Can the Baltimore Ravens Backfield Lead the Team to a Road Win?

The Baltimore Ravens have long been known for their tough, physical style of football, built around a strong defense and a potent running game. With the 2025 season unfolding, the question of whether their backfield can carry the team to victory on the road is one that deserves a closer look. Running the ball effectively on the road is a critical component for any team, and for the Ravens, it’s no different. A successful backfield isn’t just about piling up yards; it’s about controlling the clock, maintaining balance on offense, and, most importantly, putting points on the board when it matters most.

This article explores the key elements of the Ravens’ backfield and assesses how well it could carry the team to a road win in the upcoming games. We’ll break down the strength of the running backs, the offensive line, and how the Ravens’ rushing attack can complement their passing game. In addition, we will analyze how these elements come together to give the Ravens a fighting chance in hostile environments where road teams often struggle.

The Importance of the Running Game for the Ravens

For the Ravens, the running game is not just a part of their offensive identity—it is the foundation. Under head coach John Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Todd Monken, the team has continued to emphasize the importance of the run game while also expanding its passing attack, especially with the emergence of Lamar Jackson as a dual-threat quarterback. Jackson’s ability to create big plays with both his legs and arm is a unique asset that forces defenses to respect both aspects of the offense, making the running game even more dangerous.

However, in any road game, where the crowd noise, unfamiliar turf, and the challenge of an opposing defense can throw a team off rhythm, establishing the run early becomes paramount. A successful ground game helps keep the opposing offense off the field, controls the clock, and sets the tone of the game. For the Ravens to succeed on the road, it’s crucial that their backfield leads the charge.

The Ravens’ Backfield: Strength in Depth

Baltimore’s backfield is currently one of the deepest in the league. It includes a mix of established veterans and young, explosive players who offer a variety of styles. As of the 2025 season, the primary running backs in the rotation include J.K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards, and the versatile rookie Keaton Mitchell. Together, they provide a potent combination of power, speed, and agility that is well-suited to the Ravens’ offensive scheme.

• J.K. Dobbins: A former second-round draft pick, Dobbins is the Ravens’ feature back. He has shown flashes of brilliance since coming into the league, and when healthy, he’s capable of being a game-changer. His ability to break tackles and gain yards after contact makes him a perfect fit for the Ravens’ zone-blocking scheme, where patience and vision are crucial. Dobbins is also an asset in short-yardage situations, and his quick burst through the line can take advantage of any holes the offensive line creates.
• Gus Edwards: Edwards is a downhill runner known for his power and ability to grind out tough yards. While he might not have the breakaway speed of other backs, his consistency and durability make him an ideal complement to Dobbins. Edwards thrives in short-yardage and goal-line situations, where his size and physicality come to the forefront. Edwards also excels in pass protection, helping to keep Lamar Jackson upright and providing stability in the backfield during passing situations.
• Keaton Mitchell: The wildcard in the Ravens’ backfield is the rookie Keaton Mitchell, who brings a dynamic and explosive element to the team. Mitchell’s speed and elusiveness make him a dangerous threat in space, and he could provide the Ravens with that home-run hitter they need to break open a game. As a rookie, Mitchell’s primary role may be as a change-of-pace back, but his ability to take advantage of defenses on the edge could be critical on the road when the team needs a spark.

Together, the trio of Dobbins, Edwards, and Mitchell offers the Ravens a diverse and unpredictable backfield. Depending on the situation, the coaching staff can mix and match these players to exploit specific matchups, making the Ravens’ rushing attack tough to defend.

The Offensive Line: Key to the Ground Game

While the running backs in the backfield are crucial, the effectiveness of the Ravens’ ground game ultimately depends on the offensive line’s ability to create space. Fortunately for Baltimore, the offensive line has generally been a strength in recent years. Under the leadership of offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris, the Ravens have consistently fielded a strong, physical unit that excels in both the running and passing games.

• Ronnie Stanley: Stanley is the anchor of the Ravens’ offensive line at left tackle. When healthy, Stanley is one of the top left tackles in the league, capable of holding his own against premier pass rushers while also being an asset in the run game. His ability to set the edge in both the passing and running game is essential to the success of the Ravens’ offense.
• Tyre Phillips: Phillips is a versatile guard who is solid in both run blocking and pass protection. His size and strength allow him to move defenders off the ball, and his ability to get to the second level to block linebackers is key to opening up running lanes for the backs.
• Linderbaum and Zeitler: Tyler Linderbaum, the young center, has shown tremendous growth and has become a mainstay on the offensive line. His ability to block in space and handle difficult defensive tackles makes him a key player in Baltimore’s ground game. Alongside him, veteran Kevin Zeitler brings stability and experience, which helps solidify the interior of the line.
• Morgan Moses: At right tackle, Moses brings a veteran presence to the line. His physicality and ability to handle edge rushers make him an important part of the unit’s success in the running game.

When the offensive line plays at a high level, the Ravens’ backfield becomes one of the most effective in the NFL. However, when playing on the road, the challenge increases. Defenders in hostile stadiums are more motivated to disrupt the offensive flow, and the Ravens will need their offensive line to perform under pressure to provide their backs with the running lanes they need.

Road Games and the Need for a Balanced Attack

Playing on the road presents unique challenges for any team, and for the Ravens, it means overcoming the distractions and energy of a hostile crowd. To neutralize these challenges, a balanced offensive attack is essential. The Ravens cannot afford to become too one-dimensional, and having a successful running game will be key to opening up opportunities in the passing game for Lamar Jackson.

Lamar Jackson’s passing abilities have improved each season, and his arm strength and accuracy in the pocket are legitimate threats. However, when the run game is firing on all cylinders, it helps to keep defenses honest. Defenders have to account for both Jackson’s ability to scramble and the running backs’ ability to rip off big gains. A solid rushing attack will force opposing defenses to commit more players to the box, opening up passing lanes downfield for Jackson to exploit.

On the road, this balance is even more critical. Without the luxury of home-field advantage, the Ravens must lean on their ability to control the game through the ground, taking time off the clock and limiting the opportunities for opposing offenses. This also alleviates the pressure on the passing game, as Jackson doesn’t have to force plays that could lead to turnovers or missed opportunities.

The Road to Victory: The Backfield’s Role

As the Ravens head into road games this season, the success of their backfield will play a pivotal role in determining whether they can come away with a victory. The combination of a strong offensive line and a talented, deep running back corps will allow the Ravens to establish the tempo of the game, control the clock, and make explosive plays when needed.

For the Ravens to lead the team to a road win, they will need their backfield to step up in crucial moments. Whether it’s J.K. Dobbins powering through a key third-and-short, Gus Edwards pounding it in at the goal line, or Keaton Mitchell providing a big-play spark, the backfield’s ability to execute and deliver will be critical to Baltimore’s success.

If they can continue to establish the run and maintain balance, the Ravens will have every opportunity to secure important road wins and make a deep run in the playoffs. For a team with championship aspirations, the backfield is undoubtedly one of their greatest strengths—and it may just be the key to their success in hostile stadiums as they chase glory in the 2025 season.