The Baltimore Ravens have officially ushered in a new era under center with quarterback Lamar Jackson. Head coach John Harbaugh has now indicated that running back Gus Edwards will also enter the offseason as a starter.
Edwards enjoyed quite the emergence in Baltimore's backfield in the 2018 NFL season. According to Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk he has secured No. 1 spot for now:
Harbaugh said Gus Edwards is the No. 1 back “right now” and added that the team expects to add competition for that role as the offseason unfolds.
Harbaugh's decision is certainly understandable. Edwards was one of the more pleasant surprises from last season. Baltimore will look to maintain its status as the NFL's premier rushing team moving forward.
Edwards signed with the Ravens as an undrafted free agent last offseason and was stashed away on the depth chart. Fortunately, he was able to take full advantage of his opportunities to etch out an integral role in the offense. As a result, he finished the 2018 campaign with 718 yards and two touchdowns on an efficient 5.2 yards per carry.
Of course, nothing is set in stone at this pint in the offseason. Harbaugh has already indicated that Edwards will likely still have to compete running back Kenneth Dixon and any other newcomers for the job. With Jackson now under center, Baltimore will be fixated on surrounding him with as much talent as possible. It will be on Edwards to continue to play at a high level in this run-heavy offense moving forward.
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