The Baltimore Ravens will open the season against one of the NFL’s most dangerous runners, and Calais Campbell does not believe Jonathan Taylor receives enough credit for his explosiveness. Campbell described the Indianapolis Colts star as “probably the most explosive back in the league” while speaking with reporters Tuesday.
“There are a couple other guys — like Christian McCaffrey, there are a bunch of guys that are explosive like that,” Campbell said. “But he is definitely, I would say, arguably No. 1.”
Taylor gives Indianapolis a proven centerpiece capable of changing Sunday’s game with a single run. His combination of vision, acceleration, and breakaway speed will place immediate pressure on a Baltimore defense adjusting to Jesse Minter’s
system. The Ravens strengthened their defensive front during the offseason, adding Trey Hendrickson and bringing Campbell back for his final NFL season. A potentially healthy Nnamdi Madubuike would provide another significant boost alongside Travis Jones, Broderick Washington and the rest of Baltimore’s interior rotation.
That talent will not matter if the Ravens lose discipline against Taylor. Baltimore must control its gaps, set firm edges and prevent the Colts’ running back from reaching the second level untouched. Roquan Smith has already said he welcomes the opportunity to face one of the league’s premier runners. Campbell’s assessment further demonstrates the respect Taylor commands inside Baltimore’s locker room.
The Ravens expect to compete for a championship, but their reworked defense will receive an immediate examination. Containing the player Campbell considers arguably the NFL’s most explosive running back would provide an encouraging first result.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Calais Campbell calls Jonathan Taylor the NFL’s most explosive RB
