Ravens running game shining despite lack of passing game

Greg Roman and Joe D'Alessandris should get full credit. They have found a way - like Gary Kubiak before them - get full production out of an offensive line and two backs that are not the most talented. After a two year hiatus, the Ravens running game is alive and kicking again.

Ranking seventh in the league, Baltimore's rushing offense has allowed the Ravens to control the clock and the games that they've won, as all of their four wins has not seen them relinquish the lead. Through eight games it is apparent that when playing from ahead, the Ravens are tough to deal with. The flipside of this equation is of course not as jolly, as the anemic passing game prevents the Ravens from fighting their way back in games where they find themselves down by more then one score.

In any case, Ryan Jensen has emerged as one of the more physical centers in the league, Nick Boyle is excelling as a lead blocker and Alex Collins looks like he could be a feature back. The Ravens have manufactured a foundation for a future identity and once Marshall Yanda and Alex Lewis return, the offensive line could flip from a perceived weakness to a strength, as one of the most punishing in the league.

The question will remain: Are Alex Collins or Kenneth Dixon the running backs of the future? Trusting either of them to be the centerpiece of a future offense will be a gamble for different reasons, and with the upcoming running back class once again featuring stellar players, it will be tough not to select a back that could get the very most out of Roman's scheme and an emerging offensive line.