ravens were one of the best rushing teams in the league once again last season with quarterback Lamar Jackson leading the way. Gus Edwards, Keaton Mitchell, and Justice Hill also combined for nearly 1,600 yards along with Jackson’s team-leading 821.
NFL Insider Jason La Canfora of the Audacy original podcast “In The Huddle” threw out the idea of the Ravens going after running back Josh Jacobs this offseason to shore up their backfield.
“For a team that’s been the number-one running team in the league for four or five years running, they have one healthy running back, Justice Hill. That’s it,” La Canfora said (13:15 in player above). “Gus Edwards, are they going to bring him back? He didn’t see much outside of short-yardage stuff this year. Does he really fit this offense? They should bring J.K. Dobbins back but there’s been a lot of bad blood between him and the team over his injuries. Does he want to come back for a couple million bucks?”
La Canfora noted that the Ravens have always had trouble identifying wide receivers, whether that be through the draft or free agency. Perhaps they should look to go in a heavier direction.
“Are they better off saying ‘You know what? Isaiah Likely’s an ascending player. We like him.’ Every time Andrews is hurt, Likely looks the part. What about getting these two involved at the same time and screw 11 personnel, we’re going to live in 12 and 13 personnel,’” La Canfora continued. “‘Let’s go get a running back, Josh Jacobs, who when he’s on the field there’s no tells.’
“If Gus Edwards is on the field, you know what they’re going to do. When Gus Edwards goes off and Justice Hill comes on, you probably know what they’re going to do. Josh Jacobs is a true three-down back. There are no tells. You don’t know if it’s going to be inside or outside. You don’t know if it’s going to be power or it’s going to be outside zone.”
Jacobs has rushed for over 5,500 yards in his career, including 805 yards in 13 games last season. He ran for a career-high 1,653 in the 2022 season and could see production like that playing for a team like the Ravens.
“Josh Jacobs has never played with a great quarterback. He’s never played with a great offensive line. He’s been incredibly productive,” La Canfora said. “Could you get him at around what he made last year? … You’ve got these two tight ends who you should be better throwing the better out of heavy packages, especially if you have an every-down back. I don’t think they’ll do it but I think it’s the kind of thing they should consider.”
Most Popular
Comments / 0