How Baltimore Ravens Ground-And-Pound Run Game Gave Seattle Seahawks Trouble
When the Baltimore Ravens hired offensive coordinator Todd Monken, the conversation centered around how he could improve quarterback Lamar Jackson and help an offense that had struggled to find success in the passing game. ... And rightfully so, in order for the Ravens to take the next steps toward being true Super Bowl contenders, they needed a passing game that didn't rank near the bottom of the league.
All of the talk about improving through the air made it less surprising when the Ravens, and specifically Jackson, reaped the reward of Monken's hiring as they did in the 38-6 win over the Detroit Lions. However, what may have been more surprising is Sunday's 37-3 win against the Seattle Seahawks, where it wasn't the high-flying passing attack that fans were sold on throughout the offseason that led the way.
Rather, it was the all too familiar ground-and-pound rushing attack that the Ravens rush for 300 yards if not for the game-ending knee.
"It says a lot about the [offensive line] and the [running] backs and Lamar, I mean, Lamar had a number of those runs too, but also the threat of Lamar," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said about the success on the ground. "The passing game was going, so they can't just gang up on the run too much. Other than the execution of the offensive line and the backs and the tight ends ... so all those things factor in."
Nov 5, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell (34) celebrates his touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks during the third quarter at M&T Bank Stadium.
Jessica Rapfogel-USA TODAY Sports
Rookie running back Keaton Mitchell, the undrafted free agent out of East Carolina University, was the star of the show for the Ravens, leading the team with 138 yards rushing and a touchdown on a staggering nine carries.
Mitchell not only displayed his speed and burst that helped him run a 4.37 40-yard dash time at the NFL Combine but even showed power as he rumbled for 132 yards after contact per Pro Football Focus.
The Ravens will look to repeat their dominant display on Sunday as they play host to the Cleveland Browns. Kickoff inside M&T Bank Stadium is scheduled for 1 p.m. (EST).
