Run-first Ravens invest at running back, grab Mark Ingram from Saints
With most of the NFL shifting toward passing the ball more, the Baltimore Ravens know they can win another way.
We might not see the Ravens be quite as run-based as we saw in the second half of last season, but they seem to understand it’s going to be a big part of their identity. They reinforced that by landing longtime New Orleans Saints running back Mark Ingram to a three-year, $15 million deal according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Signings can become official on Wednesday afternoon.
It’s not earth-shattering money, yet still a healthy deal for a running back who will turn 30 this season and has more than 1,300 career carries.
Mark Ingram should fit well in Ravens offense
The Ravens went all-in on the run game last season when rookie quarterback Lamar Jackson took over as starter. It worked. The Ravens were great in the second half and won the AFC North.
There are and will be questions about whether the offense is sustainable, especially when it comes to Jackson’s health. But it can be effective. Jackson’s running ability distracted defenses and opened up lanes for Gus Edwards, an out-of-nowhere undrafted rookie who rushed for 718 yards in 11 games.
Ingram is an upgrade at tailback. He’s a good power runner, and should work just fine with Jackson.
Ingram is still an effective back
Ingram’s relationship with the Saints had some rocky moments at the end, including a four-game suspension at the start of last season for violating the league’s PED policy. When the Saints agreed to a deal with Latavius Murray, it was clear Ingram was gone.
Ingram, a Heisman Trophy winner at Alabama and first-round pick of the Saints, finishes his New Orleans career with 6,007 yards. His last two seasons he formed a great 1-2 punch with Alvin Kamara. He averaged 4.7 yards per carry last season and generally looked like a back who had a lot left to offer.
Ingram couldn’t have landed in a much better spot for a running back than Baltimore. He’ll get plenty of carries, and playing with Jackson should help as well.
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Frank Schwab is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at shutdown.corner@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @YahooSchwab
