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The stage is set for one Ravens running back, and Justin Forsett couldn't be more ready to bring the house down.
In Forsett’s foreseeable future he’ll register more touches (rushing yards/catches) and career-bests in both categories (619/41). The feat shouldn't take him too long to accomplish, according to ESPN.com’s Jamison Hensley, J-Force is faster than Slim Ray-dy.
Already the swift craftsman is turning swivels (we call necks) at the Ravens' offseason workouts. Rotate them at your own risk, no braces will be handed out during training camp. Opened to the media since Thursday, Forsett is drawing attention to himself with his flash speed. Onlookers are left in awe of the polite man who will soon harpoon Bernard Pierce’s place on the Ravens depth chart. Yes, cutting Bernard Pierce’s spot in line without asking. Yes, Kyle Juszczyk is-is-is going down. Basement.
Stark realization time: the seven-year veteran rejoins a familiar system—Gary Kubiak’s 2012 Texans—where he once shared carries with Pro Bowler Arian Foster and a solid replacement in Ben Tate. Before these two, Forsett rotated in a backfield with power combos Edgerrin James/Julius Jones in 2009 and Marshawn Lynch/Leon Washington in 2010 with the Seahawks.
That skill set is, if not more, wider than any running back’s skillset might stretch—from the one-cut style of Foster's, to gaining after-contact yards of "The Beast Mode's"—Forsett's cohorts who've mentored him in the past are still arguably the best in the business.
Forsett, also, is an open-field style back, as the kickoff return specialist showcased what he can do with space in Seattle. The once nimble-footed Leon Washington may have taught him a few fancy moves.
Although J-Force has flirted with every style, he's yet to carry the rock as a team's "feature back."
This all changes now for the Ravens versatile back.
In 2012, Forsett registered a career-high 5.9 yards-per-carry on a 12-4 Texans squad. With, possibly, Rice and rookie Lorenzo Taliaferro watching from the sidelines, Ravens fans should be excited for J-Force as he will attempt to obliterate his personal record.
Set to make $730,000 this year, nearly a 12th of Ray Rice’s 2014 paycheck, you'd imagine him complaining. He's not--the God-fearing and seasoned pro appreciates this opportunity to add on to his well-rounded résumé.
And the path is cleared for Forsett to zoom up the depth chart.