In the days leading up to the Baltimore Ravens' game Sunday against the Carolina Panthers, the reports were that the team's three running backs -- Bernard Pierce, Justin Forsett and Lorenzo Taliaferro -- would all get touches, with the offense simply relying on the hot hand. In the game, though, which the Ravens won 38-10, it was a two-man attack with Pierce getting no touches.
Lorenzo Taliaferro, Justin Forsett carry fantasy load for Ravens; Bernard Pierce does nothing
Despite Pierce being active, the back got no touches in Sunday’s game, while the two other members of the committee both scored. We break down the fantasy implications.
Larry French
Taliaferro and Forsett split touches roughly evenly in the game. Forsett had 14 carries for 66 yards, with three catches for 31 more yards, while Taliaferro had 15 rushes for 58 yards. Both running backs had a rushing touchdown in the game.
Fantasy impact: It makes sense that Baltimore would ease Pierce back into action, especially with little to no evidence that he’s a better option than the running backs who were healthy participants in the game. Taliaferro burst onto the scene a week ago, and while he wasn’t quite as good Sunday, he’s showed enough through two games that he and Forsett could be the team’s running back duo going forward, with Pierce struggling for much action even when he’s back to full health.
Taliaferro and Forsett are both fantasy ownable right now, if not quite startable. Pierce, though, would be a fine drop candidate.
