Ray Rice Could Be Set For a Monster Year

The Baltimore Ravens made some improvements to their passing game this offseason, bringing in Donte’ Stallworth and Anquan Boldin. As Joe Flacco continues to improve as a quarterback, these two should help that process. But Flacco may not be the only one benefiting from the acquisitions.

With potentially more attention being paid to the Ravens passing game, Ray Rice may be the biggest benefactor. Last year Rice rushed for over 1300 yards at an average of 5.3 yards per carry. He also caught 78 passes for over 700 yards, averaging 9.0 yards per catch. Those numbers are nothing to scoff at, and they may improve this year.

It’s hard to imagine people overlooking Ray Rice, but even if he does get attention there’s no way he’ll get all of it. Where Rice could really do damage is on draw plays and screens. The Ravens passing game will be respected by defenses this year, and the more the second and third levels of the defense respect the passing game the more Rice could be a serious threat.

The Ravens have always been known for their defense, but this is starting to change. John Harbaugh is starting to really put his stamp on this team, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Flacco showed steady improvement in his first two seasons and looks to continue that improvement this year. The real centerpiece of this offense may wind up being Ray Rice. He’s a serious threat in the running game and he could turn out to be a reliable outlet for Flacco when things don’t look so good downfield. This could be the year Rice emerges as an elite all around running back in the mold of a Marshall Faulk.

Technorati Tags: Baltimore Ravens, Joe Flacco, John Harbaugh, Ray Rice

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