NFL Baltimore Ravens

Justin Forsett Will Be X-Factor For Baltimore Ravens In Week 9

Fresh Videos

By

Getty Images

Getty Images

This week, the Baltimore Ravens get the chance to sweep the division rival Pittsburgh Steelers for the first time since 2011. The Ravens crushed Pittsburgh 26-6 in their first meeting of the 2014 season, and their second matchup this weekend is big with both teams sitting at 5-3. The Ravens want to repeat what they did in Week 2 against the Steelers, and their x-factor will be running back Justin Forsett.

The Ravens have rushed for over 100 yards in six of their last seven games, including 157 yards against the Steelers in early September. That game, it was mostly Ravens back Bernard Pierce gaining the yards, but this time around it will be Forsett that shines.

Ben Roethlisberger is coming off of a career game with 522 passing yards and six touchdowns last week, and it’s important that the Ravens feed Forsett and keep the Steeler offense off the field. Forsett is averaging 18 carries per game over the last three weeks and has been a big part of Baltimore’s offensive game plan. The Steelers have given up over 130 yards rushing four times this season, and this week will be Forsett’s time to step up and have a big day.

Not only is Forsett be an x-factor in the backfield, but he’s also a dangerous player in the passing game and has 26 catches this season. Quarterback Joe Flacco has thrown four interceptions in the last two games, and a solid running game fueled by Forsett will help ease Flacco back into a comfort zone. A formidable rushing attack helps any quarterback, and the Ravens need an offensive mentality that starts with the run.

If the Ravens can control the line of scrimmage and run the ball effectively, they have a good chance at winning. Forsett has averaged 5.5 yards per carry, and he has a good opportunity to get his second 100-yard game on the ground this season in a game that means a lot to both teams. A win would bring Baltimore’s division record to 3-2 in what has suddenly become a very strong AFC North Division. All four teams are above .500 and within one game of each other, making every division matchup that much more important.

Each team needs this one, but the Ravens’ running game, led by Forsett, will be the key to a Baltimore victory. Forsett hasn’t found the end zone since Week 5, but expect him to change that this weekend in a pivotal division game.

Share Tweet
Trending Now on