WHAT HAPPENED
The Ravens backfield has taken some undeniable hits before the season even got started. JK Dobbins was considered a darling in the Ravens offense. Everyone understood that Lamar Jackson would most likely be the lead rusher on the team, but if the Ravens wanted to shift their direction, that shift was going to come through Dobbins.
When Dobbins when down, nobody on the Ravens coaching staff was concerned. Disappointed, but not concerned, because they new Gu Edwards could be "the man" and they had lots of trust in 3rd year player Justice Hill. Hill was considered to be the up and comer in the offense. And then Hill was determined to be out for the season.
This ultimately lead to the Ravens bringing in, of all people, former Steeler Le'Veon Bell. Who is READY to prove himself again. Upon signing with the Ravens, Bell deleted his entire instagram account, and changed his bio to read...
#Washed #FellOff #Slow #BadRapper
#WastedTalent #Clown #Greedy #LetDown #Old
Anything Else I'm forgetting?
WHAT IT MEANS FOR FANTASY OWNERS
These disruptions in the Ravens backfield caused a mad dash for fantasy owners who were.. #1 depending on JK Dobbins to be a HUGE points generator for their teams. And #2 felt a little dismay after adding Justice Hill as their backup and replacement. Many fantasy owners read up on his abilities and discovered the team had a great amount of trust in him, and decided he was a great 2nd or 3rd option for their teams.
When Dobbins went down, fantasy owners started ditching the Ravens backfield as a viable option. The thought being, that Gus was the #2 guy so he wouldn't be able to produce #1 guy numbers. As our friend Lee Corso would say... NOT SO FAST MY FRIEND!
Photo: Getty Images
WHY YOU SHOULD STILL BUY IN
Gus Edwards and Le'Veon Bell.
That's it, that's the answer. Gus Edwards is very capable of carrying the role RB1. Each of his years with the Ravens he has shared rushing responsibilities and has been THE reliable option for the team.
In 2019 Edwards had 700+ yards with just over 100 carries. That's almost half the number of carries that Mark Ingram had, who was the premier rusher for the team and only 300 fewer yards.
In 2020 Mark Ingram and JK Dobbins combined for 200 carries and 1000 yards. But, wsho almost equaled their output on his own? Gus Edwards, with 144 carries and 723 yards and 6 touchdowns. If Edwards can put up these kinds of numbers while sharing the load, imagine what he can do as the #1 option.
*** INSERT LE'VEON BELL ***
Le'Veon is probably the best addition the Ravens could've made with the running backs that were available in free agency. Bell brings a determination to prove himself to the team, as well as an option that allows the team to pick up right were JK Dobbins left off. Passing to swing routes out of the backfield. If there is one place where Le'Veon is poised to excel this season, it's catching passes out of the backfield. This was an area where Dobbins helped the Ravens sometimes.
Gus is a head down power through the defense running back. It was obvious he wasn't really that interested in catching a lot of passes. (9 receptions for 125 yards last season) Expect Le'Veon Bell to see this opportunity and seize it. THIS is where you'll see value in adding him to your squad.
Of course you don't want to give up the farm to get him. But if Le'Veon is still sitting on the waiver wire of your league... GO Grab Him!