Baltimore Ravens Top 5 Running Backs of All Time

The Baltimore Ravens are rounding the quarter-century pole of their existence as an NFL franchise. Still, already in that short span, they have had some of the most dynamic and successful rushers in the new millennium.

Embarking on a captivating journey through time, we will delve into the careers of the top five running backs in Baltimore Ravens’ history. These players have not only showcased their exceptional athleticism but have also become beloved figures among fans. From the franchise’s early days to the modern era, these running backs have captivated audiences with their performances on the field.

This post will examine each standout player’s accomplishments, impact, and legacy. Their significant contributions helped shape the Ravens’ identity and cemented their place among the greatest running backs in NFL history.

The following regular season criteria will be examined to select the quintet of the franchise’s best ball toters: rushing yards, overall touchdowns, receptions, and awards while with the team. Secondly, if applicable, we will look at playoff numbers with the club, what stats they may have had in the League while not a member of the subject franchise, and any other circumstances or events that warrant consideration to provide a comprehensive evaluation.

The Fab Five of Baltimore Raven Backs

With such an incredible roster of choices, this is indeed a study that requires some hard decisions. The Ravens have always been a run-first team, and their careful selection of running back room personnel has been stellar. We will bear down, make the picks, and hopefully not eat “crow” in the comments. (pun intended)

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We will examine what Ray Rice did on the football field during his days with the Ravens. To put it simply, he produced offense. Rice is second on all-time yards from a running back in franchise history with 6168 rushing and 3034 catching passes. The dual-threat scored 43 TDs in six seasons wearing Purple and Black. Any offense would drool over and prosper with that productivity from their feature back.

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Willis McGahee went from success at the college level and with the NFL’s Buffalo Bills to having his best seasons, the four he spent in Baltimore. 2,802 rushing yards for the Ravens and 31 touchdowns carrying the ball in his tenure with the team propel him onto our top-five list. Did we mention that the man hauled 96 passes for four additional scoreboard tallies?

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Lewis was a wrecking ball when he took hold of the leather. He was selected fifth overall in the 1st round of the 2000 NFL Draft by the Ravens; Jamaal did not disappoint. Injuries set him back to miss his sophomore season, but by year four, he led the NFL in rushing yards and running yards per game.

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Here is one that may raise an eyebrow or two, but let’s look at the facts of the case for Gus Edwards. This man was undrafted from the University of Michigan. Still, Edwards earned a spot on the 53-man team and quickly made an impact in his rookie season, impressing coaches and fans with his ability to break tackles and churn out yards. Edwards has rushed for over 3390 yards, making him sit in 3rd place all-time for Ravens running backs in the Baltimore ground game. Number 28 also punched the ball over the goal line 26 times in the Baltimore uni using his leg drive, and that is the fourth most by any Raven’s back.

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Justin Forsett is an exciting player. Justin was a versatile and elusive running back and made a significant impact during his time with the Baltimore Ravens. Joining the team in 2014, Forsett quickly established himself as a reliable and productive player. His ability to make defenders miss, find running lanes, and contribute to the passing game made him a valuable asset to the Ravens’ offense. Forsett’s most memorable season came in 2014 when he led the League in yards per carry and earned a Pro Bowl selection. Although his time with the Ravens was relatively brief, Forsett’s contributions include ten rushing TDs and 2,005 yards gained running the ball for the Purple Flock of Baltimore.

Honorable Mention Ravens Rushers

The following list of candidates is no slouches at running the ball, and most could easily be in many people’s top 5 Baltimore Ravens lists, but we will make our case and give our reasons why they are on the list, at least right now (in one case).

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There is such a small sample size for King Henry as a Raven, but Baltimore expects big things from this large running back. He may not be in the top five Ravens contributing backs right now, but he is on our Tennessee Titans All-Time list.

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Bam Morris made a rookie impact with the rival Pittsburgh Steelers, but he lit out once he moved his game to Baltimore. Morris ran for over 1500 yards and scored eight rushing touchdowns in his time with the Ravens franchise.

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Priest was a beast when handed the football! As a Raven, he rushed for over 2100 yards and ran the ball over the goal line 10 times. These hard-earned yards place Priest fifth all-time for Baltimore Ravens running backs. Holmes was a dual threat who could run effectively between the tackles and catch passes out of the backfield. His biggest seasons of impact were when he left the Queen City and played for KC so that we may talk about him later in our Chiefs top 5.

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During his tenure, Mark Ingram played a significant role in the Baltimore Ravens’ offense. Acquired in a trade with the New Orleans Saints in 2019, Ingram brought his veteran experience and powerful running style to the team. He quickly became a key contributor, providing a reliable rushing attack and contributing to the Ravens’ success. Ingram’s ability to break tackles, find running lanes, and score touchdowns made him a valuable asset to the team.

It takes work to choose five when there is such a great sampling of backs! Their contributions have helped solidify the Ravens’ reputation as a perennial contender in the NFL.

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Conclusion

The Baltimore Ravens have a rich history of talented running backs contributing significantly to the team’s success. From Jamal Lewis’s record-breaking season to Ray Rice’s dynamic playmaking, the Ravens have consistently had players who have excelled in the backfield. More recently, Mark Ingram and Gus Edwards have continued this tradition of excellence, providing a potent ground game and helping the Ravens compete at the highest level.

As the Ravens continue to evolve, it is clear that their commitment to running back excellence will remain a cornerstone of their success. Derrick Henry’s recent addition to their roster in 2024 continues the team’s commitment to its offensive philosophy of running the ball. It is for good reason that physicality is the mantra of the team and why they generally succeed each season.

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This entry was posted on Friday, October 11th, 2024 at 1:50 pm and is filed under Top Lists. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.