The Raiders are set to kick off their 2021 season against the Baltimore Ravens in just a few hours. But one of the biggest storylines of the game will be who is the leading rusher for the Ravens?
Before the year has even started, the Ravens have seen three running backs go on the season-ending injured reserve list. Those players include J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards, who have proven to be two of the most effective and efficient running backs in the NFL.
So who is expected to see the lion’s share of the work in the backfield for the Ravens tonight? According to Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic, look for undrafted free agent Ty’Son Williams to be the starter. Here is what Zrebiec had to say about the former BYU running back:
“Williams had a strong summer and he’s the only running back on the roster or practice squad who has been with the organization beyond a week. That alone makes him likely to get the bulk of the backfield work in his regular-season debut.”
Williams is a 5’11, 220-pound back that has a similar game to Edwards. He is all about getting downhill as quickly as possible and finishing runs with power.
For the Raiders to have success tonight, they are going to need to find a way to stop the rushing attack of the Ravens. Slowing down Williams and forcing the second-year back to make multiple cuts will be key for Gus Bradley’s defense.
Keep an eye on how the Raiders try to stop Williams as he makes his first NFL appearance. Keeping him in check will be critical for the Raiders in Week 1.