Rasheen Ali's Ground Game Contribution to the Baltimore Ravens

In the Baltimore Ravens’ vaunted rushing attack—long a cornerstone of their offensive identity—second-year running back Rasheen Ali has emerged as a quiet but impactful force, elevating the ground game at a critical point in the 2024 season. Initially a depth piece behind Keaton Mitchell and Gus Edwards, Ali stepped into a larger role after Edwards’ mid-season ankle injury, bringing a unique blend of power, elusiveness, and pass-blocking skill that has filled a key gap in the Ravens’ offense. His contributions haven’t just boosted the team’s rushing yards; they’ve restored balance to an offense that had grown overly reliant on the pass in recent weeks. Rasheen Ali's Ground Game Contribution to the Baltimore Ravens explores Ali’s technical strengths as a rusher, standout performances in key games, how he complements Mitchell’s playing style, his impact on offensive efficiency, and why his role is critical for the Ravens’ playoff push.

Rasheen Ali's Ground Game Contribution to the Baltimore Ravens opens with the technical skills that make Ali a valuable asset in the ground game—starting with his exceptional “gap vision,” a trait that allows him to read defensive alignments and find running lanes quickly. Unlike Mitchell, who relies on speed to bounce runs to the outside, Ali excels at navigating between the tackles, using subtle shoulder movements to avoid defenders and explosive cuts to exploit small gaps. Film study shows Ali ranks 4th among NFL running backs in “yards after contact per carry” (3.2) since Week 10, a stat that highlights his ability to break tackles and turn short gains into longer ones. He’s also a reliable pass-blocker—a skill often overlooked but critical for protecting Lamar Jackson. In the Ravens’ Week 11 win over the Denver Broncos, Ali’s block on Broncos linebacker Baron Browning allowed Jackson to scramble for a 22-yard gain that set up a touchdown. “Rasheen does the little things right—he sees the field well, he fights for extra yards, and he protects Lamar like it’s his job,” Ravens offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris said. These skills have made Ali more than just a fill-in; he’s become a 不可或缺 part of the Ravens’ rushing rotation.

Rasheen Ali's Ground Game Contribution to the Baltimore Ravens delves into the standout performances that solidified Ali’s role and proved his value to the offense. His breakout game came in Week 12 against the Pittsburgh Steelers—a divisional rivalry game where the Ravens needed a balanced attack to counter the Steelers’ top-ranked run defense. Ali rushed for 97 yards on 18 carries (5.4 yards per carry), including a critical 14-yard run on third-and-2 in the fourth quarter that extended a drive and led to a game-sealing field goal. The performance was even more impressive given the Steelers’ reputation for shutting down opposing running backs—before Ali’s outing, no rusher had gained more than 70 yards against Pittsburgh all season. Another key performance came in Week 14 against the Cincinnati Bengals, where Ali rushed for 83 yards and a touchdown, including a 21-yard TD run where he broke three tackles and outran the Bengals’ secondary to the end zone. “That touchdown run showed what Rasheen can do—he’s got power to break tackles and enough speed to finish plays,” Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said after the game. These performances have not only earned Ali more carries but also the trust of the coaching staff in high-pressure situations.

Rasheen Ali's Ground Game Contribution to the Baltimore Ravens covers how Ali’s playing style complements Keaton Mitchell’s, creating a dynamic one-two punch that has revitalized the Ravens’ rushing attack. Mitchell’s speed and outside-running ability force defenses to stretch wide, opening up inside lanes for Ali to exploit with his between-the-tackles power. This contrast was on full display in the Ravens’ Week 13 win over the Los Angeles Rams: Mitchell rushed for 68 yards on plays to the outside, while Ali gained 72 yards on inside runs, with the two combining for 140 total rushing yards and two touchdowns. Defenses struggle to adjust to this versatility—if they stack the box to stop Ali, Mitchell can beat them to the edge; if they shift to cover Mitchell, Ali finds gaps up the middle. “Having both Rasheen and Keaton gives us a weapon no other team has,” offensive coordinator Todd Monken said. For the Baltimore Ravens, this complementary duo has been a game-changer, especially as the offense looks to rebound from its earlier red-zone struggles. The balanced rushing attack has set up play-action passes, making it harder for defenses to focus on Jackson’s passing or running ability alone.

Another layer of Rasheen Ali's Ground Game Contribution to the Baltimore Ravens is his impact on the team’s overall offensive efficiency, particularly in sustaining drives. Since Ali’s role expanded in Week 10, the Ravens’ third-down conversion rate on running plays has jumped from 38% to 52%, and their average time of possession has increased by 3.5 minutes per game—both critical stats for a team that wants to keep its defense rested. Ali’s ability to gain 4+ yards on first down (he’s done so on 62% of his first-down carries) helps the Ravens avoid third-and-long situations, which have plagued their offense this season. In the Ravens’ Week 15 win over the Cleveland Browns, Ali converted three third-and-short plays, including a third-and-1 that set up a Jackson touchdown pass. “Rasheen keeps drives alive—he gives us that consistency we need on first and second down,” Jackson said. For the Baltimore Ravens, this improved efficiency has not only led to more points but also reduced the workload on a defense that has dealt with injuries. A more effective ground game means the defense spends less time on the field, lowering the risk of fatigue and turnovers.

Rasheen Ali's Ground Game Contribution to the Baltimore Ravens closes with why Ali’s role is critical as the Ravens push for an AFC North title and a deep playoff run. The playoffs are often won by teams with strong rushing attacks—they control the clock, limit opponent possessions, and thrive in cold-weather conditions (a factor the Ravens may face in January). Ali’s between-the-tackles power is ideal for playoff football, where defenses are more physical and scoring opportunities are scarce. His pass-blocking ability also makes him a valuable asset in passing situations, as playoff defenses often bring more blitzes to pressure quarterbacks. If the Ravens can continue to lean on Ali and Mitchell in the ground game, they’ll be better positioned to compete with AFC powerhouses like the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills. “Rasheen’s emergence couldn’t have come at a better time,” Harbaugh said. “He’s a playoff-caliber running back, and he’s going to help us win big games.” For the Baltimore Ravens, Ali’s contribution to the ground game isn’t just about statistics—it’s about having a reliable, versatile weapon that can adapt to any opponent and any situation. As the Ravens head into the final weeks of the regular season, Ali’s role will only grow in importance, proving that he’s more than just a fill-in—he’s a key part of the team’s quest for a Super Bowl title.