Baltimore Ravens Backfield Carries Heavy Load. Literally.

According to the first reporter, the Baltimore Sun should’ve laid off. The Baltimore Ravens’ version of Thunder and Lightning has focused on the weight game in the offseason at both ends of the spectrum.

The offseason bulk award goes to second-year running back Ray Rice. The added bulk is definitely noticeable across his chest and lower body. Rice seems to be having a lot of fun at practice and looks more comfortable as a receiver out of the backfield.

On the other side is fullback-halfback Le’Ron McClain, who looks about 20 pounds over his playing weight. This might be a problem if he doesn’t get in better condition when training camp starts.

First off, I’m going to need Preston to stop sweating Ray Rice’s upper body and how much fun he’s having at practice in a “fitness report.”

Second, and this is duly noted by the City That Reeds, McClain is bulking up to move back to the fullback position, which still might afford him significant carries and make Willis McGahee a back for special situations.

For a team that runs the ball as much as the Ravens do in the AFC North, it’s a good look for the backfield corps to put on weight to take the kind of hits that are going to be coming weekly.

Teams know the Ravens are going to run the ball, and with a solid-but-not-yet-explosive passing game, the ground attack will still be the component that makes or breaks the Ravens Super Bowl hopes.